JOHN THE BAPTIST - Preparing the Way
from Desoto Presbyterian Church, Dallas

Lesson Set:
Art - bookmark, collage, or origami
Computer - teacher will lead the students in reading the story of Jesus’ baptism; then in discovering basic facts about baptism; then in designing and printing baptism certificates.
Drama - drama script -- importance of wilderness experiences
Video - (video name not given) - includes object lessons and discussion
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KIDS SHOULD KNOW THAT:

-God called John into existence for a special purpose, to turn
people toward God and to prepare them for the coming of the Lord.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1: 13-17)

-John recognized Jesus as part of God’s special plan for His people
even while he was in the womb.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1: 41-45)

-John lived a simple life in the wilderness to prepare himself for
the ministry that God had chosen him for.

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel. (Luke 1:80)
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. (Matt 3:4) (Mark 1:6)

-John’s mission for God was to prepare people for the coming of Jesus
by urging them to repent, be forgiven for their sins, and to lives
worthy of God’s salvation.

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matt. 3:2)
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Mark 1:4)
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” (Luke 3:7-8)

-God used John to announce the beginning of Jesus’ ministry with the
baptism of our Lord.

John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16)
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved with whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3:13-17)

-Following God’s call resulted in John’s imprisonment and death.

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” (Matt. 11: 2-6)
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good new of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
(Mark 1:14)
Herod sent and had John beheaded in the prison. (Matt: 14:10)


OBJECTIVES:

-Children will know that God has called them into being (existence)
and has a unique purpose for each of them.

-Children will see the importance of John’s wilderness experience as
a way to simplify their lives and listen for God’s call.

-Children will know that God calls them to repent from dishonest,
disobedient and sinful lives.

-Children will know that repentance means to turn away from sin and
to seek to live honest, obedient and helpful lives.

-Children will know that baptism is the sign and seal of God’s grace
and covenant in Christ.

WORKSHOP - ART

CONCEPT: God created John for the special purpose of preparing people for the Messiah. John preached repentance and used baptism as a sign of cleansing so that one might be prepared to receive the blessings of the Lord. Jesus was without sin, but came to John as a public announcement of the beginning of His ministry. In his baptism Jesus takes on the sacrificial role, takes on the likeness of a sinner and fulfills all righteousness. It is the moment of separation of the official duty of Christ and the sinless person of Christ. God himself affirms Jesus as the Christ by sending the dove and the flame and in His own voice claiming “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

OBJECTIVES:
-God used John to announce the beginning of Jesus’ ministry with the
baptism of our Lord.
-Children will know that baptism is the sign and seal of God’s grace
and covenant in Christ.

PROCEDURE:

Open with prayer.

Read the account of the Baptism of the Lord from a Bible Storybook or from Matthew 3:13-17.
For the older children have them read the account from all four gospels. Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; and John 1:31-34. Then have them note any additional information that is presented from one account to the next.

Define the word symbol, a symbol is a sign or an object representing something else. Lead the children in a discussion of what symbols are present in the retelling of the Baptism of our Lord.
-What represents the Holy Spirit? The Spirit of God descends as a
dove.
-What represents God? The voice from the heavens says. “This is my
son, the Beloved, in whom I am well pleased.”
-What does the water represent? The water of Baptism symbolizes the
waters of Creation, of the Flood, and of the Exodus from Egypt.
Thus the water of Baptism links us to the goodness of God’s creation
and to the grace of God’s covenant with Noah and Abraham. Prophets
of Israel, amidst the failure of their own generation to honor God’s
covenant, called for justice to roll down like waters and
righteousness like an everflowing stream. They envisioned a fresh
expression of God’s grace and of creation’s goodness - a new
covenant accompanied by the sprinkling of cleansing water. In his
ministry, Jesus offered the gift of living water. So, Baptism is
the sign and seal of God’s grace and covenant in Christ. (Book of
Order 2.3003)
-Why does Jesus submit to John for baptism? Baptism is the sign and
seal of incorporation into Christ. Jesus through his own baptism
identified himself with sinners in order to fulfill all
righteousness. Jesus in his own baptism was attested Son by the
Father and was anointed with the Holy Spirit to undertake the way of
the servant manifested in his sufferings, death, and resurrection.
Jesus the risen Lord assured his followers of his continuing
presence and power and commissioned them to go throughout the world
teaching and baptizing others in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit. The disciples were empowered by the
outpouring of the Spirit to undertake a life of service and to be an
inclusive worshiping community, sharing life in which love, justice
and mercy abounded. (Book of Order 2.3001)

Remember to simplify the symbols for younger children. The dove represents the Holy Spirit. The voice from the heavens represents God the Father and announces that Jesus is His Son. This is the beginning of Jesus’ adult ministry. The water represents creation of a new person who has been cleansed of their sins and is worthy of God’s forgiveness and community.

