Table of Contents
- What is Baptism
- Why Get Baptized
- I can be baptized as Jesus was.
- I Can be Baptized When I Am Eight Years Old.
- Preparing for Baptism
- Baptismal Covenants
- Taking on the Name of Christ
- Bear One Another’s Burdens
- Comfort Those Who Need Comfort
- Making and keeping covenants can help me be more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
- Being baptized is like becoming a new person. (Represents death of old sinful person and rebirth)
- Being baptized is like becoming a new person. (Represents death of old sinful person and rebirth)
- Repentance is Part of Keeping Baptismal Covenants
- Baptism Covenants
- How to Remember Baptismal Covenants
- Keeping Baptismal Covenants
- Baptism Concerns
- Baptism Day
- Children can be Witnesses at Baptisms
- Confirmation
What is Baptism
Friend May 2024 “What Is Baptism and Confirmation?” Jesus Christ was baptized. After you turn eight, you can be baptized too! When you’re baptized, your whole body goes under the water. This reminds us that sins and bad choices can be washed away because of Jesus Christ. You promise Heavenly Father that you will do your best to follow His commandments.
After baptism comes confirmation. This is when you get the gift of the Holy Ghost. That means the Holy Ghost can always be with you! He can help you follow Jesus’s example.
Why Get Baptized
Friend March 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Matt invites a friend to his baptism. His friend asks why he is getting baptized. Matt explains the fourth article of faith to him.
Following Jesus
For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Our Promise to Be a Light” One day, as John baptized people in the Jordan River, Jesus Christ came and asked to be baptized. John was surprised. He knew that Jesus always obeyed God’s commandments and did not need to repent. In fact, he thought that Jesus should baptize him (see Matthew 3:14)! Jesus explained that God had commanded all people to be baptized, so He too needed to be baptized to set an example. John agreed and baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.
Friend February 2021 “Feeling Christ’s Love”
Friend February 2019 “Jesus was Baptized”
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Why was the Savior baptized? 2 Nephi 31: 4-13
- To Be Obedient to the Father & To be an Example for Us
7) But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
- To Show us that We Need to Enter the Gate (Baptism) that Leads to the Path Towards Eternal Life
9) And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them
Friend August 2019 “A New Path: Coloring Page” When I am baptized, I choose to walk a new path with Jesus. (See Romans 6:4.)
We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized
5) And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!
10) And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me
Friend August 2023 “Special Issue: Baptism and Confirmation”
Friend August 2023 “Special Issue: Baptism and Confirmation”
Friend February 2024 “I Can Be Baptized Like Jesus”
Friend August 2023 “Giorgia’s Big Day” When a friend asks Giorgia about the picture of Jesus being baptized, she told her she was going to be baptized soon like Jesus because she wanted to follow him. She invited her friend to her baptism. Her baptism was a special day. She had chosen to follow Jesus. And she wanted to keep following Him every day!
I must be baptized to enter the kingdom of heaven.
CHAPTER 3
Joshua leads Israel to the Jordan—The Lord cuts off the water of the Jordan; it stands up as a heap, and Israel passes over on dry ground.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” The story of Joshua leading the Israelites through the Jordan River into the promised land provides an opportunity to teach the children that we must be baptized to enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Review some details of the story of the children of Israel crossing the Jordan River to enter the promised land (see “Joshua the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories). Then show a picture of Jesus being baptized, and tell the children that Jesus was baptized in the same river. Invite the children to share other things they know about Jesus’s baptism.
- Sing a song about baptism with the children, such as “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101). Help them identify what this song teaches us about why Jesus was baptized and why we should follow His example. Let the children share their feelings about being baptized. Talk about what the children can do now to prepare to be baptized when they are eight years old.
Friend February 2022 “Jesus Said”
I need to be baptized and confirmed to return to live with Heavenly Father.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” The children you teach are preparing to take important steps to live with Heavenly Father again by being baptized (born of water) and confirmed (born of the Spirit). How can you help them understand the importance of these two ordinances?
What does it mean to be “born again into the kingdom of heaven”?
To have the Spirit of the Lord cause a mighty change in a person’s heart so that he has no more desire to do evil, but rather desires to seek the things of God. (Guide to the Scriptures, “Born Again, Born of God” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) For additional information click on link.
