Bible story · Matthew 3–4
John the Baptist coloring pages
Free printable coloring pages about John the Baptist, his message in the wilderness, the baptism of Jesus and the start of Jesus' ministry.
3 free printable sheets · A4 & US Letter PDF
John the Baptist in the Desert
Mark 1:4–6
Jesus Is Baptized
Matthew 3:13–17
Jesus in the Desert
Matthew 4:1–4
Print the whole story
All 3 pages in story order, in one PDF, handy for a Sunday school class or a story book to colour over the week. Choose the age group at the top of the page.
For parents and teachers
Books and supplies to go with these sheets
These are affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra and helps keep every sheet free. Learn more.
- The Christmas PromiseA picture book tracing God's promise of a king through to Jesus's birth.Check price on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
- The Jesus Storybook BibleA much-loved illustrated children's Bible for reading the story together.Check price on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
- Washable chunky crayonsEasy for small hands to grip, and they wash off tables.See options on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Need help choosing? Christian Christmas gifts for children →
About the story
John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Before John was born, an angel told his father that John would help prepare people for the Lord. When John grew up, he lived in the wilderness and called people to turn back to God.
John wore a camel-hair cloak with a leather belt and ate locusts and wild honey. People came to hear him and be baptised in the River Jordan. John said someone much greater was coming after him: Jesus.
Jesus came to John to be baptised. As Jesus came up from the water, the Spirit came down like a dove, and a voice from heaven called him God's beloved Son. Afterward, Jesus went into the wilderness, where he trusted God through a time of testing.