Devotional: The Baptism Of Jesus

Table Talk: Jesus was Baptized. Every Christian should follow Jesus’ lead.
Read Matthew 3:13-17
Here is an image for children: https://images.app.goo.gl/Tfui6Gu6NcJms5RJ7

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Say: Just like every person, Jesus' baptism was an important day in His life. His baptism marked the beginning of His earthly ministry. Baptism was Jesus' way of telling everyone, "I am the promised Messiah." God the Father's voice rang out, and the Holy Spirit also acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God in this special moment. Jesus went under the water and “went up from the water” to point us to His death and resurrection that would come only three years later. Baptism was important to Jesus! Those who have trusted Christ to save them should follow Jesus’ example and be baptized, telling the world that Jesus has changed their lives.

Tell: Each person that has been baptized should tell their faith story, how and when they trusted Jesus as Savior, and speak about their baptism.

Ask:

1. What words came from heaven in Matthew 3:17?
2. Why were those words important for Jesus to hear?
3. Why were those words important for the crowd around Jesus to hear?
4. Why is baptism important?

Pray: Lord, thank you for your example of baptism. Help everyone in our family to be baptized when the time is right: our children, grandchildren, and even our great-grandchildren. May we be a family that points people to Jesus and His story.

Ministry activity for the week: Pray and Go! One day this week, go on a family walk down your street or around your neighborhood. As you walk, pause for just a moment at each driveway and pray:

“Lord, bless the people who live here, show them they need Jesus, and protect them and our community from COVID 19.”