John Permits the Baptism

Matthew 3:13-17

The Big Idea

Jesus obeyed God’s good purpose, and John respectfully followed Jesus’ direction. God showed love and pleasure in his beloved Son.

The Bible Story

Jesus Is Baptized

Matthew 3:13–15 tells us that Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. John initially objected, saying that he needed to be baptized by Jesus instead. Jesus answered that John should permit it because this was fitting to fulfill all righteousness. John then permitted Jesus. The passage presents a respectful exchange, not a struggle. Matthew does not describe the exact place along the Jordan or the method of baptism. In the verses that follow, Jesus is baptized, comes up from the water, and the heavens open. The Spirit of God descends like a dove and rests on him. A voice from heaven declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Themes

God’s declaration of love and pleasure Jesus’ baptism Obedience and fulfillment of righteousness The Spirit’s descent

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

John and Jesus stand together at the Jordan as John permits Jesus to be baptized. The moment should remain gentle and reverent, with the water visible and the two figures clearly separated.

Talk together

Talk about it

Why did John first object to baptizing Jesus?
How did John respond after Jesus explained?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page before discussing the baptism itself, or as part of a lesson on Jesus’ obedience. Invite children to notice the respectful conversation and the water of the Jordan. Read Matthew 3:13–17 for the complete scene, without adding a baptism method or extra dialogue.

Source note

From this passage

Matthew 3:14-15 · Jesus’ Baptism

John and Jesus stand together at the Jordan as John permits Jesus to be baptized. The moment should remain gentle and reverent, with the water visible and the two figures clearly separated.