The story summary and questions were written in a way that makes it possible to use a New Testament reference in place of the Urantia reference. A selected chapter from a 1932 book, Treasure-House of the Living Religions, supports a spiritual theme that is found within the story. Children will use a one page handout that includes a coloring picture.
The Urantia Book
Students may read Paper 135:8.5-6 or entire section
Before Jesus began his ministry, he went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said, “I need to be baptized by you!” But John did as Jesus wished and baptized him with water from the Jordan. Then, Matthew’s gospel says, “The heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’”
Discussion Questions
Many people came to John to be baptized. What are some things you know about baptism? In this lesson, we learn about some special things that were seen and heard during Jesus’ baptism. Why did those things happen?
He is perfect in appearance a man, in reality a god.
Unconditioned himself, he falls in with the conditioned.
Pure himself, he can still tolerate others.
If men are without the Supreme,
by a mere look he calls them to a sense of error,
and causes their intentions to melt away. (Taoism)
As He Who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy
in all manner of living. (Christianity)
