INTRODUCTION

JESUS IS BAPTIZED

Bible Point Jesus is God’s Son.

Key Verse “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

Big Picture Make daily decisions by learning to trust the love of God’s Son, Jesus.

Jesus is Baptized

Matthew 3:13-17

It’s easy to look up to heroes: athletes, movie stars, musicians, or other people who seem to have it all. Some of them set good examples, and some don’t. This week, you’ll learn about the best role model you could ever have: Jesus, the Son of God. As you get to know and follow Jesus more closely, others will start to notice something different about you, a positive change that comes from living the way Jesus taught.

PLANTING THE SEED

In today’s Bible passage, John the Baptist was preaching to the people, telling them to stop disobeying God. He was also baptizing people in the Jordan River. This baptism was symbolic, showing that they wanted to turn away from sin. One day, when John was preaching and baptizing, Jesus showed up and asked to be baptized! Well, John knew who Jesus was, so at first he refused. He figured Jesus should baptize him! But Jesus insisted. After He was baptized, God spoke out loud. (Wow! Did you catch that? God spoke out loud!) He told John, Jesus, and everyone standing around that Jesus is God’s Son. (Matthew 3:13-17)

• What does it mean to hear God’s voice?

• Why is it important to know who Jesus is?

FAMILY FUN

On a big sheet of paper, draw an outline of a person (who will represent Jesus). Write “Jesus is…” at the top of the paper. Give everyone a marker, and let family members write words or draw symbols inside the outline, indicating who Jesus is to them. Continue until everyone runs out of things to write. Then examine what you’ve written, and close with a prayer thanking God for sending Jesus.

READY, SET, GROW!

Instead of a Daily Challenge this week, make a star in the “If Jesus Is God…” section of your activity page beside each area of your life that you really want to focus on connecting with God more. Then spend time each day this coming week growing in those areas.