Matthew 3 · Grade 4
The Father, the Son and the Spirit
Read and Think
John the Baptist was a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. Isaiah had written about a voice crying in the wilderness, "Make the way of the Lord ready!" John lived simply, wearing camel's hair and eating locusts and wild honey. And he called everyone to repent because the Kingdom of Heaven was near.
When some proud religious leaders came, John warned them that being Abraham's family was not enough. They needed to show real change, like a tree bearing good fruit. John also pointed beyond himself: the One coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus came to John at the Jordan. John objected, but Jesus said it was fitting to fulfill all righteousness. At His baptism we see the Trinity: the Son in the water, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Show What You Know
What was John's main message?
What did John mean by bearing good fruit?
What did John say the One coming after him would do?
How do we see the Father, Son and Spirit at Jesus' baptism?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- John the Baptist was a prophet who prepared the way for .
- And he called everyone to because the Kingdom of Heaven was near.
- They needed to show real change, like a tree bearing fruit.
- also pointed beyond himself: the One coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus came to John at the .
Think About It
Repenting means turning from sin to God. Why is it good news that we can turn back to God?
John pointed people to Jesus instead of to himself. How can you point others to Jesus?
Memory Verse
“Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.””
Matthew 3:17 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for this Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you get your heart ready for Jesus?
- John warned that trees with no good crop will be cut down. What good things do you want God to grow in you?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.