- Summarize the story of Jesus teaching Nicodemus (see John 3:1–10). Promise the children that when they are baptized, Heavenly Father will give them the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- Show the children this week’s activity page, and ask them to describe the drawings. Read John 3:5, and testify that we need to be baptized and confirmed to live with Heavenly Father again.
- Ask the children to talk about what they do to wash their hands. Show the picture Girl Being Baptized (Gospel Art Book, no. 104), and help the children compare washing our hands with water to becoming spiritually clean through baptism.
Cleansed from Sin
Cleansing – Boy learns that through the atonement we can be cleansed of our sins. Friend January 1985 (Story also includes bleach and food coloring object lesson.)
Because of Jesus Christ, I can repent and be clean.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” Isaiah lived in a time when many of his people had turned away from the Lord. But the Lord promised them that their sins could be forgiven if they repented. He makes this promise to us as well.
- Ask the children to read Isaiah 1:2–4 and talk about some of the reasons the Lord was not happy with the people of Judah. Then read Isaiah 1:16–19 together to learn what the Lord invited the people to do. As needed, help the children understand difficult words and phrases. To help them visualize verse 18, display something bright red and something pure white. What do we learn about Jesus Christ’s mercy from these verses? Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus Christ’s gift of forgiveness, and share your feelings as well.
Friend February 1996 “Matt and Mandy”
See also: New Era February 2016 “Scarlet, Crimson, Snow, and Wool”
- Help the children memorize Isaiah 1:18. Write the verse on the board, and invite the children to recite it several times, erasing one word each time until they can recite it from memory. You could also use paper strips with words from the verse written on them. Why is it important to always remember what this verse teaches? Discuss how being baptized and partaking of the sacrament make this promise available to us.
Have a child cover the words below with paper strips after each time the class repeats the scripture.
I can be baptized as Jesus was.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” How can you use the account of Jesus’s baptism to help the children prepare to be baptized?
- Summarize the story of the Savior’s baptism (see Matthew 3:13–17; see also “Chapter 10: Jesus Is Baptized,” in New Testament Stories, 26–29, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Explain that Jesus was baptized by immersion by someone who had priesthood authority. Repeat the story several times and invite the children to share the details they remember.
Immersion means a person is “immersed” all the way under water and brought back up. Baptism by immersion is beautifully symbolic, not only of the washing away of sins, but of death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism signifies the end of your old way of life and birth to a life committed to following Jesus Christ. (Come Unto Christ “Baptism”)
Priesthood Authority
- What authority did John the Baptist have to baptize? (The Aaronic Priesthood.)
- What authority must the person who is baptizing us have to baptize? (He must be a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.)
- Show a picture of Jesus being baptized and this week’s activity page. Let the children point out similarities between the two pictures. (There’s a picture of Jesus being baptized in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families.)
Red Crystal Lesson Ideas
Latter Day Kids “Jesus was Baptized” Lesson ideas
“Lesson 6: The Baptism of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament
Have two children come to the front of the class, face each other, and hold hands above their heads to form an area the other children can walk under. Explain that these children represent a very important gate. Tell the children that this gate is the entrance to the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life. Have a child read 2 Nephi 31:17. Explain that one of the first steps to eternal life is going through the gate (being baptized). Have the children walk through the gate.
- Write the following questions about baptism and their scripture references on the chalkboard or a piece of paper: Why are we baptized? (D&C 49:13; 2 Nephi 31:18.) How are we baptized? (D&C 20:72–74.) By whom are we baptized? (D&C 20:73.) When are we baptized? (D&C 68:27.) Have the children look up the scriptures and discuss the answers.
- Write each of the following phrases on a separate piece of paper:
- For the remission of our sins
- To become members of the Church
- So we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
- To be obedient
- To get on the strait and narrow path
Friend February 2023 “Baptism”
Friend February 2019 “Jesus was Baptized”
We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized
5) And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!
10) And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me
Friend March 2017 “Jesus Was Baptized”
Friend February 2019 “Coloring Page”
- “John Baptizes Jesus” (February 2015 Friend)
Scripture figures for the story of John baptizing Jesus.
Sing “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 102). Explain that Jesus was baptized to obey Heavenly Father. One day, your little ones can choose to be baptized too! Tell your children about your baptism. Why was it special to you? Friend January 2023
Why was the Savior baptized?
