Matthew 3:1-7; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:1-34
John was born just before Jesus was. They were cousins. When John grew up, he lived in the desert and ate bugs and honey.
John told the people about God. They asked him many questions about what is right and what is wrong. John told them to be good and kind and honest.
John preached about God’s forgiveness. Many people decided to follow God. John baptized the people in a river.
John told the people to get ready for a special person who would save them from their sins. One day Jesus came to the river. John knew Jesus was that special person. Jesus told him, “I need to be baptized by you.” John was surprised, but Jesus said, “it is right for you to do this.”
So John took Jesus into the Jordan River and baptized him. The Holy Spirit came down from heaven in the form of a dove. It landed on Jesus. Jesus smiled. Then God said, “This is my son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him.”
Discussion Questions
- Was John born before Jesus? Yes
- Did tell people about God and about God’s forgiveness? Yes
- Many peopled decided to follow Jesus. Where did John baptize people? In the river.
- Did John baptize Jesus? Yes
- When John baptized Jesus what happened. The holy spirit came down from heaven in the form of a dove.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the story of John baptizing Jesus. It is a blessing to know God can wash away our sins. Amen
Memory Verse
“Truly you are the Son of God” Matthew 14:33
Money in a Fish:
Supplies needed: paper plates, stapler, googley eyes, scissors, glue, pretend money, and markers.
- Holding the two plates together rim to rim (so that it is 3-D), cut out a large triangle for the mouth.
- Next staple around the edge of the plate. Staple one of the triangles on the back for the tail-fin.
- Decorate the fish any way you want.
- Next glue the eyes and other fin onto the fish. Place a coin in its mouth and you have a perfect prop for telling and retelling the story.
