Bible moment
The Bible moment
Matthew 3:13–17 tells how Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John the Baptist. John first tried to prevent him, saying that he needed to be baptized by Jesus instead. Jesus answered that John should permit it because it was fitting to fulfill all righteousness. John then baptized him. Immediately after Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened, and Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. A voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This passage presents Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit’s descent, and God’s declaration of love and pleasure.
Look closely
What children can notice
Jesus immediately comes up from the Jordan after being baptized. The opened heavens appear above him, with the Spirit of God represented gently as descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What happened when Jesus came up from the water?
- How does God’s declaration show love for Jesus?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page with Matthew 3:13–17 in family worship, Sunday school, church classes, or homeschool lessons. Invite children to notice the water, the opened heavens, and the gentle dove-like description of the Spirit. Keep discussion centered on Jesus’ baptism, obedience, the Spirit’s descent, and God’s loving declaration. Avoid adding extra signs, observers, or dialogue.
Source note
From this passage
Matthew 3:16 · Jesus’ Baptism
Jesus immediately comes up from the Jordan after being baptized. The opened heavens appear above him, with the Spirit of God represented gently as descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.