- To Be Obedient to the Father & To be an Example for Us
7) But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
- To Show us that We Need to Enter the Gate (Baptism) that Leads to the Path Towards Eternal Life
9) And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.
New Era April 2014 “The Gate and the Path”
Friend August 2019 “Coloring Page: A New Path” When I am baptized, I choose to walk a new path with Jesus. (See Romans 6:4.)
We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized
5) And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!
10) And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Display the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and ask the children to share what they know about Jesus’s baptism (see Matthew 3:13–17). Put the following words in random order on the board: Jesus witnessed unto the Father that He would be obedient unto Him. Invite the children to read 2 Nephi 31:7 as a class and put the words into the correct order.
- Ask the children what they would say to someone preparing to be baptized, and help them compile their advice onto simple cards they could give to someone. How can we continue to follow the example of Jesus after we are baptized?
New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus’s Baptism”
- “Jesus Christ Is Baptized” (July 2009 Friend)
A rebus story about the baptism of Jesus.
- “Baptism” (January 2003 Liahona and Friend)
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles tells how Jesus Christ set an example for us by being baptized. - “The Baptism of Jesus Christ” (August 1999 Friend)
The story of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Includes figures to cut out and use to tell the story.
- “Jesus Is Baptized” (February 2011 Friend)
A retelling of the story of Jesus Christ’s baptism taken from the New Testament.
- Coloring page: “Jesus Christ Is Baptized” (February 2013 Friend)
Friend February 2015 “Jesus Was Baptized” Scripture jar questions. Link also includes other lesson ideas.
- Music: “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100)
- Music: “This Is My Beloved Son” (Children’s Songbook, 76)
- Music: “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 102)
- Poster: “John the Baptist” (February 2011 Friend)
Image and short description of who he is. - Poster “Our Savior, Jesus Christ” (March 2010 Friend)
Image and scripture telling about Christ’s baptism. - Sheet Music (simplified): “Baptism” (May 2012 Friend)
- Video: ASL Video, “Baptism”
- Video: ASL Video, “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized”
Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Baptized Like Jesus” Lesson ideas
I can keep my baptismal covenants.
Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:1–11; Luke 3:2–18
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” Learning about the account of Jesus’s baptism provides a good opportunity to help the children review their baptismal covenants and recommit to keeping them.
- Invite the children to take turns reading verses from Mark 1:1–11. Discuss why Heavenly Father wants us to be baptized. Why was Jesus baptized, even though He did not need to be cleansed from sin? Help the children find answers to this question in Matthew 3:13–15 and 2 Nephi 31:6–7.
Why was the Savior baptized 2 Nephi 31: 4-13
- To Be Obedient to the Father & To be an Example for Us
7) But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
- To Show us that We Need to Enter the Gate (Baptism) that Leads to the Path Towards Eternal Life
9) And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” When you were baptized, you followed the example of the Savior. Compare what you learn from the accounts of the Savior’s baptism with what happened during your baptism.
| The Savior’s Baptism | My Baptism |
|---|---|
| Who baptized Jesus, and what authority did he hold? | Who baptized you, and what authority did he hold? |
| Where was Jesus baptized? | Where were you baptized? |
| How was Jesus baptized? | How were you baptized? |
| Why was Jesus baptized? | Why were you baptized? |
| How did Heavenly Father show that He was pleased with Jesus? | How did Heavenly Father show that He was pleased when you were baptized? How has He shown His approval since then? |
- Review the covenants the children made at baptism, found in Mosiah 18:8–10 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. Invite the children to write these references on this week’s activity page.
- Review the promises the children will make when they are baptized (see Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; Gospel Topics, “Baptism,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask them which of these things they are already doing.
Feel sorry for our sins
Have a desire to follow Jesus (keep his commandments)
Have a desire to be baptized
Desire to help others
Willing to be a witness of Jesus Christ (Tell others of Jesus and the gospel)
- Invite a member of the bishopric to tell the children about the baptismal interview they will have before they are baptized.
Friend August 2019 “Ready to Be Baptized” Trevan’s baptism interview with the bishop was coming up and he was worried that he might not know the answers. The missionaries came for dinner and they talk about baptism and baptismal covenants
- Sing together a song about baptism, such as “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101). Consider asking a child to lead the other children while they sing.
