Ideas For My Pocket: a Support Group for Families: The Castle: A Parable about Baptism

Years ago when I was Primary President, I realized that as children approach baptism, there is a need to make the whole process more meaningful to them. I needed an analogy to make it come alive to them, and to help cultivate an intense desire to be baptized. In various talks about baptism and working to prepare my own children for baptism as well, I came up with a story, a parable so to speak, to help them internalize just what they are doing. It was about the pathway toward a great castle. The most important part is when the Traveler despairs over being stuck in his path, by a big wall and a locked gate. Then, Jesus provides a way through. Those who are deciding to be baptized can realize what a great thing He has given us, a way back home.

I still use this story, and have modified it over the years. I especially want to help those approaching baptism to feel the despair at being stuck with an immense wall between them and the castle, and the joy at the great gift of a way through. I want them to want baptism. I decided to have the traveler walking alone, as each person makes an entirely personal decision about this step.

I hope that this story can help many along the path. A simple story, it can apply to an investigator of any age as well.

A Parable about Baptism

Once upon a time there was a traveler, making his way along a path.

Far in the distance, he could just make out the topmost towers of a large, beautiful Castle. Though it was hard to remember, he knew that a very special King and Queen lived in that castle, who loved him very much. He wanted with all his heart to get there, back home to that love. So he kept walking forward on the path, keeping that distant castle in view.

One day, as he journeyed, he came upon a large wall. It was tall and massive, and it totally blocked his way. What could he do? He had to get home! He started to feel bad for everything he had ever done wrong. He resolved to do so much better, if only he could get through the wall.

As he came closer, he saw there was a Gate in the wall!! What relief he felt! It was possible to get through!

At last he made it to the gate, only to find it locked!!

He knocked with all his might on the gate. Then, a Man appeared next to the gate. “Are you the keeper of the gate?” he asked the Man. “Yes,” said the Man. “Would you like to go through?”

As he looked closer at the Man, he could see that it was Jesus Christ! His heart filled with joy! Jesus was going to help him through the gate!

“Before we open this gate, I must tell you,” said Jesus. “The pathway will be harder on the other side. There will be those who will want you to leave the path, and get lost on forbidden paths. If you want to make your way to the castle, you must listen to my words. You must promise to take my Name with you, and always remember me, and do my works of service along the way, so I can be with you. My Spirit will help you stay on the right path toward home, where Father and Mother are.” “Yes! That is what I want,” said the traveler.

Jesus took some keys from his pocket, and opened the gate. The traveler walked through the opened gate, so happy to be past the large wall.

The traveler turned back and gave Jesus a great hug. “Thank you!” he whispered. Then, Jesus gave him a wonderful gift. It was a lighted lantern. “Keep this with you always,” Jesus said. “It will bring you warmth and comfort on your journey, and remind you of me and the promises you have made.”

The traveler picked up the lantern and in it's glow, realized he had never felt so pure and joyful in all his life. As he looked down his path, it seemed like the distant Castle was clearer in his view. He held his new lantern high and took off toward Home.

“The gate by which ye should enter is..baptism.” 2 Nephi 31:17

“And the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel...

“And whoso knocketh, to him will he open.” 2 Nephi 9:41-42

“The power and authority of the.. Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church..to administer in outward ordinances, ... the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments. Doctrine & Covenants 107:18, 20