First Thoughts: This passage from Luke marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. Up to this point he has been a "private" citizen, a lay person just living his life. Now, though, he begins a new phase in his life, putting all of his effort into the work of God on earth. Historically in the church this is precisely what baptism indicated -- a radical shift from living in the world to living for the gospel. In your preparation for this lesson, spend some time thinking about the times in your life where you were conscious of a shift toward more faithful living, perhaps through changing careers, opening to a new relationship, or making a change in your lifestyle choices. How did you mark that shift? How did God express approval and support? Consider that God is working in the lives of these young ones too, so that they might be called into a shift toward faith this new year. Ask God's help and grace in being part of their growth.
Teaching On Your Own: Hey guys! Guess what I'm doing? We just started a new year, right? I thought a great way to embrace that new beginning would be to find a new name. So that's what I'm trying to come up with. What do you think? (reads) Is this a year for "Petunia" or "Daisy Marie" or -- oh! "Zenobi!" Do you like any of those?
When we talk about new beginnings, it reminds me of our Bible passage today when Jesus has a new beginning. See, for most of his life Jesus was pretty much like everybody else: working, eating, hanging out with friends. But then he decided it was time to make a change and dedicate himself full time to sharing God's love in the world. So he came to the Jordan River to be baptized. And you know what happened after he was baptized? Jesus was praying when suddenly something that looked like a dove came down from the sky and landed on him. It was the Holy Spirit. A voice came out from the heavens, saying, "You are my son, the beloved; in you I am well pleased." That would be amazing to see, wouldn't it? And it gave Jesus the encouragement to go out and do God's work in the world. Hey, do you think God feels that same way about us? That God is pleased with us and calls us God's children? You know, I think that's exactly how God feels about us. And you know what that means? I have my new name this year. Beloved!
Teaching As A Team:
Leader 2: (thinks hard) Um, Beauregard! (writes it down)
Leader 1: Hey (name), what are you doing?
Leader 2: We just started a new year, right? I thought a great way to embrace that new beginning would be to find a new name.
Leader 1: A new name?
Leader 2: Sure. I mean, maybe this is a year for "Beauregard" or "Sylvester" or -- oh! "Mauricio"!
Leader 1: Hmm, maybe so. You know, when you talk about new beginnings you remind me of our Bible passage today, where Jesus had a new beginning. See, for most of his life Jesus was pretty much like everybody else: working, eating, hanging out with friends. But then he decided it was time to make a change and dedicate himself full time to sharing God's love in the world. So he came to the Jordan River to be baptized.
Leader 2: What happened next?
Leader 1: After Jesus was baptized and as he was praying, something that looked like a dove suddenly came down from the sky and landed on him. It was the Holy Spirit. A voice came out from the heavens, saying, "You are my son, the beloved; in you I am well pleased."
Leader 2: That must have been amazing to see.
Leader 1: I'm sure it was. And it gave Jesus the encouragement to go out and do God's work in the world.
Leader 2: Hey, do you think God feels that same way about us? That God is pleased with us and calls us God's children?
Leader 1: Yeah, I think that's exactly how God feels about us.
Leader 2: Then I guess I have my new name this year.
Leader 1: What's that?
Leader 2: Beloved!
Leader 1: Now that's a great name!
Closing Prayer: God, be with us in this time of new beginning, reminding us that we belong to you and you love us. Help us to know that, as you love us, you call us to offer that love to others as well. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.
Follow-Up Lesson: To reinforce this message in a home or classroom setting, spend a bit more time talking about the importance of names. Ask the children if they know where their name came from or the meaning of their names. Be prepared to find out meanings for those children who don't know them offhand (a baby name book or access to the internet.) Naming is the first act of blessing in a child's life.
In the scripture we see that naming doesn't only happen at the beginning of life, but at key transitional moments. You might give the children a few examples: Sarai becomes Sarah, Jacob becomes Israel, Saul becomes Paul. Baptism is also a transitional moment where we make public our intention to live as Christians in the world. It makes sense at this moment in Jesus' life as he receives a blessing name, that of "Beloved." This was important for Jesus since he was going out into the world to share God's love, and he needed to remember as he went how much God loved him too. The same is important for us as well.
One idea for a craft is to provide the children with some letter beads and twine, allowing them to create their own "name" necklaces or bracelets. Remind them to include their own names and the word "beloved," or perhaps only "beloved." When the jewelry is completed, offer a blessing over them that as the children wear them they will remember wherever they go they will know God's love goes with them.