- Use Matthew 3:11, 16 to teach the children that the Holy Ghost descended on Jesus when He was baptized (a dove appeared as a sign to show that this had happened). Show the picture The Gift of the Holy Ghost (Gospel Art Book, no. 105), and explain that we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost when we are confirmed.
I Can be Baptized When I Am Eight Years Old.
Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 67–70”
In Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28, the Lord told Joseph Smith that children should learn to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and be baptized when they are eight years old. He also said that they should learn to pray and keep God’s commandments.
Why age 8? Old enough to understand the doctrine of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and prepared and ready to make sacred covenants.
- Invite the children to count to eight using their fingers. What is special about being eight years old? Help the children recognize that when they are eight years old, they can be baptized. Using words and phrases found in Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28, share with them some of the things the Lord wants them to learn about before they are eight (see also Articles of Faith 1:4). Help them understand concepts that might not be familiar to them.
- Sing with the children a song about baptism, such as “Baptism” or “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook,100–101, 103). Ask the children to share how they feel about being baptized and what they can do to prepare.
Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Find items around your home that remind you of baptism. A cup of water could remind you of how we are baptized by immersion. A piece of white cloth could remind you of how we wear white. A blanket could remind you of the warm feeling of the Holy Ghost. What else can you think of?
Latter Day Kids “Baptism Symbols” Lesson Ideas and Videos
Preparing for Baptism
I am preparing to be baptized
Friend August 2023 “Steps to the Font” Find your way through the maze to the baptism font. Go through each picture to see what you can do to prepare.
Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 71–74
When the Church was organized, the Lord taught His Saints about sacred ordinances, including baptism and the sacrament.
If someone in your family is not yet baptized, these verses could lead to a discussion about how to prepare for baptism (see verse 37) and how baptisms are performed. Family members could share pictures or memories from their baptismal day.
Show a picture of a child being baptized (see Gospel Art Book, no. 104), and ask the children to point out things they notice. Read or summarize Doctrine and Covenants 20:71–74, and help the children see how the picture matches the instructions in these verses. Testify that we should follow the Savior’s example and be baptized in the way He has commanded.
71 No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance.
See Primary 3 “Lesson 27: The Age of Accountability,” for ideas on how to explain accountability. Includes activities, object lessons, and stories.
Why age 8? Old enough to understand the doctrine of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and prepared and ready to make sacred covenants.
72 Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent—
73 The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
- What authority did John the Baptist have to baptize? (The Aaronic Priesthood.)
- What authority must the person who is baptizing us have to baptize? (He must be a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.)
74 Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
Immersion means a person is “immersed” all the way under water and brought back up. Baptism by immersion is beautifully symbolic, not only of the washing away of sins, but of death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism signifies the end of your old way of life and birth to a life committed to following Jesus Christ. (Come Unto Christ “Baptism”)
37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.
Sing “When I Am Baptized”
Liahona February 2021 “Helping Children Prepare for Baptism”
Teaching Children the Gospel “Mosiah 18-24: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon” Lesson, story, and activity ideas about the scripture story, baptism, and baptism covenants
Friend February 2019 “Learning about Baptism” Some things to know about getting baptized.
Friend February 2021 “My Baptism Day” Make a baptism book.
Friend February 2019 “Family Night Fun” Baptism lesson ideas.
Friend February 2015 “Jesus Was Baptized” Scripture jar questions. Link also includes other lesson ideas.
Friend June 2016 “Funstuff: My Baptism Bag” When you’re baptized, you make a covenant, or promise, to always remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. You can remember your covenants by making a baptism bag!
Friend November 2019 “Conference News” President Nelson announced that anyone who has been baptized can be an official witness at another person’s baptism.
I can prepare to be baptized.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”
Read phrases from Moroni 6:1–3 that teach who can be baptized. Explain terms the children may not understand. For instance, one meaning of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” is to feel sorry for our sins (Moroni 6:2). Tell about how you prepared to be baptized, or ask someone who was recently baptized to explain how he or she prepared. Help the children think of ways they can prepare to be baptized someday.
Reading Book of Mormon before Baptism
Friend February 2019 “Ingrid’s Birthday Surprise” Ingrid gets a special present for her seventh birthday from her mom—a Book of Mormon. It was a special gift to help her prepare for her baptism. Ingrid read the entire Book of Mormon that year and prayed for and received a testimony of its truthfulness.
