The Baptism of Jesus
Ilumi Kids · Stories
A long time ago, near the Jordan River, lived a man named John the Baptist. He lived in the desert, wore simple clothes, and ate honey and locusts. God gave John a very important mission.
John told people to turn away from their mistakes and prepare their hearts. He said, "Prepare the way for the Lord!" Many people listened to him and were baptized by him in the river.
John the Baptist preached in the wilderness and baptized people in the Jordan River. Jesus came to him to be baptized. John felt he wasn’t worthy, but Jesus insisted. When Jesus came up out of the water, heaven opened, the Spirit of God came down like a dove, and a voice said: "This is my beloved Son".
Where it is in the Bible: Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus is God’s beloved Son, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are together in this moment.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
A long time ago, near the Jordan River, lived a man named John the Baptist. He lived in the desert, wore simple clothes, and ate honey and locusts. God gave John a very important mission.
John told people to turn away from their mistakes and prepare their hearts. He said, "Prepare the way for the Lord!" Many people listened to him and were baptized by him in the river.
One day, a very special person came walking to the river. It was Jesus! He came from Galilee to be baptized by John.
John was very surprised. He knew that Jesus was the Son of God, perfect and without sin. John didn't feel worthy to baptize Him.
John the Baptist: I am the one who needs to be baptized by you. Why do you come to me?
But Jesus kindly replied, saying that it was the right thing to do to obey God. So, John agreed and led Jesus into the waters of the Jordan River.
Carefully, John baptized Jesus. When Jesus came out of the water, He began to pray. This was a very important moment, the beginning of Jesus' great work to save us all.
As soon as Jesus came out of the water, something wonderful happened! The sky suddenly opened, like a great window opening above Him. Everyone who was there watched, filled with awe.
Then, the Spirit of God came down from heaven in a very special way. He appeared like a gentle dove and softly landed on Jesus. It was a sign of God's great love.
After the dove, a powerful and loving voice sounded from heaven. It was the voice of God the Father, speaking for everyone to hear.
God was very happy and proud of His Son. That moment showed everyone that Jesus was truly the Son of God, sent to show the way of love and salvation.
And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love. I am very pleased with him.' — Matthew 3:17
