Children’s Program, Jun 30, 10am

This Sunday we will read Mark 1:1–15 and explore the next stage of Jesus’ life, his baptism. The children’s program begins in our 10am service in the sanctuary. After receiving a blessing, the children leave for their activities.

If you have any questions, contact our Family Ministry Director Jen Black.

The Lesson

In the story, John the Baptist was “calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins.” Jesus came and John baptized him. When Jesus emerged from the water, he saw the heavens opened and “the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. And there was a voice from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.’” Then Jesus began to preach: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Jesus’ baptism is meaningful for us today. It shows Jesus is God’s Son, the one in whom God is “well pleased.” In Jesus, we experience God. Jesus proclaimed God’s kingdom has come—now! In Jesus, God is establishing God’s reign for everyone. The result is that all should follow the message of John and Jesus: “Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news.” The good news is that God reigns and forgives sins. We receive forgiveness, we follow Jesus, and we live as God desires.