Teaching Plan

Session 51: Jesus’ Baptism

Biblical Truth: Baptism is a symbol of our repentance and our desire to be right with God.
Fanning the Flame Question: What symbols have meaning in your life?

Large Group
Show “Play All” for session 51 on the DVD. If you want to lead a discussion after each section of the video, show “The
Spark,” “Fanning the Flame,” and “Combustion” separately. As an alternative, replace “Combustion” by using “Story Outline,
Session 51” to present the story of Mark 1:1-11 and John 1:29-34. If desired, distribute copies of “Listening Guide 51” to the
students to complete during “Combustion.”

Small Groups
(Note: Questions or activities that are more appropriate for younger youth or for older youth are marked by “YY” or “OY”
respectively.)
Preparation: Listen to “Jesus’ Baptism” by playing this CD in any CD player. Read Mark 1:1-11 and John 1:29-34 and
“Background for the Bible Passages, Session 51.”
1. Show “Time Line 51” and point out where today’s story fits.
2. Lead students to read Mark 1:1-11 and John 1:29-34 in their Bibles. Review the story and set the context of John the
Baptist's ministry. Do not spend too much time on this point, since the ministry of John the Baptist was introduced in
session 49.
3. Lead students in a discussion of the Scripture by asking the following questions:
• Why was it important that John came preaching about repentance and baptizing people after they confessed their sins?
• Does baptism save you? Why not? What is the purpose of baptism?
• As a Christian, will my walk with God be any different if I’m not baptized?
• Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Since He was already righteous, how would His baptism fulfill all righteousness?
(OY)
• What are the similarities of Jesus’ baptism and that of all Christians? What is different?
• In what ways was the grilled cheese sandwich a symbol? How was its symbolism different from that of baptism? (The
sandwich could mean different things to different people; baptism has one meaning for all people.)
• How is baptism a symbol of repentance?
• What happened during the baptism of Jesus that affirmed His relationship to God? What happened during your baptism
that affirmed your relationship to God?
• Why do some people play down the importance of baptism? What does the Bible say about a person’s obedience and
walk with God if he or she is not baptized? (OY)
• What obstacles in your life prevent you from following Christ today?
• How did John prepare the way for Jesus? How do you prepare the way for others to come to Jesus?
• How has God affirmed His love to you since you have been baptized?
• How are you continuing your walk in Christ?

Options
1. Call on a pre-enlisted student to present the FAITH outline after distributing the “Faith Matters” handout.
2. Distribute a copy of the handout “Circles” to each youth. Encourage each youth to write on the circles of influence names
of lost people for each category listed. After completion, ask youth to pray silently for those they have listed and for
opportunities to share Jesus with each one.

Continue
Hand out copies of “Exploring the Bible Daily 51.” Direct students to write questions or insights as they read.

© 2005 LifeWay Press®. Fuel: Igniting New Life with God’s Story 2.1. Permission granted to reproduce this item for church use only. Published in the United States of America.