Remember to give older children as much information as they can absorb. The learning is what is important, not the product.

PROJECT:

You may choose to use any of these projects, adjusting for the age group of that particular Sunday or making available to them the choice of which to use.

-Bookmark
Cut a 3” by 11” piece of heavyweight paper or posterboard. Make l
lines with a ruler for lettering. Do printing. Cut shape of bird
to represent the Holy Spirit. Fold to create a three dimensional
appearance. Use gold braid to represent the movement from heaven to
earth and glue to the bookmark. Trim to fit.

-Collage
1. Paint on sky in light blue water color. Leave a white space 1/3
from the bottom.
2. Paint blue waves at the very bottom leaving white in between the
sky and the water.
3. Make a 2 x 21/2 rectangle in left corner and make a decorative
Y. Make lines with a ruler for the lettering. When the paint is
dry do the printing.
4. Cut out the shape for Jesus and the bird.
5. Make slits in bird. Fold the wings like a fan or accordian and
insert in the slit in the bird body.
6. Glue the bird and Jesus shape on.
7. Make strips of green tissue paper for the water.

-Origami: Put an example before the students. Give the students a
blank sheet of paper and an instruction sheet and let them work in
groups to figure it out.

CLOSING:

Have the children read the verse together. Then pray together.

Father,
We are thankful that you brought John into the world for a special purpose and that you have a special purpose for each one of use. We thank you that you sent Jesus so that we might be freed from our sins and live as your children. We pray that you will look down on us as we go through this next week and we will be able to hear your voice saying of us, “This is my child in whom I am well pleased.

Amen.

www.faithjourneys.org Computer Workshop

OBJECTIVE: The students will learn
1) The meaning of baptism as a symbol of God’s covenant with us
2) The significance of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.

LESSON SYNOPSIS: The teacher will lead the students in reading the story of Jesus’ baptism; then in discovering basic facts about baptism; then in designing and printing baptism certificates.

SUGGESTED LESSON PLAN:
1. With the students, read the story of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew
Chapter 3, verses 1-6; 11; 13-17.
OR
Use the illustrated version on Storybook Weaver
(see printed version attached)

2. Display a poster or flip chart with some basic facts about baptism
and its meaning, and discuss with the children.
OR
Display the facts in question and answer form and let the
students match them by drawing lines between questions and
answers see attached example):
OR
Instead of putting the questions and answers on a poster, put them
on the PC’s and let the students connect them by drawing lines
with the mouse.
NOTE: the answers are paraphrased from the Shorter Catechism, a
modernized version of the Heidelberg Catechism, and the PCUSA Book
of Order.

3. Using “Print Artist” software, guide the students in designing
their own baptism certificates. Starting with a basic certificate
form (one of several form types on Print Artist), the students can
put in their names, other text, and picture graphics (for example,
doves, baptismal font, etc.). Remember to emphasize the facts
learned in step 2 above (e.g., “This certifies that Kelly Jones
has been baptized and is a member of God’s Covenant Family” etc.
[NOTE: It is likely that some students have not been baptized.
Perhaps they could design a certificate that looks forward to
their possible future baptism; or they could design a certificate
commemorating Jesus’ baptism; or??? –other ideas the teacher may
have??? Obviously the key is to prevent these students from
feeling left out].

Who should be Baptized?
Adults who have professed faith in Jesus Christ,
and the children of those believers, should be baptized.

What does it mean to be baptized?
It means the person who is baptized is part of the Christian
church and has been adopted into God’s covenant family.

What is the meaning of the washing with water?
The water is symbolic of Jesus’ blood and Spirit washing away
all our sins.

Why was Jesus baptized by John the Baptist?
Jesus was without sin, but he was baptized to identify himself
with the sinners he came to save

Stage Trek Productions - A Wilderness Experience

CONCEPT: John lived a simple life in the wilderness to prepare himself for the ministry that God had chosen for him. When he came from the Judean wilderness, he was an unusual man in his dress; he wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. He was also unusual in his food choices; he ate locusts and wild honey. The Bible tells us that when he was a little boy, he greatly loved God. He definitely was living with God’s will as one who would prepare people for the coming of Jesus by urging them to repent, be forgive, and to live lives worthy of God’s salvation. Perhaps in part because he chose to live in the wilderness, he was especially sure of God’s plan for his life.

