To Remember: John the
Baptist was a prophet who prepared the Jews for Christ’s teachings
by teaching repentance, or turning away from sin, and baptism.
Lesson - Read Matthew 3:1-6
Baptism: being immersed in water for the remission of sins
Repent: turn away from wrong
Matthew 3:1-6 And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching
in the wilderness of Judea, saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of through
Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the
wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, make his paths
straight. Now John himself had his raiment of camel's hair, and
a leather girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and
wild honey. Then went out unto him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and
all the region round about the Jordan; and they were baptized of
him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Zacharias and Elisabeth were a Jewish couple who pleased God.
Zacharias was a priest in the Temple. One day, while he was serving
in the Temple, an angel appeared to him. He was scared, but the
angel said, don't be afraid, your prayer is answered. Your wife will
bear a son, who you will name John.
Zacharias asked how he could be sure this would happen, for he and
his wife were older. The angel said, I am Gabriel, and to prove what
I say is true, you will not be able to speak 'til the child is born.
When Zacharias came out, the people were astonished. Even though he
could not tell them what happened, it was obvious he had a vision.
Sure enough, soon Elisabeth was with child.
Now Elisabeth was the cousin of Mary, who was also with child
with Jesus at the time. Mary came to visit Elisabeth, and when she
did, John leapt in her womb and Elisabeth prophesied.
When he was older, John began to preach to the Jews. He did not
live in cities, but in the the wilderness, eating locusts and honey,
wearing skins, and teaching repentance. He taught that the Jews had
to turn away from their sins and wash themselves clean through
Baptism for the Messiah was coming. He was talking about his cousin,
SING: Be careful little eyes what
True or False
John the Baptist was Jesus’ brother. F
It was unusual for someone Elisabeth's age to bear a child. T
Mary came to visit Elisabeth when they were both pregnant. T
John led an abnormal lifestyle for the time. T
John taught that men could be saved without changing their lives. F
Sprinkling water on something is baptizing it. F
How were John and Jesus related? Their mothers were cousins.
Who did Zacharias see in the temple? The angel Gabriel.
John was how many months older than Jesus? six
Who did Elisabeth go to see? Mary
Where did John preach? in the wilderness
What did he eat? locusts and wild honey
What did he wear? animal skins
What did he teach people? to repent and be baptized for the remission of
sins, the Messiah is coming
Mark 1:4 John came, who baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism
of repentance unto remission of sins.
Puzzle: Print out linked picture and cut
into puzzles for the students to put together.
Repent Game: A version of Simon Says to demonstrate that repent means to
turn around. Have students stand while you read the following verses. Have
them turn around 180 degrees each time they hear the word repent.
Matt 4:17 From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye;
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Acts 2:38 And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your
sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
Rev 2:5 love. 5 Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent
and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy
candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.
Acts 17:30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he
commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:
OR Play "John Says". In the lines below, if it starts John says, they turn
around first and then do it. If it doesn't start John Says, they don't turn
John says take one step back
John says hop once on your right foot.
John says raise your hands
John says shake your head
John says stand up
John says turn around!