Baptism

Memory Verse

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 NIV

Intro

In life we love to celebrate important events. What do each of the following celebrate or remember? A birthday, Christmas, Easter, a graduation, the Sabbath, and a wedding.

Explain: Today we’re going to be exploring what baptism celebrates.

My Story: If you have been baptised, share your baptism story.

Bible Story | Jesus is baptised

In your own words, tell the story of Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17).

Matthew 3:16-17 | What do you think baptism is all about?

exploring the bible

Matthew 28:18-20 | Baptism celebrates your decision to follow Jesus (discipleship).

Acts 2:38 | Baptism celebrates your decision to turn away from sin and to follow Jesus (repentance).

Acts 22:16 | Baptism celebrates that God has washed away your sins and made you clean (forgiveness).

Romans 6:3-4 | Baptism remembers Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. It also celebrates that Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we too have received new life—both now and forever (eternal life). 

Fun Facts

What did baptism look like in the Bible? One clue comes from the Greek word baptizō, from which we get “baptism.” It means “to immerse.” This suggests that when John baptised Jesus, he didn’t just sprinkle him with water—he immersed him in it. Only baptism by immersion clearly symbolises Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Because baptism expresses your own decision to follow Jesus, you need to be old enough to understand what that decision means. Babies cannot yet make that choice, but you certainly do not need to wait until you are an adult. If you understand what it means to follow Jesus and are ready to choose him for yourself, you are old enough to be baptised!

LIVING IT

Discuss: In your own words, share what you think baptism is all about?

Decide: Would you like to show and celebrate your decision to follow Jesus by being baptised?