Following the Example

Over the past several weeks, we've been following Jesus' incredible story from the very beginning. Remember when we learned about the angel appearing to Joseph in a dream? The angel told him that Mary would have a son and they should name him Jesus - which means "God saves." Then we discovered how Joseph and Mary had to travel all the way to Bethlehem for a census, and Jesus was born in a stable because every hotel was full. We studied the wise men who followed a star for months, maybe even years, to find the newborn King. And we learned how God protected baby Jesus when the jealous King Herod wanted to hurt him, sending an angel to warn Joseph to escape to Egypt with his family.

Now let's hit the fast forward button and jump ahead about 30 years! Jesus is now a grown man, probably around the same age as your parents or teachers. He's left his hometown of Nazareth and traveled to the Jordan River, where something incredible is about to happen.

At the Jordan River, there was a man named John - we call him John the Baptist because he baptized people. John was Jesus' cousin, and he had been preparing people for Jesus' arrival by telling them to turn away from their sins and be baptized as a sign of their commitment to follow God. People came from all over the region to hear John preach and to be baptized by him.

Then one day, Jesus himself came to John and asked to be baptized. Can you imagine John's surprise? This was like the most famous person in the world asking you to teach them something! John knew that Jesus was perfect and had never sinned, so he was confused. "I should be baptized by you!" John said. "Why are you coming to me?"

But Jesus had a very important reason. He told John, "It must be done, for we must do all that God requires." You see, Jesus wasn't being baptized because he had sins to wash away - he was being baptized to show us the right way to live and to officially begin his ministry. He was setting an example for all of us to follow.

So John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. But here's where the story gets absolutely amazing! As Jesus came up out of the water, the Bible tells us that heaven itself opened up. The Holy Spirit came down from heaven and landed on Jesus like a gentle dove. Then God the Father's voice spoke from heaven for everyone to hear: "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Think about this incredible moment - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit were all present together! This is called the Trinity, and it shows us that God exists as three persons but is still one God. It's like water that can be ice, liquid, or steam - three different forms but still the same substance.

But why was this moment so important? Jesus' baptism was like his official introduction to the world. It was God's way of saying, "This is my Son, and he's about to do something amazing!" From this moment on, Jesus would begin teaching, healing, and showing people what God's love looks like.

Jesus chose to be baptized even though he didn't need to be forgiven for anything. He did it because it was part of God's plan and because he wanted to show us how to live. When we follow Jesus' example and get baptized, we're making a public statement that we want to follow him and live the way he wants us to live.

Here's something to think about: If Jesus, who was perfect, thought it was important enough to be baptized, what does that tell us about following God's will in our own lives? Jesus could have said, "I don't need this," but instead he said, "This is what God wants me to do, so I'll do it." That's the kind of attitude God wants us to have too.

As we start this new year, we can learn from Jesus' example. Sometimes God asks us to do things that might seem unnecessary or difficult - like being kind to someone who's been mean to us, or helping with chores when we'd rather play, or standing up for what's right even when it's not popular. But just like Jesus, we can choose to say, "This is what God wants me to do, so I'll do it."

What are some ways you can follow Jesus' example this year? Maybe it's being more patient with your little brother, or helping your parents without being asked, or being brave enough to invite the new kid at school to sit with you at lunch. When we choose to do what pleases God, just like Jesus did, we can know that God is pleased with us too.

Let's think about some questions together: Why do you think it was important for Jesus to be baptized? How do you think John felt when he heard God's voice from heaven? What does it mean to you that Jesus chose to follow God's will even when he didn't have to? And how can we follow Jesus' example of obedience in our daily lives?

Remember, the same God who said he was pleased with Jesus is the same God who loves you and wants to be pleased with the choices you make. When you choose to follow Jesus' example, you're showing God that you love him and want to live in a way that makes him smile.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to live. As we begin this new year, help us to follow Jesus' example of obedience and love. Help us to make choices that please you, even when it's hard. Give us courage to do what's right and wisdom to know your will. Thank you for loving us just like you love Jesus. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.