Youth Sermon: The Baptism of Jesus

Introduction

Hey everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something that might seem a bit strange at first, but stick with me, okay? We're going to look at how God's ways are often counterintuitive, which means they might not make sense to us at first. But trust me, there's a reason for it all.

But first, let's do a quick object lesson. I want you to think of a time when you tried to solve a problem, but the solution seemed totally weird or unexpected. Maybe you tried to open a jar by tapping the lid on the counter, or you used a hairdryer to fix a dented ping pong ball. These solutions might seem strange, but they actually work!

We're going to look at how God's ways are often counterintuitive, which means they might not make sense to us at first.

Jesus' Baptism and God's Counterintuitive Ways

Now, let's dive into the story. Jesus goes to John the Baptist to be baptized, but John is like, 'You should be baptizing me, not the other way around!' But Jesus insists, saying it's the right thing to do. This is our first example of God's counterintuitive ways. Even though it didn't make sense to John, Jesus knew it was part of God's plan.

We see this kind of thing happen with Peter too. He tries to stop Jesus from going to the cross and from washing his feet. But Jesus reminds him that God's ways are not our ways. Sometimes, what God wants us to do might seem strange or unexpected, but there's always a reason for it.

Trusting God and Understanding the Trinity

So, what does this mean for us? Well, it means that we need to trust God, even when His plans don't make sense to us. We need to remember that we're on the same team with God, and together, we can do amazing things.

Now, let's talk about how Jesus' baptism shows us the Trinity - God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. When Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes down like a dove, and God the Father speaks, saying, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' This is super important because it shows us that Jesus is the Son of God, and through Him, we can have a relationship with God the Father.

Practical Life Application and Prayer

So, what's the practical life application here? It's simple: trust God and remember that you and God make a great team. Even when His ways seem strange or unexpected, trust that He knows what He's doing. And most importantly, remember that through Jesus, we have a direct connection to God the Father.

Let's pray: 'Lord Jesus, help us to trust in Your counterintuitive ways and to remember that we're on the same team with You. Thank You for giving us access to our heavenly Father through Your sacrifice. Help us to live our lives in a way that honors You and brings glory to God. Amen.'

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Can you think of a time when God's plans seemed counterintuitive or confusing to you? How did you respond?

2. How does knowing that Jesus is the Son of God change the way you view your relationship with God?

3. What are some ways you can partner with God in your daily life to bring His kingdom to earth?

4. How can we support each other in trusting God's counterintuitive ways and following His plans for our lives?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Counterintuitive Charades
• Group Activity: Trinity Artwork
• Youth Challenge: Partnering with God and Reflecting on the Trinity