A Respectful Conversation

Matthew 3:13-17

The Big Idea

Listening carefully and responding respectfully can help us obey God, even when we do not understand everything at first.

The Bible Story

Jesus Is Baptized

Matthew 3:13-15 tells how Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. John initially objects, saying that he needs to be baptized by Jesus instead. Jesus answers that John should permit it because it is fitting to fulfill all righteousness. John then permits him. This moment is respectful and peaceful. The passage does not explain the full meaning of “fulfill all righteousness,” so children can notice what Matthew clearly shows: Jesus speaks, John listens, and John allows what Jesus has asked. This scene comes before the baptism itself. Matthew later describes Jesus coming up from the water, the heavens opening, the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and a voice from heaven declaring Jesus to be God’s beloved Son. Those events are not pictured here.

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

Jesus and John stand beside the Jordan in a respectful conversation. John gestures modestly toward Jesus while Jesus calmly responds, showing John permitting the baptism without physical resistance or conflict.

Talk together

Talk about it

Why did John first object?
How did John respond to Jesus?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this image before teaching the baptism itself. Invite children to retell only what Matthew 3:14-15 says, noticing John’s respectful response. Remind them that the baptism, the Spirit’s descent, and the heavenly voice happen later in the passage.

Source note