The Day Heaven Opened: A Story of Jesus" Baptism
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Join Jesus as He shares the wondrous story of His baptism in the Jordan River, where the Holy Spirit descended and a voice from heaven declared Him to be God's own Son. Discover ancient customs and the deep love of God!
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John baptizes Jesus Matthew 3: 13-17.
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and [a]He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Introduction to The Story of Jesus" Baptism
My dear children, gather 'round, for I have a most special story to tell you today, a story about a very important day in My life, and indeed, in the life of all creation. It is a story about how God, My Father, showed everyone who I truly am.
The Dusty Roads and Busy Lives of Galilee
Imagine, if you will, the land where I grew up. It was a place of sun-drenched hills and fertile valleys, much like the fields some of your fathers work today, or the homes your mothers care for. Our days began early, with the crow of a rooster, much like the birds you hear outside your windows. The men would head to their fields, perhaps to plow with oxen, or to tend to their olive groves, hoping for a good harvest of oil to light their lamps and flavor their food.
The women, with their strong hands, would grind grain to make bread, fetch water from the village well, often carrying heavy clay jars on their heads, and weave cloth for our garments. It was a life of hard work, but also of great joy and community. We shared our meals, helped our neighbors, and always, always gathered to hear the words of God in the synagogue.
In those days, just like now, families were very important. Children like you would learn from their parents, helping with chores, listening to stories, and growing strong in body and spirit. Life was simpler, perhaps, than what some of you know with your fast chariots and bright screens, but the love in our families was just as deep, and the lessons we learned were just as valuable.
A Man Crying in the Wilderness: John the Baptizer
Now, a very special cousin of Mine, a man named John, had been living in the wilderness, eating wild honey and locusts, and wearing clothes made of camel's hair. Can you imagine that? He was a strong voice, calling out to all the people of Israel. He preached that everyone should turn away from their wrongdoings and turn back to God. He told them to show this change in their hearts by being baptized in the Jordan River.
Many, many people came to John, from all the towns and villages, even from far-off Jerusalem. They walked dusty roads, leaving their homes and their work for a time, because they knew in their hearts that John's message was important. They knew they needed to make things right with God.
People were baptized to show that they were entering a new beginning. It was a sign that God was washing away their old sins and giving them a new spirit. Baptism was a way of saying, "God, I want to follow you with all my heart!"
My Journey to the Jordan River
One day, I, too, left My home in Galilee and traveled many miles to the Jordan River, the very river that flows down from the northern mountains, through our land, and empties into the Dead Sea. It's a beautiful river, sometimes rushing, sometimes calm, and its banks were often crowded with people seeking John.
When I came to John, he was surprised! "Why do you come to me?" he asked. "I should be baptized by you!" John knew in his heart that I was special, even before this day.
But I told him, "Let it be so now; for in this way we must fulfill all righteousness." It meant that it was right for Me to set an example, to show everyone the way.
The Heavens Opened Wide!
So, I stepped into the cool waters of the Jordan with John. And as John baptized Me, something truly amazing happened. As I came up out of the water, the heavens themselves opened wide! Can you imagine seeing the sky part like a great curtain? And then, a beautiful, pure white dove descended, not just like a bird flying by, but as if it were gently floating down, coming to rest upon Me.
This was the Holy Spirit, God's very own Spirit, coming to Me in a way that John could see.
But that was not all! A voice, strong and clear, echoed from the heavens, a voice filled the air and touched my heart. It was the voice of God, My Father. He said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
John also saw the dove and heard my Father speak from Heaven
My cousin John, the Baptizer, later told his followers that the one who had sent him to baptize with water had given him a special sign: “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”
And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” John saw it! He heard it! And he knew it was the special sign God promised!
Why Was This So Important?
Do you understand, My dear ones, what this meant? It meant that I am the Son of God! The dove was the Holy Spirit, and the voice was God the Father. My Father revealed that I am indeed God, and that He loves me.
I am loved by My Father, and He wanted all to know it. This was the beginning of My public work, showing people the way to God, teaching them about love, forgiveness, and eternal life.
John saw the dove and testified saying, "I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God." (John 1:34). It was a moment of profound revelation, a truly divine endorsement for all who witnessed it and for all who would later hear of it.
Your Own Baptism
Perhaps some of you have been baptized, or you will be one day. It is a special way to show that you want to follow Me, just as I showed the way by being baptized. It is a symbol of a new life, with sins forgiven, a life clean and dedicated to God.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who was John the Baptizer?
A1: John was Jesus' cousin and a prophet sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus. He preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River as a sign of their commitment to turn back to God.
God told John that the Son of God would come to be baptized. When you see the dove from Heaven descend on Him, you will know this is my Son, said the Father (John 1:29–34 )
Q2: Why did Jesus need to be baptized if He was perfect?
A2: Jesus didn't need to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, as He was without sin. Instead, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, meaning to set an example for us and to identify with humanity in our need for God. It was also a public affirmation of His divine mission.
Q3: What did the dove symbolize?
A3: The dove symbolized the Holy Spirit. In ancient Israel, doves were often used in sacrifices and symbolized purity and peace. Its descent upon Jesus signified that He was filled with and empowered by God's Spirit for His ministry.
Q4: How did John know it was God speaking from heaven?
A4: The voice was heard by John and likely by others present. It was distinct and authoritative, affirming Jesus' identity as God's beloved Son. This miraculous event served as a powerful sign from heaven.
Conclusion
My dear children, the story of My baptism is a story of God's immense love and His clear declaration of who I am. It shows you that I am not just a man, but the Son of God, sent to show you the way to your Heavenly Father.
Always remember that just as God spoke over Me, He speaks over you too, loving you and calling you His own precious children. Seek Him, listen to Him, and always know that you are deeply, truly loved. Will you follow Me and listen for God's voice in your life?
References
Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row, P., & Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). Harper’s Bible Dictionary. Harper & Row. (Provides context on ancient Israelite customs and beliefs).Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke 1:1-9:50 (Vol. 2). Baker Academic. (For insights into Luke's account of the baptism and historical context).
YouTube. (n.d.). The Baptism of Jesus - Superbook. Retrieved from
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