OBJECTIVE:
-Students will learn that John prepared for the ministry that God
chose for him by living a simple life in the wilderness.
-Students will compare the way that John prepared for the coming of
the Messiah and how we prepare today for the Christmas season where
we celebrate the coming of the Messiah.
-Students will understand the value of finding “A place in the
wilderness” to concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas in our
lives.
-Students will understand the necessity of “wilderness experiences”
to continue to find God’s will for our lives.

PREPARATION:

The drama room should be prepared with different stations where props are laid out for all the various activities that we do at Christmas to get ready.
-A card table with Christmas cards and envelopes and fake stamps and
pens or pencils laid on it.
-A card table set up to look like a little store with a cash till and
various empty perfume bottles or toys set out for purchase.
-A card table with wrapping paper and boxes and tape and scissors.
-A card table with a rolling pin, cookie cutters and some cookie
sheets.
-A small Christmas tree with tinsel and ornaments setting beneath it.
-A heap of dress up clothes, hats, scarves, old jewelry to get ready
for the party.
-One wall should have the camels and a natural background, a
wilderness area.

PROCEDURE:

Welcome students to Stage Trek Productions

If this the children’s first workshop in the John the Baptist rotation read the story of John the Baptist from a Bible storybook.
-Read Luke 1:80; Matthew 3:4; and Mark 1:6 from a modern language
version of the Bible.
-Brainstorm activities that we do to prepare for Christmas. Write
them on a large piece of paper as the kids say them.
-Assign students parts (voices) in the play.
-Show them all the props.
-Read the play through once. Then have all the children do what the
voices tell them to. There should be mad rushing about in the first
part of the play. Kids should be getting frustrated as they barely
begin one activity and then are rushed to the next. Then the pace
should slow as they begin questioning what they are doing, and
finally they should be sitting peacefully in the wilderness area
listening quietly for the ‘voice in the wilderness.”
-Have the children sit very quietly without speaking for atleast 3 to
5 minutes. Play some background music
-Discuss the importance of finding a wilderness place and the
importance of being still and quiet in order for God to speak to us.
-Try to help the children come up with places in their homes or ways
that they could make time for use their wilderness time.
-Older children should write in their journals places and times that
they could sit

FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN:
The workshop leaders can read the play aloud as the shepherds direct the kids through the activities. Make sure that one voice does all the VOICE 7 parts representing the voice of God.


VOICE 1: SHOP FOR PRESENTS
ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS
WRAP THE GIFTS

VOICE 2: MAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES
GO TO CHOIR REHEARSAL

VOICE 3: FIND THE RIGHT TREE
GET OUT THE ORNAMENTS
DECORATE THE TREE

VOICE 4: GO CHRISTMAS CAROLING
WRAP MORE PRESENTS
RATTLE YOUR PRESENTS TO SEE WHAT IS INSIDE

VOICE 5: BUY MORE GIFTS AND WRAPPING PAPER
FIND THE TAPE AND SCISSORS
ATTEND SOME CHRISTMAS PARTIES

VOICE 6: STOP! WAIT! IS SOMETHING MISSING HERE?

VOICE 7: GO TO THE WILDERNESS!

VOICE 8: I can’t go to the wilderness. I’m getting ready for a
party. What are all these parties for?

VOICE 7: GO TO THE WILDERNESS!

VOICE 8: Wait! Why are we celebrating? Whose birthday is it?

VOICE 7: GO TO THE WILDERNESS!

VOICE 8: I can’t go to the wilderness. I’ve got shopping to do and
presents to wrap. Christmas is coming.

VOICE 7: GO TO THE WILDERNESS!

VOICE 6: What does going to the wilderness have to do with
Christmas?

VOICE 5: Didn’t John the Baptist go to the wilderness?

VOICE 4: Yes, the same John who lived a simple life, wore clothing
of camel’s hair and a leather belt, who ate only weird
stuff like locusts and honey.

VOICE 3: And he went around saying “Get ready for the Lord. Make a
straight path!”

VOICE 2: Christmas is all about preparing for Jesus. John prepared
for Christmas too . . .

VOICE 1: He stayed in the wilderness. It was an area in which few
people lived. It was not used for farming and the land was
more or less in its natural state.

VOICE 2: John stayed there and meditated about preparing for the
ministry that God had chosen for him. God wanted John to
help prepare people for the coming of Jesus by urging them
to repent and be forgiven for their sins. He wanted people
to change and to live lives worthy of salvation.

