Children's Liturgy Series: Baptism of the Lord (Cycle A)

In today's gospel, we see how Jesus, the son of God, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with sinners in the Jordan River to get baptized by John. Although Jesus is sinless, He shows his humility and willingness to get down to our level and give us a perfect model of how to live.

Father in Heaven we praise and glorify you. We thank you for bringing us together for this children's liturgy lesson.  Please send us the Holy Spirit. Fill our hearts with peace, love, and wisdom. Help us to hear you story and know how follow the model that Jesus gave to us. We ask this all in the name of Jesus. Amen.

One day, Jesus went to a river called the Jordan River. At the river was John the Baptist. John’s job was to help people get ready for God by baptizing them. Baptizing means being gently dipped in water to show you want to follow God and make good choices.

When Jesus came to John, He said,
“Please baptize Me.”

John was surprised! He said,
“Jesus, you are very special. I think I should be baptized by you!”

But Jesus smiled and said,
“This is what God wants us to do.”

So John nodded and agreed.
He carefully baptized Jesus in the river.

When Jesus came up out of the water, something amazing happened!

The sky opened up.
God’s Spirit came down like a dove and rested on Jesus.
And a voice from heaven said:

“This is My beloved Son. I am very pleased with Him.”

God was showing everyone:
Jesus is special. Jesus is loved. Jesus is God’s Son.

RECALL
Q1. Who went to the river in our story?
Sample answer: “Jesus went to the river.”

Q2. Who was at the river baptizing people?
Sample answer: “John the Baptist.”

Q3. What happened when Jesus came up out of the water?
Sample answer: “The sky opened, and God’s Spirit came like a dove.”

Q4. What did God’s voice from heaven say?
Sample answer: “God said He loved Jesus and was happy with Him.”

UNDERSTAND 
Q5. How do you think John felt when Jesus asked to be baptized?
Sample answer: “He felt surprised or nervous.”

Q6. Why do you think Jesus wanted to be baptised?
➡️ Sample answer: “He wanted to show us he was willing to get in the muddy water with us”

APPLY
Q8. Jesus obeyed God and got into the muddy waters with us even when it was hard. How can we obey God?
➡️ Sample answer: “By following God's commandments even if its hard.”

Q10. What is one kind thing you can do this week to show you are following Jesus?
➡️ Sample answer: stand shoulder-to-shoulder with friends and family who are struggling.