Jesus' Baptism

Children's Message

1/11/2026

✨[Texts]

Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:29–34

At home, parents are invited to help children hold water in their hands and watch it flow down. Then, they can say: “That’s a little like God’s love—always moving, always reaching us.” When Jesus was baptized, God’s love poured over him, and God said, ‘You are my beloved.’ And God says that to us, too.

Dear friend,

I want to tell you a story about how we hear God's calls to us—kind of like when someone says, “Hey! I love you!” or “Hey! Come help so more people can know they are loved by God, too!”

This story happened about 2,000 years ago. That’s a very long time ago, but we still remember it because it’s so important.

On that day, Jesus was baptized. It was a little like our baptisms, but also different. I’ll tell you what happened, and then you can tell me what you notice. If you can share something, I have a tiny gift for you today.

First, the heavens opened.

That means it happened outside, in a big open space.

It also means God was right there with them.

Then, God’s Spirit came down like a dove.

People could see something special happening.

They could feel that God was doing something important.

And then a voice from heaven said to Jesus,

“You are my Son, the Beloved. I’m so pleased with you.”

That means God wanted everyone to know how close God is to Jesus.

After Jesus was baptized, he began doing so many wonderful things—teaching, healing, helping—so people could know they are God’s children too, loved and invited to live like Jesus did.

So now it’s your turn.

Can you tell me something from this story that is different from or similar to our baptisms?

(Hand out the mini “Jesus loves you” figure.)

Now let’s pray together.

(Repeat‑After‑Me Prayer)

Dear God,

Thank you for loving us.

Thank you for Jesus.

Thank you for HIS baptism

that shows us YOUR love.

Help us remember

that we are YOUR children too.

Help us listen for YOUR voice

and follow YOUR ways.

We love YOU, God.

Amen.