The Baptism of Jesus | Bible Lessons for Kids
The story of Jesus’ Baptism is a great way to introduce the topic of baptism. From kid-friendly videos and engaging crafts to hands-on activities and printable lesson plans, you’ll find everything you need to bring the story of Jesus’ baptism to life in your Sunday school, homeschool, or classroom setting. Whether you're teaching preschoolers or elementary-aged kids, these resources are designed to make learning about the baptism of Jesus both enjoyable and memorable.
THE bible STORY- john baptized jesus
Jesus’ baptism is recorded in all four gospels: Matthew 3:13–17, Mark 1:9–11, Luke 3:21–22 and John 1:29–34.
John the Baptist was in the desert, baptizing people in the Jordan River. Jesus went to him and asked to be baptized. When John baptized Jesus, a voice came from heaven saying, “This is my son, in whom I am well pleased” and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove.
The Baptism of Jesus, Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you looking for a simple way to teach about Jesus’ Baptism? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT JESUS’ BAPTISM
John the Baptist baptized people as a symbol of their repentance, of turning away from their sins and wanting to follow God.
Today, baptism has the same purpose. It symbolizes a person’s love for God and desire to follow God.
Different churches practice baptism in various ways. For example, some churches baptize babies, and some churches require people to be older. Some churches sprinkle water, and some churches do full submersion.
POPSICLE STICK CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL
Kids love interactive crafts! So, check out this fun interactive craft from Jesus is Baptised for Preschool. In this craft, kids will color a Jordan River scene and a figure of Jesus. Then attach a popsicle stick to Jesus. Cut a slit in the Jordan River scene and insert the popsicle stick into the slit.
Kids can then reenact Jesus’ baptism by pulling on the popsicle stick. The Jesus figure attached to the popsicle stick will go up and down in the water as they maneuver the popsicle stick.
ACTIVITY FOR OLDER KIDS - WHAT DOES BAPTISM LOOK LIKE IN MY CHURCH?
Take time with older kids to discuss what baptism looks like at their churches. If you are teaching in a classroom setting, there will likely be a wider range of things discussed because kids will likely come from different denominations. If you are teaching in a Sunday School setting, the answers will be the same for all your kids because they are all attending the same church.
Talk about some basic questions: What is baptism? Why do we get baptized? How does my church do baptism?
After discussing these questions, complete a spinner craft where kids write and draw about baptism in their church. You can find the template pieces in the Baptism of Jesus for Older Kids.
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT JESUS’ BAPTISM
Paper Plate Dove: The Holy Spirit descended as a dove when Jesus was baptized. Check out this video by Happy Crafty on instructions for making a dove from a paper place.
Water Relays: Baptism and water go hand-in-hand, so why not do some fun water relays? Check out the Barefoot Mama for great water relay ideas, including the classic sponge race and water balloon toss.
John the Baptist Snack: John the Baptist ate some interesting food, including locust and honey. Recreate a snack like this for your kiddos with gummy worms and honey grahams.
Baptism Sensory Bins: Fill bins with water beads or water. Add sand, peddles and toy figures so kids can reenact baptism.
Sing Songs: Sing songs about following Jesus and surrendering to him. Here are some suggestions:
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT JESUS’ BAPTISM
As always, please preview any videos you show your kids to ensure they are age-appropriate and match what you want to teach. Below are some suggestions for YouTube videos about this story.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT JESUS’ LIFE?
This lesson is part of a five-week series on stories from Jesus’ life. The other stories include Jesus as a Boy in the Temple, Jesus is Baptized, The Sermon on the Mount, The Widow’s Offering, and Jesus Teaches Us to Pray.
These Stories about Jesus lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades.
Baptism is a beautiful symbol of surrendering our lives to God, and learning about Jesus’ baptism is a great way for kids to discover why we still do baptisms today. Whether you’re teaching in Sunday School, at home, or in a faith-based school, there are many great ways to engage kids in learning about baptism.
