Jesus Is Baptized

Come and see the day Jesus stepped into the Jordan River. Heaven opened, God’s Holy Spirit came down like a dove, and the Father spoke His love for His Son.

By a wide, winding river called the Jordan, a man named John the Baptist was helping people come close to God. One by one, they waded into the cool, sparkling water, and John baptized them, gently dipping them down and lifting them back up. It was a way of saying, “I want to turn my whole heart toward God.” The sun shone warm on the water, and the people felt clean and new and glad inside.

Then, walking along the grassy riverbank, came Jesus. He had traveled all the way from Galilee just to be baptized too. John looked up and was surprised, for he knew that Jesus was very special and very good. “I should be baptized by You,” John said softly. But Jesus answered him kindly, “This is the right thing for us to do.”

So John and Jesus stepped together into the flowing river, the water cool and gentle around them. Quietly and carefully, John baptized Jesus, lowering Him beneath the water and lifting Him up again. The river hushed, and the breeze grew still. It was a holy, peaceful moment, and all of heaven was watching with love.

Just then, as Jesus rose up out of the water, the sky opened wide above Him. Jesus saw God’s Holy Spirit coming down like a dove and resting on Him. It was a wonderful sign of God’s presence. Then a voice spoke words of love from heaven.

Then a voice came from heaven, warm and full of love. God the Father said, “This is my Son, whom I love. With Him I am very pleased.” Jesus stood in the shining water, wrapped up safe in His Father’s love. And that same love is so big and so strong that it reaches all the way down to hold us close, too — today and always.

Thank You, God, for showing Your love for Jesus. Thank You for the Holy Spirit and Your loving voice from heaven. Help us listen to Jesus and follow Him.