By Maes Esther
QUESTIONS: Do you know what baptism is? Have you ever seen or been to a baptism? Have you been baptised yet?
Today’s story is when Jesus got baptised.
You can find the story in your bibles: Matthew 3: 13-17
Jesus turned the corner of the Jordan River and beamed when he heard the voice of his cousin John preaching loud and clear. Jesus stretched his neck searching for John amongst the masses of people gathered. John had multitudes following him – there were people that came from Jerusalem and all of Judea as well as the region of the Jordan to hear him speak. Jesus had heard so much about John and how he preached. He never made anything sounds sweet and lovely – instead he preached with power and truth. Jesus moved slowly through the crowd.
“Excuse me, excuse me.” He said as he glanced around scanning for an opening.
Finally, he saw an opening, he quickly squeezed through and apologised to two women when he bumped into them.
“Stop pushing man, I….”The older of the two women glared at him but her voice trailed off when she looked up at his face.
Jesus stopped and placed his hand on her shoulder, “I’m truly sorry. I’m just eager to see my cousin.” Jesus pointed towards the river where John’s voice was coming from.
The lady nodded and smiled, “Yes…yes, of course.” She looked at her friend and whispered, “He has the kindest eyes I have ever seen in my life.”
“Yes,” her friend whispered back, “there’s something peaceful about him.”
Jesus walked away and smiled at their conversation. He looked up to heaven, “Thank you father,” He whispered. “Because they see you and not me.”
In the distance a bird flew by and a cool breeze wrapped around him – this was the freshest part of the Jordan River. Jesus stopped to take a deep breath and then he spotted John.
He was in the water baptising men and women who were giving their lives to God. John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, tied with a leather belt and his long hair flowed. Just as he finished baptising a young man, he spotted Jesus. He lifted his arm in the air and pointed to him, “After me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
People turned to look at Jesus, some stared, others whispered and some giggled nervously. Jesus walked towards his cousin and stood in front of him.
“I come to be baptised. Please baptise me.”
“What? No, no I cannot!” John staggered back, “You should baptise me! I am not worthy to baptise you.”
“John,” Jesus started to say, “I need to fulfil this from my father. He says I am to be baptised and I must obey.”
John opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He sighed and stared at his cousin, “I will baptise you.” He whispered.
Jesus walked into the cool water and bowed his head in respect, ready to be baptised.
John lifted his hand and prayed.
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FROM THE BIBLE:
Do you know what happened next? Let’s look in our bibles. Go to Matthew 3: 16-17.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Let’s pray.
PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for showing me so much love. Thank you for giving me and my friends and family the example of getting baptised. When I’m older I want to get baptised too and worship you. Please be with me today and help me always shine for Jesus, Amen
PHOTO CREDIT: Sweet Publishing, Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing, Free Bible Images
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