Dear families,
We see the humility of John the Baptist in John chapter 3 as he led more people to follow Jesus. We also learn that Jesus’ gift of eternal life is ours for the taking when received by faith.
In this passage, we read that both John and Jesus were ministering and baptizing people in the same area of Judea. Suddenly, an argument arose among some of John’s disciples and others. They took their dispute to John, saying, “Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is going to him.”
John, however, wasn’t jealous, nor was he worried about those who listened to him one day and went to follow Jesus the next. John knew who Jesus really is and how worthy He is to be followed. John reminded the people of the words he had already spoken: “I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.”
John viewed himself like a friend of the groom at a wedding. It was his duty to stand by, listen for Him, and rejoice greatly at His words. John’s joy was made complete by the ministry of Jesus as Messiah. John spoke with humility: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
The beauty of the gospel is that God cast His wrath upon His own Son and granted His righteousness to believers, so that all who trust in Him will receive salvation. Jesus took our sin upon Himself so that we may live forever in right relation to God. John understood Jesus was the promised Messiah, and he lived to declare Christ’s truths.
As you talk about this session with your kids, pray that God would soften their hearts to see that Christ is the only One worth following, the only One with the power to forgive and save. Ask the Lord to show them His offer of everlasting life and His worthiness as the object of our faith.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
STORY POINT
This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.
- Preschool: John told people to follow Jesus.
- Kids: John pointed people to follow Jesus as the Messiah.
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: Jesus told people about God. Jesus is the Messiah God promised
- Younger Preschool: Now that Jesus was here, John’s job was done. John was happy to step aside so Jesus could tell people about God and His kingdom.
- Older Preschool: John the Baptist told people to follow Jesus. When people follow and believe in Jesus, they receive eternal life and can point others to believe in Jesus too!
- Kids: John pointed people to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. When people believe in Jesus as the Messiah, they receive eternal life and can point others to believe in Jesus too!
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
- Older Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
- Kids: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: Jesus came to take away sin; there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
- Younger Preschool: He was revealed to take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
- Older Preschool: He was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
- Kids: You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
** Next week: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4)
Imago Dei Church Kids Ministry 