Jesus Christ was baptized to show “unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments” and to set an example for us (see 2 Nephi 31:7, 9 ; see also Matthew 3:13–17 ). When we are baptized, we also show that we are willing to follow the Savior and obey His commandments. After Jesus was baptized, “the Holy Ghost descended upon him” ( 2 Nephi 31:8 ). After we are baptized, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost through the ordinance of confirmation. This means that we can have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost if we keep the commandments.

To prepare yourself spiritually to teach this lesson, please read and ponder the following:

Learning Activities

Begin with a gathering activity. For ideas, see page 3.

Prayer Invite a child to give the opening prayer.

Picture Show the picture of Jesus Christ being baptized (page 110). Point out details in the picture (Jesus, the water, John the Baptist, and so on). Explain that Jesus was baptized because He loves Heavenly Father and wants to obey Him. Invite the children to say “Jesus” and “baptized” with you.

Poem Point to different parts of the picture while you recite the words to the first verse of “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101). Invite the children to point with you. Jesus came to John the Baptist, (point to Jesus, then to John) In Judea long ago, And was baptized by immersion In the River Jordan’s flow. (point to the water) You may want to explain that “immersion” means that Jesus went all the way under the water when He was baptized.

Picture Show the picture of the girl being baptized (page 110) and point out the similarities between the two pictures. Tell the children that they can be baptized, just like Jesus was, when they are eight years old. Hold up eight fingers, four on each hand, and count them. Repeat, and invite the children to do it with you. Emphasize that being baptized is one way we can follow Jesus; when we are baptized we show that we love Heavenly Father and want to obey Him.

Illustrations Show the illustrations on page 111. Talk to the children about what is happening in the illustrations. Explain that after we are baptized, we are confirmed. Invite the children to say “confirmed.” Tell them this means that men who hold the priesthood put their hands on our head to give us the gift of the Holy Ghost. I Will Be Baptized I Will Be Confirmed

Conclusion Invite the children to say, “I will be baptized and confirmed,” a few words at a time. Briefly tell the children how you felt when you were baptized and confirmed.

Prayer Invite a child to give the closing prayer.