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Friend June 2016 “Jason’s Study Buddy” Jason reads the entire Book of Mormon before his baptism. His testimony grows.
Friend February 2022 “Goals for Baptism” After hearing about the Children and Youth program, Zoe set a goal to read the Book of Mormon before her baptism. As she read, she wanted to do more good things, so she joined the world wide fast about Covid, and she prayed and fasted for a testimony.
We need to bring forth “fruits worthy of repentance.”
Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3”
- In Luke 3:8, John the Baptist taught the people that before they could be baptized, they needed to show “fruits,” or evidence, of their repentance. How can you help class members recognize the evidence of their own repentance? You might ask them to search Luke 3:8–14 and look for what John considered “fruits” of repentance. They could also review Moroni 6:1–3 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. You might draw a fruit tree on the board and let class members label the fruit on the tree with the “fruits” of repentance they find. This could also be a good time to talk about what it means to truly repent.
Bishop Interview
Friend August 2019 “Ready to Be Baptized” Trevan’s baptism interview with the bishop was coming up and he was worried that he might not know the answers. The missionaries came for dinner and they taught a lesson about baptism. They reminded Trevan of the covenants he would be making with the acronym “take.” Each letter stands for a baptismal covenant. The missionaries also go over the baptism questions with Trevan, and he realizes he is ready to be baptized. (Also includes a bookmark with the “take” acronym on it.)
Inviting Friends and Family to Baptism
Friend August 2023 “Come to My Baptism!” Making an invitation.
Baptismal Covenants
Taking on the Name of Christ
Friend April 1988 “A Name to Live up to” Jenny is sad that she isn’t named after someone whom she could try to be like–someone who did great deeds–but she is reminded that she took on the name of Jesus when she was baptized.
Do your family members’ names have special meaning? Maybe you could talk about why names are important and what it means to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 5:7). This could be a good opportunity to help family members prepare to take Christ’s name upon themselves when they are baptized.
Friend April 1988 “A Name to Live up to” Jenny is sad that she isn’t named after someone whom she could try to be like–someone who did great deeds–but she is reminded that she took on the name of Jesus when she was baptized.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 4-6”
Talk to the children about why people put their names on things, such as school assignments, sports jerseys, and so on (see Mosiah 5:14–15). How can we show that we have Christ’s name “written always in [our] hearts”? (Mosiah 5:12).
Being baptized makes us “one in Christ.” (Sr)
Invite the children to read Galatians 3:26–28 with this question in mind: What happens when I am baptized? You might want to focus on phrases like “put on Christ” or “one in Christ.” What might these phrases mean? How is “putting on Christ” similar to taking His name upon ourselves? (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79). What can we do to show others that we have taken His name upon ourselves? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians” )
Read together Galatians 3:28, and identify some of the ways people identified themselves when they were baptized in Paul’s day. Help the children name some ways they identify themselves today. What is Paul trying to teach us about how we should see each other when we are baptized? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians” )
Friend February 2021 “Your Baptism Covenant”
Friend February 2019 “Family Night Fun” The baptism covenant is a promise between two individuals: you and Heavenly Father. Here’s a recipe that needs just two ingredients! Bananut Ice Cream
- Review the promises the children will make when they are baptized (see Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; Gospel Topics, “Baptism,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask them which of these things they are already doing.
Feel sorry for our sins
Have a desire to follow Jesus (keep his commandments)
Have a desire to be baptized
Desire to help others
Willing to be a witness of Jesus Christ (Tell others of Jesus and the gospel)
- Invite a member of the bishopric to tell the children about the baptismal interview they will have before they are baptized.
- Prepare several pairs of cards with matching phrases or pictures that represent our baptismal covenants. Place the cards facedown. Invite the children to take turns turning over two at a time, looking for a match. After a match is made, invite children to share ways they have kept that covenant.
Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.
Friend March 2023 “Baptismal Covenants”
- Share how keeping your baptismal covenants has blessed you.
Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3”
Elder David A. Bednar taught: “The baptismal covenant includes three fundamental commitments: (1) to be willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, (2) to always remember Him, and (3) to keep His commandments. The promised blessing for honoring this covenant is ‘that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]’ [Doctrine and Covenants 20:77]. Thus, baptism is the essential preparation to receive the authorized opportunity for the constant companionship of the third member of the Godhead” (“Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 60). For an example of a young boy keeping his baptismal covenants, see the story at the beginning of Sister Carole M. Stephens’s message “We Have Great Reason to Rejoice” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 115–17).
