Scripture Time

Jesus Was Baptized

By Erin Sanderson and Jean Bingham

Learn about the New Testament together this year!

What would it have been like to watch Jesus being baptized? The New Testament tells us about what happened that holy day.

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13, 16–17).

On the special day when you are baptized and confirmed, you are following Jesus Christ. You become like a new person—you promise to always remember and follow Jesus Christ, you become a member of His Church, you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and you become completely clean. Heavenly Father is very happy with you. Baptism opens the gate to the path that leads us back to Heavenly Father.

Learn More

• Jordan—the River Jordan

• John—John the Baptist

• went up straightway out of the water—stood up right after going completely under the water

• the Spirit of God—the Holy Ghost

• descending like a dove—coming down as gently and peacefully as a dove

• a voice from heaven—Heavenly Father’s voice

Family Talk

Let those who have already been baptized tell how they felt on that special day. They could also share how they try to keep their baptismal covenants and how the Holy Ghost has guided, comforted, taught, or warned them.

Song: “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized” (on page 43 or Children’s Songbook, 102)

Scriptures: Matthew 3:13, 16–17; Articles of Faith 1:4

Videos: Go to Biblevideos.org to watch “The Baptism of Jesus.”

Scripture Tip!

Memorizing a scripture verse can be as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Write each word of the verse on a different card or paper. Put the cards in order and read the verse out loud.

2. Mix the cards up and put them back in order. Read the verse again.

3. Take away a card and read the verse again. Keep taking away cards until you can say the whole verse without any cards.

Now that you’ve memorized it, you can take the verse with you wherever you go!

Scripture Questions

Cut out the word strips below and put them in a container. Take turns choosing questions and using the scriptures to answer them.

• Who baptized Jesus? (Matthew 3:13)

• Why did Jesus want to be baptized? (Matthew 3:15; 2 Nephi 31:7, 9)

• Why do we need to be baptized? (John 3:5)

• What happened right after Jesus was baptized? (Matthew 3:16–17)

• What does immersion mean? (D&C 76:51; Moses 6:64–65)

• How do we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? (D&C 33:15)

• What do we promise when we are baptized? (Mosiah 18:8–13; D&C 20:37)

• What does Heavenly Father promise us when we are baptized? (D&C 76:52–56)

• What must we do after baptism to be able to live forever with Heavenly Father? (2 Nephi 31:18–20)