Directions

1. Have students read the Gospel passage, or read it aloud to your students, and then answer the focus questions. You may have students answer them on their own or you may discuss them together as a class.
2. Review and discuss the answers to the focus questions.
3. Have students complete the Why was Jesus Baptized activity and complete the focus questions. Review and discuss the answers when finished.
4. Play for your students the song “Come to the Water” sung by Matt Maher, found at the following link: SophiaOnline.org/CometotheWater. Have students follow along with the lyrics from the “Come to the Water” Reflection handout.
5. After listening to and reflecting on the song, have your students respond to the reflection question on the “Come to the Water” Reflection handout. When finished, discuss the responses to the reflection question.

Answer Key

Focus Questions

1. Expectation. They were asking in their hearts if John was the Messiah.
2. John told them that he was baptizing them with water while one mightier than he is coming to baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire.
3. Jesus. He was baptized by John.
4. Heaven opened up and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove.
5. “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 

Why was Jesus Baptized?

1. Jesus’ acceptance and inauguration of His mission as God’s suffering servant.
2. To be numbered among sinners.
3. Jesus is already “the Lamb of God,” He is already anticipating the “baptism” of His bloody death, and He is already coming to fulfill all righteousness and submit Himself to the Father’s will.
4. The Son’s acceptance.
5. The Holy Spirit rests upon Jesus, who will now be the source of the Spirit for all mankind. The descent of the Son of God and the Holy Spirit is a prelude to the New Creation.

Directions

1. Read the Gospel passage aloud to your students as they follow along. Then discuss the focus and reflection questions with them as a class.
2. Have students complete the The Baptism of Christ Spot the Differences activity. Tell your students to compare the two versions of the painting The Baptism of Christ by Antoine Coipel and find 7 differences between the two images. Have them circle the differences.

Answer Key

Focus Questions

1. Expectation. They were asking in their hearts if John was the Messiah.
2. John told them that he was baptizing them with water.
3. The one coming after him would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire.
4. Heaven opened up and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove.
5. "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."