At the age of 30, Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River by his cousin, John the Baptist. Jesus was not baptised because He needed to repent of wrong but because He wanted to do everything right. He “fulfilled all righteousness”. His heavenly Father was “well pleased.”

God also loves us and is pleased when we obey from the heart.

Bible verses used in this podcast:
Matthew 3:13-17

Outline:

1. Jesus came to be baptised (Matthew 3:13-15)
2. Jesus is baptised (Matthew 3:16a)
3. God's approval (Matthew 3:16b-17)
   
   

Tips for Teaching Children:

1. Before class, contact each parent and ask them to share a specific way they are proud of their son or daughter.  Use the following format: 
   • "_________(child's name), you are my son/daughter, and I love you.  
   • I am so proud of you because ____________
     (list one positive action the child does)." 
2. Then, in class, after you have talked about Matthew 3:17, tell the children that their parents are proud of them like God was proud of his son.  One by one, share what each parent has written.  

Tips for Teaching Adults

1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.  Using the same format as with the parents above, adults can share words of genuine affirmation: 
   • "_________(adult's name), you are my brother/sister in Christ.
   • I love you.  
   • I am so proud of you because ____________
     (list one positive action the adult does)." 
2. Distribute cards or writing paper and encourage adults to use this same format to write a note to someone.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
The Baptism of Jesus

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org