When I Am Baptized I Promise to Follow Jesus
Friend February 2021 “Bright Idea”
Friend February 2021 “The Savior and Me” Fill out the page and look at it during the sacrament to remember Jesus and the covenant you made.
Friend May 2024 “A Baptism Promise” Keaton wanted to get baptized when he turned eight because he loves Jesus and wants to follow him. He father wasn’t a member, but he thought that was a good reason to get baptized. His grandfather baptized him and his father gave a talk about the promise he would be making to always remember Jesus. He said, “I hope your baptism always reminds you to love God and love others.”
Following and Standing as a Witness of Jesus Christ
Friend June 2021 “Just Like She Imagined” Kvitka was excited to be baptized, but she was sad her friends couldn’t come due to Covid. Her Grandma asks her to be a missionary (be a witness of Jesus Christ) to her aunt and cousin when they come and show them around the meeting house. She felt warm inside when she did and when told them she was getting baptized because she wants to follow Jesus.
Bear One Another’s Burdens
Show a picture of a child being baptized (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 104). Ask the children what the child is doing. Explain that when we are baptized, we make covenants, or promises. Read Galatians 6:2 or Mosiah 18:8 to help the children learn one of the things we promise to do: bear one another’s burdens. Invite the children to draw pictures of ways they can help others who are carrying burdens. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians” )
Friend May 2020 “Ali’s Head Start” Ali learns that when she is baptized she will be covenanting (promising) to bear one another’s burdens, (or in other words, she will be promising to help those who are going through a hard time). Ali decides to get a head start on her covenants when she sees children without hair as she walked through the hospital to go visit a friend. She decides to donate some of her long hair so those children can have wigs.
Friend August 2023 “My Baptismal Covenant”
Read to the children this phrase from Galatians 6:2: “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” To illustrate what this means, give one of the children something heavy to carry. Then ask for a volunteer to help the child carry the object. Explain to the children that many things can feel like a burden, such as being sick or feeling sad or lonely. What could we do to help a person with this kind of burden? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians”)
Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Help your little ones say, “Jesus wants me to help those in need.” Tell them that people in need might be those who are sick, hurt, or lonely. Think of what you can do as a family to help others.
Friend January 2024 “You Can Make a Difference” President Susan H. Porter, Primary General President talks about how to keep Baptismal covenants by serving and lifting others.
Who can I help today? Write your ideas on your paper chain!
Comfort Those Who Need Comfort
Heavenly Father comforts me, and I can comfort others. (Jr)
Show the children some things that provide comfort, such as a blanket or bandage. Ask the children what comforts them when they are sad or afraid or have other problems. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 with the children, and explain that “tribulation” is another word for really hard problems. Share some ways Heavenly Father has comforted you, and testify that He will comfort the children as well. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )
Friend March 2019 “Missing Mom and Dad” Dylan’s mom and dad were going on a trip, and he was going to stay with his grandparents. He loved staying with his grandparents, but for some reason he was scared about being away from his mom and dad for so long. He decided to pray for help, and he received comforting thoughts and feelings.
Show pictures of people being baptized (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–4) while you read 2 Corinthians 1:4 to the children. Explain that when we are baptized, we promise to comfort others. How can we follow Paul’s counsel to “comfort them which are in any trouble”? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )
Friend March 2021 “Jesus Comforted Others”
Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Give each of your little ones a long hug. Help them find words to tell you how it feels to be wrapped in a long, tender hug. Teach them that God loves us and wants to show us how much He cares.
Heavenly Father comforts me, and I can comfort others. (Sr)
We all experience heartache and sorrow, setbacks and obstacles, and discomfort and sickness. When the people of Corinth experienced hardship, Paul wrote to Church members there to offer continued support and counsel. He testified of the comfort and peace available to them through Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 1:3–4). This lesson can help you to understand some of the ways God provides comfort to His children and to identify ways in which you can share His comfort with others. (New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “2 Corinthians 1; 4”)
As you read 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, ask the children to listen for an answer to the question “What does God do for us?” Help the children list ways in which God comforts us. Invite the children to share experiences when they were sad or worried or afraid and God comforted them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )
He gives us thoughts in our mind and feelings in our heart through the Holy Ghost.
