Jesus’ Baptism

Based on Luke 3:1-3, 10-16, 21-22; Matthew 3:6-9, 13-15

Jesus grew to be a young man. God sent a spokesman ahead of him to prepare the way for the people to receive the Promised Savior, Jesus. God sent a message to a man named John who was living out in the wilderness.

John went from place to place giving people the message from God—that they should turn away from their sins and turn to God, and that they should be baptized to show that they had done this. While John was out giving this message, some religious leaders came to hear him. When he saw them, he said, “You snakes! Who warned you to flee from God’s coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have turned to God. Don’t just say to each other,‘We’re safe, because we are the descendants of Abraham.’That means nothing. God can change these stones here into descendants of Abraham if he wants to.”

Then the crowd asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”“Show your honesty,” he replied. “Make sure you collect no more taxes than the government requires you to.”“What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money, and don’t accuse people of things you know they didn’t do. And be content with your pay.”

Everyone was expecting the Promised Savior to come soon, and they were eager to know if John was he. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave. He will baptize you with God’s Spirit.

One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself came to be baptized by John even though Jesus had never sinned. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must do all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. Afterwards, as Jesus was praying, the heavens opened, and God’s Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my Son, I love you and I am very pleased with you.”

Drawing Elements: Wilderness, Jesus, Baptism, “Turn from sin.”, “Turn to God.”, God’s Spirit, Father God Father God – Voice from heaven

 

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