Matthew Chapter 3 John the Baptist preaches in Judæa—Jesus is baptized, and the Father acclaims Him as His Beloved Son.
Mark Chapter 1 Jesus is baptized by John—He preaches the gospel, calls disciples, casts out devils, heals the sick, and cleanses a leper.
Luke Chapter 3 John the Baptist preaches and baptizes—Jesus is baptized, and God acclaims Him as His Son—Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam is given.
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.)
- 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.
The Holy Ghost helps me.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” In addition to preparing for baptism, the children are also preparing to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. How can you help them?
- 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.
- Bring a box containing things such as a picture of Jesus, a comforting blanket, and a compass or map. Invite the children to select an item, and let them explain how each object represents a way the Holy Ghost can help us—He testifies of Jesus (see John 15:26), comforts us (see John 14:26), and shows us the right way (see 2 Nephi 32:5).
Friend June 2019 “The Holy Ghost is…”
Friend March 2020 “How Does Heavenly Father Speak to Us?”
- A feeling that Jesus loves us and that the gospel is true
- A comforting feeling when we are sad or lonely
- A happy feeling after we have repented
- A good feeling when we hear beautiful music or see inspiring art
- A peaceful feeling that something is a good choice
- A warning feeling that something is wrong
- Share your own experiences with receiving help from the Holy Ghost.
Friend February 2020 “Show and Tell” On our way driving home from a swim meet, it was dark and snowing. My mom was worried and asked us to pray. I remembered how Jesus taught us to pray when we need help. So I bowed my head and closed my eyes to pray to get home safely. After I prayed and opened my eyes, I felt a warm feeling in my heart. Then I heard a still, small voice whisper, “Everything will be all right.” Peichi C., age 10, Massachusetts, USA
Friend February 2021 “A Warm Feeling” After his baptism and his confirmation, Joshua’s dad said, “The Holy Ghost can always be with you. You’ll never really be alone.” A few months later, Joshua had to go to the doctor because his stomach hurt so bad. When he found out he had to have surgery and his parents couldn’t come in with him, he was scared. He then remembered what his father had said about the Holy Ghost, and he had a warm feeling in his heart. He woke up feeling better, and he knew he was going to be okay.
Friend May 2017 “A Quiet Warning” The Holy Ghost warns Rykin about the presence of a snake.
- Invite the children to listen for ways the Holy Ghost helps us as they sing a song about Him, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105).
The Holy Ghost can guide me.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” Children are learning how to recognize and follow the Holy Ghost’s guidance. Help them understand that keeping their baptismal covenants will help them be worthy to receive His guidance.
- Ask each child to read one of the following scriptures and to explain what it teaches about how the Holy Ghost speaks to us: Helaman 5:30; Doctrine and Covenants 6:23; 8:2–3; 11:12–13.
Still small voice
Peace
Leadeth to do good
Fill your soul with joy
Enlighten your mind (Gives greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.)
In your mind and in your heart
- “How can I know when I am feeling the Holy Ghost?”(October 2012 Friend)
Several children share how they recognize the Spirit.
- Ask a child to read Matthew 3:11. How is the Holy Ghost like fire? For instance, fire can be comforting, and it gives light to guide us (see John 15:26; 2 Nephi 32:5).
Light:
Friend January 2021 “The Party Problem” Luz felt uneasy about going to a graduation party. It didn’t sound like the kind of party where she’d be able to feel the Holy Ghost. She thought about it, made her choice not to go, and then asked Heavenly Father if that was the right choice. Afterwards she felt a wave of warmth and light and knew she had made the right choice.
Comfort:
Friend October 2017 “Sarah and the MRI” Sarah had to have another scary MRI where she was all alone in a tube. Her mother reminder her that there was someone who could be with her to comfort her—the Holy Ghost. Her dad blessed her that she would feel the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and she did. The Holy Ghost felt warm and comforting like being wrapped in a blanket.
Refine: Fire can help refine gold and burns off the impurities that can’t be seen.
Ensign April 2016 “Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins” Conference address by Elder David A Bednar
“Additionally, the Holy Ghost is a sanctifier13 who cleanses and burns dross and evil out of human souls as though by fire.
The Savior Himself proclaimed, “Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.”25
Receiving the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost in our lives creates the possibility of an ongoing cleansing of our soul from sin. This joyous blessing is vital because “no unclean thing can dwell with God.”26
With the help of the Lord and through the power of His Spirit to “teach [us] all things,”31 indeed we can be blessed to realize our spiritual possibilities.”
Friend May 2017 “Why Do We Need the Gift of the Holy Ghost”
- Invite the children to close their eyes and hold out their hands. Then lightly brush their palms with a feather or string. Invite them to tell you when they feel it. What does this activity teach about recognizing the impressions of the Holy Ghost?
- Invite the children to share experiences they have had with the Holy Ghost. Why does keeping our covenants help us to have the guidance of the Holy Ghost?
I am blessed by the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” John the Baptist held the Aaronic Priesthood, so reading about him in Matthew 3 is a good opportunity to teach the children about the Aaronic Priesthood. Help them recognize the blessings and power that come to us through this priesthood.
- Invite the children to make a list of Aaronic Priesthood duties, using Doctrine and Covenants 20:46, 58–60; 84:111. Ask the children to look in Matthew 3 for examples of John fulfilling some of these duties. How can all of us invite others to come unto Christ, as John did?
- Display some pictures of Aaronic Priesthood holders performing the ordinances of baptism and the sacrament (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–4, 107–8). Discuss how these ordinances prepare us to receive Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement.
Friend May 2017 “Making the Sacrament Special” Fill in the missing words of the sacrament prayer for the bread. Then cut out the colored card and keep it in your scriptures to help make the sacrament special to you every Sunday!
- Read together Doctrine and Covenants 13:1, and testify that John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith. Ask the children how they have been blessed because the Aaronic Priesthood was restored.
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.
- 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.
- Share how keeping your baptismal covenants has blessed you.
Additional Resources
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
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”
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.
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).
Who were the Pharisees and Sadducees?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” The Pharisees were members of a Jewish religious party who prided themselves on strict observance of the law of Moses and its rituals. The Sadducees were a wealthy Jewish class with great religious and political influence; they did not believe in the doctrine of resurrection. Both groups had strayed from the original intent of God’s laws.
See also Matthew 23:23–28; Bible Dictionary, “Pharisees,” “Sadducees.”
The members of the Godhead are three separate beings.
Matthew 3:16–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3”The Bible contains numerous evidences that the members of the Godhead are three separate beings. The accounts of the Savior’s baptism are one example. As you read these accounts, ponder what you learn about the godhead. Why are these doctrines important to you?
See also Genesis 1:26; Matthew 17:1–5; John 17:1–3; Acts 7:55–56; Doctrine and Covenants 130:22.
