INTRODUCTION

JESUS IS BAPTIZED

Bible Point:

Jesus is God’s Son.

Key Verse:

If we believe in Jesus, we become God’s children (adapted from John 1:12).

Big Picture:

Children will be thankful and will celebrate that God sent His Son, Jesus, to help all people.

Jesus is Baptized

Matthew 3:13-17

Five- and six-year-olds are eager to please their parents and other adults. They exhibit this characteristic when they show off artwork, block creations, a clean plate, or a clean room. Children are happy when they know they’ve pleased a significant adult in their lives! Be sure to affirm kids not just for the things they do, but for who they are—wonderful children of God. As you consistently display your affirmation and love, 5- and 6-year-olds will have no trouble understanding God as the proud, loving Father of His beloved Son, Jesus. 

PLANTING THE SEED

BIBLE TIME!

This week’s Scripture (Matthew 3:13-17) tells us that Jesus is God’s Son. The passage in the Bible describes Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. John had told people to repent because Jesus was coming. When Jesus came to John, John was puzzled: “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But in obedience to God, John consented to baptize Jesus. After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God came down from heaven and landed on Jesus like a dove. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Your child learned how exciting it is to know that Jesus is God’s Son.

KEY VERSE

If we believe in Jesus, we become God’s children (adapted from John 1:12).

BIBLE POINT

Jesus is God’s Son.

PLAY AND PRAY

Show your child how to use a camera. Encourage your child to take pictures of family members and friends. Then help your child tape the pictures to your refrigerator door. Enjoy time with your child as you look at the photos together. Take turns telling about all of the people you love and saying why they’re so special.

ASK

• What makes Jesus special?

• What makes you special?

• How can we thank God for loving us so much that He sent Jesus?

FAITHFUL FLAVORS

Make bagel “doves” with your child as a reminder of the Bible story. Slice a bagel in half, and then cut one of the circles in half to form two Cs. Have your child spread cream cheese on both pieces of bagel and then place them side by side to resemble a dove’s wings. Have your child tell you the story of Jesus’ baptism.

ASK

• How do we know that Jesus is God’s Son?

• Who can we tell that Jesus is God’s Son?

AGE-LEVEL INSIGHT

Five- and six-year-olds are eager to please their parents and other adults. They exhibit this characteristic when they show off artwork, block creations, a clean plate, or a clean room. Children are happy when they know that they’ve pleased significant adults in their lives! Be sure to affirm your child not just for what he or she does, but for who your child is—a wonderful child of God. As you consistently display your affirmation and love, your preschooler will have no trouble understanding God as the proud, loving father of His beloved Son, Jesus.

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, your child learned that Jesus is God’s Son. He or she committed to one of the following challenges to thank God for sending his Son, Jesus. Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!

• When you pray before eating, thank God for the food and for giving Jesus the Son to the whole world.

• Have your mom or dad help you make a thank-you card for God. In your card, thank God for sending Jesus the Son to earth to help us.

• Have a party at your house to celebrate that God gave Jesus the Son to the world. Invite all your friends or celebrate with your family.