Day 4:
The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3)
Today the focus is that God uses water as a gift to us and a sign of God’s love for us.
Bible Story:
The story of the baptism of Jesus (Bible Story Day 4)helps children to know that Jesus was a real
person, baptized in real water, just like they were (of course, some of the children may not have
been baptized – you may speak to them in terms of anticipating the day on which they will be
baptized). This story is most effective if told by John the Baptizer himself – just a few simple
props (a branch for a staff, a rough fabric shirt, a leather belt) will give the illusion. If possible,
this is a wonderful time to take the children to the sanctuary and let them (respectfully!) feel the
water in the font. Talk with them about the day they were baptized – who was there, whether
they cried, how did the water probably feel. Discuss the significance of baptism – inclusion in
the family of God, a new beginning, a uniting with Jesus, who was also baptized in water. In
baptism, water is used as a symbol (reminder) of God’s love for us. Share a prayer of thanks for
all of God’s gifts, including water and God’s love.
Mission:
The focus for this day is the value of water. Talk with the children about ways in which we use
water (drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing clothes, dishes, bathing, swimming, boating,
watering plants, flushing the toilet) – perhaps have magazine pictures. Using a gallon jug full of
water, ask them how many of these it takes for these activities (5 for a one-minute shower, 6 to
brush teeth with water running, 2 to flush, 75 to water the grass for 10 minutes!). Can they think
of ways that we can take care of the gift of water? To emphasize the water of baptism, Day 4
Mission activity is appropriate.
Crafts:
The Circle of Baptism craft is appropriate for young children, and the Daisy Chain craft, as well,
if it is a rather small group and the strips are pre-cut.
Recreation/Snack:
Today is an outside art activity: let the children create ‘spray-paintings’, using large sheets of
paper and spray bottles filled with water tinted with food coloring (use smocks!). The children
enjoy seeing the colors run together to make new colors. (Variation: wet the paper, lay it flat, and
sprinkle with several colors of tempera paint). Art work should dry before taking home.
Rev. 1/06