This animated Bible story for kids tells the story of the Baptism of Jesus. Biblical passages: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; John 1:29-34.
The Baptism of Jesus, also known as “the baptism of the Lord,” is a central event in Christianity. It is the point in time when God the Father approves of the plan of His Son, Jesus, to perform His mission.
When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God descended on him in the form of a dove. This is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who comes to equip Jesus for ministry.
Matthew, in his gospel, presents a detailed account of Jesus’ inauguration into his earthly ministry. John the Baptist’s baptism is used as a model for the event.
The opening passage, found in the third chapter, is a brief synopsis of the baptismal event. At the climax, Jesus rises from the water, seeing the heavens open.
What happens next is more complicated than it seems. First, the devil tests Jesus’ commitment to God. In the process, Jesus recognizes that he is the Messiah, the one who will fulfill the Father’s will.
Next, God the Father announces that Jesus is his son, the Son of God. He makes this announcement in the form of a voice, as well. The same Spirit of God, which descended on Jesus in the dove-like form, also lands on him.
This event is the first of three important moments in the ministry of Jesus. Each provides evidence that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
