Jesus is Baptized (January 22nd & February 5th)

Season of the Church Year: Great Green Growing Season/ Common Time (green) 

Story in Scripture: Mark 1: 9-11

** We are doing this lesson twice because it is such an important part of our Lent preparation. Even though Lent and Easter are many weeks away, the lesson today begins to lay the foundation for Catechism and Baptisms. Please talk frankly with your children about their desire to be baptized. I encourage you to let the child initiate the discussion as much as possible, praying with them to allow the Holy Spirit to lead the way.** 

This incredible story provides some insight into the powerful way that Jesus entered in to his ministry. Along the banks of the Jordan River, Jesus’ cousin John is causing quite a stir and many are waiting eagerly for his proclamations to come true. He is already baptizing and teaching about how people must change their ways and get ready for Jesus. We paraphrase his prophecy in this way: “John said, ‘Get ready! God is sending someone special. The special Son of God is coming!’” When Jesus approaches John to be baptized, we see a beautiful example of humility and servant-hood. Most importantly, when Jesus is baptized, John’s propecy’s are solidified by God’s acknowledgement of Jesus as his Son. What a fantastic illustration of God’s love a pleasure in us- even before Christ’s first miracle, before he walked on water, or fed 5,000.... God claimed him as his own and demonstrated his pleasure. We talked as a group about how God loves us- no matter what- he loves us from the very beginning!

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how the people felt when John told them to change the way they live and get ready for the special Son on God?

I wonder if it was hard for the to change the way they lived?

I wonder how they felt when they went through the waters and went under the water to be baptized?

I wonder how they felt when they came out of the water?

I wonder is it was hard to wait for the special Son of God?

I wonder if they felt ready to be close to the special Son of God?

I wonder how you get ready to be close to the special Son of God?

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for loving us from the very beginning. You sent your son Jesus to be with us and to show us how to live and love each other.  Help us to make good choices and to treat others well. Amen.”