“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.
What Does the Word Baptism Mean?
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 used this term that people were familiar with to describe this symbolic action. It would become a visible representation matching the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus which was to happen soon. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist it showed both his humanity and connection to us, as well as his deity as God. (John 1:26-34) Today, our baptism shows that we have become a follower of Jesus and want to be matched to his death, burial and resurrection to 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 happens to our hearts and lives when we say “Yes!” and believe the Gospel 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 has washed our hearts clean and we rise again in a fresh, new life with Jesus. (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
“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
When is the Right Time for Your Child to be Baptized?
Baptism is a sacred milestone, marking new life as a Christ-follower. Many children, especially after learning about baptism or seeing a baptism service, desire to be baptized. This is a wonderful desire, and we encourage children to continue to take strides in their faith. At the same time, it is very important for a child to understand what baptism is and to show this through a desire to live for Jesus over time. We find that usually happens close to age 13.
That doesn’t mean you can’t start talking about baptism before then. To do that, ask them great questions, guide them to different parts of Scripture that talk about baptism. You don’t have to figure this out on your own, because we have a resource packet to help walk you through this process by providing Scripture passages and questions to ask. To request a copy, just email baptism@blackrock.org and let us know you’d like one.