Opening Game
Sock Link Solidarity
This is a funny and active game that gets everyone thinking about teamwork and solidarity. You’ll need several clean, long socks or fabric strips—one for every pair of youth. Choose socks that are stretchy and strong enough to tie around two wrists.
Have the group form pairs. Tie the left wrist of one person to the right wrist of their partner using a sock. Now each pair has to work together with one hand each. Their goal? Complete a series of simple challenges without untying the sock. Some fun examples:
- Open a granola bar and share it
- Tie a shoelace
- Draw a smiley face on a piece of paper
- Fold a towel
- Build a small block tower
- Make a jelly sandwich
Let each pair try all the challenges in five to seven minutes. It will get silly fast—but the key is working together.
Follow-Up Questions:
- What was the hardest part about being tied to someone else?
- Did you have to slow down or change your way of doing things?
- How did it feel to work together so closely?
- What does this game show us about being connected to others?
That game was goofy, but it probably also got you thinking. It’s not easy to be tied to someone else and try to do everyday tasks. You have to work together, adjust, and sometimes let go of your own way of doing things. But you also start to feel what it’s like to not be alone—to move together.
In real life, we’re not physically tied together, but we’re still connected. When someone else is hurting, it affects us. When someone feels left out, we can choose to step in. That’s what solidarity means. It means standing with others, even when it’s awkward, uncomfortable, or inconvenient.
That’s exactly what Jesus does in today’s Gospel. He chooses to be baptized—not because he needs it, but because he wants to stand with others. He wants to stand with us. Let’s read the story and see how his example speaks to us today.
Scripture Reading
Read Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus’ Baptism at the Jordan), the Gospel for the Baptism of the Lord Year A:
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.
John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Then he allowed him.
After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Discussion
Let’s take a moment to look at something that might seem strange at first. In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus goes to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. But here’s the thing—Jesus never sinned. So why would he need to be baptized? Isn’t baptism about washing away sin?
That’s a really good question. And it’s something that Christians have asked for a long time. If Jesus is perfect, why does he step into the water like everyone else?
The answer teaches us something very important about who Jesus is. He didn’t get baptized because he needed to be cleaned from sin. He got baptized to show us that he is with us. He lined up with regular people. He didn’t act like he was above them. He stepped into their world. He stepped into our world. He chose to share in our human experience.
This is called solidarity. It means standing with others, especially when you don’t have to. Jesus did not stand off to the side and tell people how to live. He got in the water with them. He joined them. He joins us. He wants to be close to us in every part of our lives.
Think about that for a minute. Jesus didn’t come to show off. He came to show up. He came to be near us—in our joy, in our struggles, in our mistakes, and in our hopes. He knows what it’s like to be human. He understands what we go through. He came to stand with us so we wouldn’t be alone.
And then something amazing happens in the story. As soon as Jesus is baptized, the sky opens up. The Holy Spirit comes down like a dove. And God the Father speaks from heaven. He says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” It’s a moment where we see the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—all present. And it shows that Jesus is fully known, fully loved, and fully sent.
Now here’s the part that connects to us. When we were baptized, even if we were babies, God did something very real. He claimed us. He said, “You are my beloved.” That’s who you are. And that never changes. Even if you forget it. Even if you mess up. You are still God’s child. You are still loved.
So what does this mean for how we live?
Jesus showed us what it looks like to walk with others. He didn’t stay separate. He didn’t act too good for anyone. He listened. He cared. He got close. And we are called to do the same. When someone at school is left out, we can sit with them. When a friend is having a hard time, we can be there. When someone is hurting, we can show love. This is what following Jesus looks like.
And it all starts with baptism. Baptism isn’t just something that happened once in the past. It’s something we live every day. It reminds us that we belong to God and we belong to each other. We’re part of a big family of faith. We’re not alone.
So yes, following Jesus starts with water. But it doesn’t stop there. It means choosing every day to love like he did. To care like he did. To stand with others, even when it’s hard. That’s what Jesus did for us. And now we get to do the same.
Small Group Reflection Questions
For this lesson plan on solidarity and the baptism of Jesus, small group discussions can help youth open up and connect more personally. Encourage each person to share, but remind the group that it’s okay to listen quietly too. Ask leaders to keep the conversation respectful and focused. Give time for everyone who wants to speak. These questions are meant to help youth think about how this Scripture story relates to their lives.
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to be baptized even though he had no sin?
- How do you feel knowing that Jesus chose to stand with regular people?
- What does it mean to you to be called “beloved” by God?
- Can you think of a time when someone stood with you during a hard time?
- What are some ways we can stand with others like Jesus did?
- How can remembering your baptism help you live your faith?
- Is it hard to stand with others when they are struggling or left out? Why or why not?
- What do you think the Holy Spirit is doing in your life right now?
- How can this story help you see others differently?
- What is one thing you can do this week to follow Jesus’ example of solidarity?
Challenge
Here’s your challenge for the week: look for a way to stand with someone else, just like Jesus did. It doesn’t have to be a big moment. It can be small, but it should be real. Maybe someone at school is having a rough time, and you can check in with them. Maybe someone sits alone at lunch, and you can join them or just say hello. If a friend is struggling, just being there and listening can mean a lot.
You can also live this out at home or in your neighborhood. Help someone in your family without being asked. If a sibling or classmate is feeling down, offer a kind word or prayer. These are simple ways to live the message of solidarity. Jesus stepped into the water with us. This week, step into someone else’s world with love and care. That’s how you follow him.
Prayer
Let’s take a moment to close in prayer. You can sit quietly, close your eyes if you’d like, and just rest in God’s presence. Let’s pray together.
Heavenly Father, you spoke from heaven at Jesus’ baptism. You showed us your love. Help us know we are your children.
Holy Spirit, come like a gentle dove. Fill our hearts with courage to stand with others. Teach us to care and to listen.
Jesus, you stepped into the water with us. Guide our steps this week. Help us reach out to friends who need a kind word or a listening ear.
Bless our hands and our words. May we share your love in all we do. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
See https://young-catholics.com/83102/baptism-of-jesus-lesson-plan-solidarity/ for more resources and information.