In Matthew 3, John the Baptist tells people to turn away from their wrongs and get ready for Jesus, and then Jesus is baptized and God says He is pleased with Him. Children ages 5 to 11 can learn this in about 20 to 30 minutes, and it works well with a simple drawing and a short movement.
Big Idea
God sent John to help people get ready for Jesus, and God loves Jesus very much. When we say sorry to God and turn back to Him, we are getting ready to follow Jesus too.
Memory Verse
Matthew 3:2
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand up tall, then bend down slowly like they are bowing, and then stand up again with their arms out wide. Say the verse together as you bend and stand, so the words and the movement stay linked in their minds.
The Story: Matthew 3 for Kids
A man named John lived out in the wilderness, which is a wide, empty place with rocks and sand. He wore clothes made of camel hair and tied a leather belt around his waist. For food, he ate locusts and wild honey, which tells us he did not live in a fancy house or eat fancy meals.
John told the people, “Turn away from your wrong ways, because the kingdom of heaven is coming near!” He was helping them get ready for someone very special who was about to come. Many people walked out from the cities to hear him, and they went into the Jordan River to be baptized. They said sorry to God for the wrong things they had done.
Some religious leaders came to see John too. John spoke to them plainly and told them that they must truly change their hearts and live in a way that shows it. He wanted them to know that being related to Abraham was not enough by itself.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. John felt unsure and said, “I need to be baptized by you, not you by me!” Jesus answered that it was right for them to do this together, so John agreed.
When Jesus came up out of the water, the sky opened up, and the Holy Spirit came down like a dove and rested on Him. Then a voice from heaven spoke. The voice said that Jesus is God’s dearly loved Son, and that God is very pleased with Him.
Read It Together
Matthew 3:1-3
1 In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.”
(WEB)
Point out that John was sent to prepare the way for the Lord, just like someone clearing a road before a king comes through. Ask the children what they think it means to get ready for someone important. Keep the focus on John’s job of pointing people toward Jesus.
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.
(WEB)
Explain that John baptized with water, but the one coming after him would be even greater. Show the children that John was happy to point to Jesus rather than to himself. Help them see that Jesus is the One we follow.
Matthew 3:16-17
16 Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. 17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
(WEB)
Point out how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all present at Jesus’ baptism. Let the children find the words where God says He is pleased with His Son. Explain that God loves Jesus, and this is a moment we can celebrate together.
Talk About It
- What did John tell the people they needed to do to get ready for Jesus?
- Why do you think John wore simple clothes and ate simple food?
- How did John feel about pointing people to Jesus instead of to himself?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to be baptized, even though He never sinned?
- What did God say about Jesus from heaven, and how does that make you feel?
Activity Ideas
Draw the River Scene
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a blue marker or colored pencil. Ask them to draw the Jordan River with John standing on the bank and Jesus in the water. Let them add the dove and the open sky, and talk through each part as they draw.
Road Clearing Relay
Set up a simple course with cones, chairs, or pillows that the children need to move out of the way as they race. Explain that John was clearing the way for Jesus, so each child must clear a path for the next runner. Cheer for everyone who helps make the path straight and clear.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Cut a piece of cardboard or heavy paper into a small card for each child. Have them write or draw one way they can get ready for Jesus this week, such as saying sorry or helping someone. Encourage them to keep the card on their bedside table or in their backpack.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God prepares the way for His Son, and that real repentance means a changed heart and changed actions, not just a religious family history. John points to Jesus at every turn, and the scene at the Jordan shows the whole Trinity together at the start of Jesus’ public ministry. Adults can be reminded that God’s kingdom is near and that we are invited to turn toward Him.
Avoid suggesting to children that baptism itself is what saves them or that a child must understand everything before they can follow Jesus. Keep the focus on God’s love and on turning back to Him. Let children know that saying sorry and trusting Jesus is what matters most, rather than getting the details of the story exactly right.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for sending John to help people get ready for Jesus. Help us to turn away from our wrong ways and turn toward You. Thank You that You love Jesus so much, and that You love us too. Help us to point others toward Jesus, just like John did. Amen.
