Aim to be familiar with basic facts about John the Baptist’s life

Aim:
* to be familiar with basic facts about John the Baptist’s life

Materials:
* Bible passages about John the Baptist – Luke 1:5-22, Luke 1:57-66, Mark 1: 2-8, Matthew 3: 13-17, Mark 6:14-28
* Simplified version of the Bible story
* Pictures of John the Baptist
* Children’s worksheet

Lesson Outline
1. Introduction
2. Read Bible passages
3. Questions
4. Worksheet
5. Review the aim of the lesson
6. Prayer

1) Introduction
Ask the children what they know about John the Baptist. Today’s lesson is to learn about the life of John the Baptist.

2) Read the story
Read the story together. Show pictures as you read. This is a shortened version of John’s life. It does not tell about John’s doubts about Jesus. It is preparation for the next lesson, which explains how John did not support Jesus.

• The Birth of John the Baptist foretold- Luke 1:5-22
• The Birth of John the Baptist – Luke 1:57-66
• John Prepares the Way – Mark 1: 2-8
• The Baptism of Jesus – Matthew 3: 13-17
• The Death of John – Mark 6:14-28

Questions
1. Who were John the Baptist’s parents? Zechariah and Elisabeth
2. What was the name of the angel who visited his father? Gabriel
3. What happened to John’s father? He lost his voice
4. What happened when John was 8 days old? When Zechariah wrote John’s name he regained his speech
5. What clothes did John wear and what did he eat? A coat of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.
6. What did John do in the River Jordan? Baptize people
7. Who did the people think John might be? The Messiah
8. What happened when John baptized Jesus? He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
9. What happened to John? He criticized King Herod for marrying his brother’s wife. He was put in prison and later had his head cut off.

Ask the children why they think John lost his life, when he was chosen by God to testify to Jesus as the Messiah.

3) Activity
Worksheet – Answer the questions. Children draw their own picture of John, based on the bible description and pictures.

4) Review the aim
* to be familiar with basic facts about John the Baptist’s life

5) End with a prayer