John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. ⁶Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. ⁸I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. ¹¹And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Over the past three weeks we’ve spent time talking about important things that happened early in Jesus’ life. 

On Christmas Jesus was born. And you may remember that we spoke next about Jesus’ presentation in the temple as a baby (where he is held by Simeon) and his visit from the magi – or wise men – all of whom had important epiphanies. They all recognized that Jesus was the Son of God.

This week we mark one more important event that happened while Jesus was very young: his baptism.

You may or may not remember being baptized yourself – or maybe you’ve not yet been. Baptism is a special act – using water – in which our sins are cleansed and we become members of God’s Family, the church.

In today’s Gospel we hear the story of Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan. Do you know who did it? (I’ll give you a hint: it’s someone we’ve spoken of recently – he baptized many, many people – and lived in the wilderness.) That’s right: John the Baptist.

In today’s reading from Mark, Jesus is not only baptized, but as he comes out of the water we hear the voice of God announcing to all that Jesus is his Son.

Together all of these stories from Jesus’ early life help us to understand - right from the beginning of the Gospel stories - how important he would be. And as we move forward over the next few weeks we’ll hear about the beginnings of his ministry as a grownup.

Can we pray?

Dear God,

We thank you for the gift of baptism and the saving works of your Son Jesus. Watch over us during the week to come.

Amen

Copyright 2009 - The Children's Sermon.Com