- A feeling that Heavenly Father and Jesus loves us.
- A feeling of comfort when we are sad or lonely
- A good feeling when we hear beautiful music or see inspiring art
- A peaceful feeling that everything is going to be okay.
- He also sends people to help and comfort us.
- God’s words, such as in the Scriptures, can also touch our hearts and help comfort us.
Invite the children to share ways we can keep our baptismal covenant to comfort others (see Mosiah 18:9). Give them time to think of someone they know who needs comfort and make a plan to reach out to that person. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )
Friend August 2022 “Jesus Promised Us Comfort”
Making and keeping covenants can help me be more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” In a vision, Zechariah saw a high priest named Joshua, who was “clothed with filthy garments” (Zechariah 3:3). An angel gave him clean clothing and explained that this symbolized being cleansed from his sins. You could use this vision to help the children understand the covenants and blessings associated with baptism.
- Read together Zechariah 3:1–7 and discuss questions like these: What did Joshua’s “filthy garments” represent? How do we become clean from our sins? How do our baptismal covenants help us “walk in [the Lord’s] ways”?
- A few days before class, invite a child to come prepared to talk about his or her baptism. Review together the covenant we make at baptism (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). How will keeping our promises help us become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How does taking the sacrament each week help us keep our baptismal covenants?
Jesus Christ can make my spirit clean.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” The high priest Joshua’s dirty clothes, described in Zechariah 3:1–7, symbolize what happens when we sin. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be made clean, as Joshua was made clean when he received new clothes.
- Let the children pass around a dirty shirt, and read Zechariah 3:3. Then pass around a clean shirt, and read verse 4. Talk with the children about how making wrong choices is like becoming dirty spiritually, but the Savior can make us clean again. How do we feel when we are clean? Share your testimony that because Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, we will be clean from our sins as we repent.
- If possible, show the children a picture of someone they know dressed in white at his or her baptism (or see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103, 104). Why do we wear white at our baptisms? Sing a song about baptism, such as “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 103). Invite the children to draw themselves being baptized and share how they feel about being baptized someday.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14”As you read these verses, you could show your family some dirty clothes. How might Joshua have felt when he stood before the angel in dirty clothes? How is sin like dirty clothes? What does Zechariah 3:1–7 teach us about forgiveness? You could then clean the clothes together and talk about the cleansing power of the Savior’s Atonement.
Friend December 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”
Story: In a vision, Zechariah saw a man wearing dirty clothes. An angel came to the man and gave him clean clothes. (See Zechariah 3:3–5.) Putting on clean clothes can remind us of repenting. When we make a wrong choice, we can repent and be clean again.
Song: “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)
Activity: Talk about how repenting can lighten your load. Then do the activity on page 12. How do you feel when you repent?
Being baptized is like becoming a new person. (Represents death of old sinful person and rebirth)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Romans 1-6” The children you teach are preparing for baptism. What can they learn about baptism from Romans 6?
Invite the children to repeat the phrase “Walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Tell the children what this means to you. For example, you might share memories about the day you were baptized and talk about how your baptism has helped you become more like Jesus Christ. Use this week’s activity page to teach the children that baptism helps us become a new person.
Fighting with siblings/ Sharing with siblings
Doing chores when asked/ Complaining about chores
Getting angry after losing a game/ Choosing to congratulate the winner
Choosing to make fun of someone/ Choosing to be kind
If any of the children have attended a baptism, ask them to share their experience. Or show a picture of someone being baptized (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 35, 103–4). Help the children understand that at baptism we make promises to become like Jesus. Invite them to draw pictures of themselves being baptized and share what they can do to prepare for their baptisms.
- Friend August 2023 “Steps to the Font” Find your way through the maze to the baptism font. Go through each picture to see what you can do to prepare.
Sing with the children a song about baptism, such as “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 103). What do we learn about baptism from this song?
Being baptized is like becoming a new person. (Represents death of old sinful person and rebirth)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Romans 1-6” Paul taught that baptism symbolizes the death and Resurrection of Christ. It also symbolizes being raised up to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). We renew our commitment to walk in newness of life every time we partake of the sacrament.
Invite a child to read Romans 6:3–6. What did Paul say baptism is “in the likeness of”?
