“Hey, Dad, why do people get baptized?”
So many parents and caring adults would love to hear their kids ask that question. It creates an amazing conversation starter that shows your child may be ready to take that next step in their faith. Many kids see their friends or older siblings step into the water of baptism and wonder, “Is that what I need to do too?”
But, what if your child isn’t sure about baptism? What if they have more questions than answers or maybe aren’t asking any questions? We can confidently say that even if your child isn’t asking these questions out loud, they’re still asking them in their head. That’s the amazing brilliance of raising a child: you can always see the gears turning as they try to figure out this crazy thing we call ‘life’.
So, how do you talk with your child about baptism? Why do we need to be baptized? What does the Bible say about sharing your faith through the act of baptism? These are just a few of the questions that many kids ask when it comes to baptism.
Where Did This Idea of Baptism Start?
In ancient times cloth makers would use different dyes to make brightly colored tunics, robes, shirts, any other type of cloth you can imagine. Cloth makers would use special jars or urns that would hold water filled with the right color of dye. They would take the cloth and immerse it in the dye for a period of time. Then, they would bring the cloth up out of the dye-colored water and the cloth matched the dye.
The Greek word is transliterated as baptizo, which means to immerse. When John the Baptist started baptizing people in the Jordan River, he matched the message of the coming Messiah Jesus with the symbol of dyeing cloth. (John 1: 6-8, 18-28) As people were immersed in the water, John wanted them to know that this act was a sign of matching the death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah.
Why Was Jesus Baptized?
Early in His ministry, we see Jesus being baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist (John 1:29-34). Of course, Jesus didn’t need to be baptized because He never sinned, so why get baptized? Simply put, Jesus showed us a way to remind ourselves about what happened through His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus was all about showing us the way forward in a radical new life.
Why Do Followers of Jesus Need to Be Baptized?
Now, of course, there are a lot of varying traditions from different denominations about the sacred practice of baptism. Wherever you may be when it comes to following Jesus, the important part is starting with faith in Jesus.
Baptism has no meaning unless Jesus died – just like we would have no need for a Savior if sin never entered the world. But this was all part of God’s plan. It’s all part of why Jesus came to live and walk among us – and die in our place. Unless you’re a follower of Jesus, baptism has no meaning.
Also, there’s nothing magical about the water – John the Baptist baptized in the dirty Jordan River. It was not a clean place to wash and bathe. The water is where baptism is a symbol. It gives us a visual reminder of what the power of the Gospel does to our hearts and lives when we say “Yes!” to the message of Jesus.
When we go under the water and come back up again, it’s our reminder – and a testimony to others watching – of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The power of the Holy Spirit washes our hearts clean and we rise again in a fresh, new life with Jesus. (1 Peter 3:21; Col. 2:12)
Best Bible Verses to Use When Talking to Kids About Baptism
As followers of Jesus, we go to the Bible for any questions about life, faith, God, and questions we may not know how to answer, including questions about baptism. If you’re starting a conversation with your child about baptism, we recommend going to these verses to help guide your conversation:
“God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. 9 It is not based on anything you have done. No one can brag about earning it.” – Ephesians 2:8-9, NIRV
“The water of the flood is a picture. It is a picture of the baptism that now saves you too. This baptism has nothing to do with removing dirt from your body. Instead, it promises God that you will keep a clear sense of right and wrong. This baptism saves you by the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 3:21, NIRV
“Paul said, “John baptized people, calling them to turn away from their sins. He told them to believe in the one who was coming after him. Jesus is that one.” – Acts 19:4, NIRV
“So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.” – Matthew 28:19-20, NIRV
“When you were baptized, you were buried together with Christ. And you were raised to life together with him when you were baptized. You were raised to life by believing in God’s work. God himself raised Jesus from the dead.” – Colossians 2:12, NIRV
How Do You Know When Your Child Is Ready to Be Baptized?
The truth is your child will know when they’re ready to be baptized because the Holy Spirit will lead them to that decision. Your job is to ask them great questions, guide them to different parts of Scripture that talk about baptism, and let them know it’s their choice.
The first place to start is asking them about who Jesus is to them: why baptism? What do they believe to be true about Jesus? How has Jesus changed their life and given them a new faith? These are great starting questions that will hopefully lead to an unforgettable moment as your child tells the world through baptism, “I’m with Jesus!”