VOICE 3: But what does this story about John in the wilderness mean
for us?

VOICE 4: Perhaps we need to find our own wilderness, a quiet place
where we could be still and think - -

VOICE 5: But it’s BORING to be still and think!

VOICE 6: But maybe it’s a way to meditate, to spend time in quiet
thinking –

VOICE 5: To consider with careful and thoughtful attention while
you’re alone - - -

VOICE 4: A way to let God speak to me about the real reason for the
joy at Christmas- - -

VOICE 3: Amid the hectic preparation for Christmas Day –
A way to realize that my life is a preparation for God’s
call - -

VOICE 2: And about God’s plan for my life - - How HE can use ME!

VOICE 1: I can follow John’s example of going to our own quiet place
away from the boombox, the TV, and my friends and family,
to seek GOD’S WILL in MY life!- - -

VOICE 2: And not just seeking a wilderness experience at Christmas
only, but for every season- every day ---

VOICE 3: A way to be closer to the Lord in my wilderness place - -

VOICE 7: Be still and know that I am the Lord Thy God! . . .

VOICE 4: And in the quietness I can hear God speak to me.

VOICE 5: I, too, want to go to the wilderness

VOICE 6: And in the quietness, I can hear God speak to me.

VOICE 7: Be still and know that I AM THE LORD THY GOD.

Faithquest Theater Video Workshop

CONCEPT: God called John into existence for a special purpose, to turn people toward God and to prepare them for the coming of the Lord. John recognized Jesus as part of God’s special plan for His people even while he was in the womb.

OBJECTIVE: The children will know that God has created each of them for a purpose and that even though they may not know or understand that purpose for many years, they should live their lives in preparation for God’s call.

PREPARATION:

These are the things that should be done ahead of time.
-Read Luke 1:39-45.
-Cut strips of multi colored construction paper to use as links in a
chain.
-Get a large ball or globe that you can hang from the ceiling in the
center of the theater.
-Gather 10 to 12 small hand mirrors or compact mirrors.

Preview video.
Make sure you know where to stop video and lead discussion.
Review operation of popcorn popper.

On SUNDAY:
-Fill pitcher with cold water from water fountain. This keeps kids
from leaving theater for drinks during discussion or viewing of the
video.
-Preheat popcorn kettle and turn on warming light. Fill silver
canister with popcorn and measuring cup with oil. These are the
correct measurements. Salt can be added to oil or added to popcorn
after it is popped.
-For younger kids 1 batch of popcorn has been sufficient. Serve in
cups.
-For older kids 2 batches of popcorn have been necessary. Serve
popcorn in bowls.
-Popcorn is not actually made until after the video begins.

PROCEDURE:

If this is the first workshop for your group in the John the Baptist rotation summarize the story of John the Baptist.

Tell the children that the focus today will be on John understanding even before he was born that God had a purpose for him. Tell the children that God has a special purpose for each one of them as well.

Give each child a hand mirror and instruct them to look in the mirror and say, “God had a purpose for John and he has a purpose for me.” Instruct them that when the video stops that they will be repeating this statement.

Show the video, stop at key points that illustrate God’s purpose for John. At these key points have the youth say the statement to their mirror image or to a neighbor as an alternative.

After the video ends, discuss briefly how John knew before he was born that God had a purpose for him, but it wasn’t until he was older that the purpose was revealed to him. Point out that there is little information about John as a child. We do know that he prepared by living a simple life in the wilderness for the work God had for him to do when he was older.

Give each child three strips of paper and have them write three things that God have for them to do, or have them write things they can do to be ready for God’s purpose once they understand what it is. For younger children ask them what job God might have for them to do.

When the strips are completed have them link them together with their neighbors until the class has made one long chain. Hang the chain from the globe in the center to one side of the room.

Tell them that the chains show how our lives are linked together to work for one purpose to be God’s people in the world.

CLOSING:

Tell the children that you can’t wait to see what purpose God has in mind for each of them. Ask them to gather together and link arms and pray.

Dear God,
We thank you for your servant John the Baptist. We thank you that you create each one of us to be useful, to do some special work for you. We ask that you watch over each of us and that you help us to recognize your purpose and to be ready when you call.
AMEN

Kids should sweep up spilled popcorn and place cups and bowls in the trash bin. Leader should empty tray and wipe out kettle with paper towel.
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CreativeCarol is the volunteer post-er of this lesson and not the author. Please don't email me asking me questions about this lesson. (thanks)

Exchange volunteer modified title of post for clarity.


Exchange Volunteer added summary of workshops.

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