- New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Romans 6” Yielding ourselves to God is not easy. But Jesus Christ promises that as we let our old, sinful selves die, He will give us new life, changing our natures to become more like Him. Paul taught that through the ordinance of baptism, we can receive the Savior’s transforming power to help us “walk in newness of life” ( Romans 6:4).
Discuss how baptism symbolizes death and resurrection. It may help to display a picture of a baptism or show a video like “The Baptism of Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Why are death and resurrection good symbols of what happens when we are baptized?
Read together the sacrament prayers (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). Remind the children that when we take the sacrament, we renew the commitment to follow Jesus Christ that we made when we were baptized. How does the sacrament help us “walk in newness of life”?
Invite the children to draw pictures that show what it means to them to “walk in newness of life.” The children could hang these pictures in their rooms to help them remember to make good choices.
Repentance is Part of Keeping Baptismal Covenants
Friend March 2023 “Keeping His Promise” Happiness was excited to make his baptismal covenants. After his baptism he felt so good inside! He wanted to feel this clean and happy forever. He never wanted to make a wrong choice again. But a few days later he told a lie to his father and felt bad felt bad for breaking his baptismal promise. He told his father what he had done. He father forgave him and told him, “When you were baptized, you didn’t promise to be perfect. You promised to try hard to follow Jesus. When we repent, Heavenly Father forgives us. Then we can be just as clean as we were the day we were baptized. Repenting is part of keeping your baptism promise.”
Clean Again
Friend May 2024 “Margo and Paolo” Margo said some mean things to her friend and feels terrible. She wants to be baptized again to become clean again. Her mom explains she doesn’t need to do that. She can repent and be forgiven, and when she takes the sacrament she can promise to do better.
Baptism Covenants
Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.
Friend December 2021 “Elder Soares Speaks to Children” Video Cartoon about keeping baptismal covenants
Friend May 2020 “Ali’s Head Start” Ali learns that when she is baptized she will be covenanting (promising) to bear one another’s burdens, (or in other words, she will be promising to help those who are going through a hard time). Ali decides to get a head start on her covenants when she sees children without hair as she walked through the hospital to go visit a friend. She decides to donate some of her long hair so those children can have wigs.
Friend February 2019 “Promise to Try” Tatsuki‘s teacher came to his house to talk to him about his upcoming baptism. He became concened when he learned about the covenants he would be making. He didn’t think he would be like Jesus every day. Then his mom reminded him of the kind things he had done and told him that he was following Jesus by doing those things. He also learned that he could repent and be forgiven if he made mistakes. He was then happy that he could be baptized and try to be like Jesus.
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How to Remember Baptismal Covenants
Friend August 2022 “Friends by Mail” My parents gave me a white blanket for my baptism like in the story “Wrapped Up in Love” (February 2021). It helps me remember my baptism covenants. (Includes photo)
Keeping Baptismal Covenants
Friend August 2023 “My Baptismal Covenant”
Baptism Concerns
Melissa’s Baptism – Girl is upset because her nonmember father isn’t coming to her baptism. Friend March 1984
Friend June 2016 “Who will Baptize Me” Margo thinks her baptism won’t be special because her father can’t baptize her, but she learns that isn’t true.
Friend August 2019 “A New Path: Coloring Page” When I am baptized, I choose to walk a new path with Jesus. (See Romans 6:4.)
Baptism Day
Friend August 2023 “My Baptism and Confirmation”
Friend July 2015 Journaling about your baptism
Friend February 2022 “Find It” What did you like best when you got baptized? Or what are you looking forward to the most? Find the hidden items below.
Children can be Witnesses at Baptisms
Friend November 2019 “Conference News” President Nelson announced that anyone who has been baptized can be an official witness at another person’s baptism.
Friend February 2021 “Show and Tell” I was a witness at my cousin’s baptism. This experience was very powerful and special for me. I know we should follow Jesus’s example and be baptized. Liberty H. (right), age 9, Georgia, USA (Link includes photo)
Confirmation
Friend August 2023 “Confirmation and the Gift of the Holy Ghost”
Friend August 2023 “Connect the Dots” After you’re baptized, you’re confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You also receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide and comfort you. Connect the dots to finish the picture.
Friend July 2023 “A Member of Jesus Christ’s Church”
