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Unit 5 • Jesus Changes Everything

John the Baptist

Preparing hearts for the promised King

John was sent ahead of Jesus to call people back to God, baptize those who repented, and boldly point everyone to the Lamb of God.

📖 Luke 1; Matthew 3; John 1 ↗👨‍👩‍👧 Read Together ↓

Who Was John the Baptist?

The messenger who prepared the way for Jesus.

John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, born through God’s miraculous answer to prayer. The Holy Spirit set him apart to prepare people for the Lord. In the wilderness, John preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River. He refused to make himself the center and said someone far greater was coming. John baptized Jesus, witnessed the Spirit descend, and testified that Jesus is the Son of God and Lamb of God.

Read Together

Read, listen, and explore the story

Read each KJV passage, open the matching NKJV audio book, then use the child-friendly retelling to help young readers understand what happened.

Each listening button opens the matching individual NKJV book link from TGCN’s Audio Bible page.

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Key Truth

A faithful witness turns attention away from self and points people clearly to Jesus.

The Story

God carries His promise forward.

1

Promised before birth

God told Zechariah that John would prepare people for the Lord.

2

Calling people to repent

John preached in the wilderness and urged people to turn from sin.

3

Baptizing Jesus

John obeyed Jesus, then saw the Spirit descend and heard the Father speak.

4

Pointing to the Lamb

John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God and gladly directed disciples to Him.

What Can We Learn?

Truth for everyday life

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Repentance

Preparing for Jesus means turning from sin toward God.

🤲

Humility

John knew he was the messenger, not the Messiah.

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Courage

He spoke God’s truth clearly, even when it was unpopular.

👉

Witness

John used his life and words to point people to Jesus.

Memory Verse • KJV

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:30

Think About It

Wonder together

  1. What mission did God give John?
  2. What does repentance mean?
  3. What happened when John baptized Jesus?
  4. How can your words point someone toward Jesus?

Family Discussion

Bring the lesson home

Remember

Explain repentance in your own words.

Practice

Practice saying one clear truth about who Jesus is.

Respond

Choose one humble way to serve without seeking attention.

Activity

Prepare the Way Signs

Make four road signs that say “Turn to God,” “Tell the Truth,” “Jesus Is Coming,” and “Look to Jesus.” Use them to retell John’s mission.

You’ll need: paper, craft sticks if available, and crayons or markers.

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Watch the Story

John the Baptist — Saddleback Kids

Watch together, then compare the video with the Bible passages you read.

Watch John the Baptist’s Story ↗Parents and caregivers: please preview external videos before watching with children.

John the Baptist Activity Pack

Printables are coming soon

These numbered spaces are ready for original or properly licensed artwork and activities.

JO-001

Coloring Page

Coming Soon

JO-002

Story Sequence Activity

Coming Soon

JO-003

Promise Activity

Coming Soon

JO-004

Faith in Action Sheet

Coming Soon

JO-005

Word Search

Coming Soon

JO-006

Maze

Coming Soon

JO-007

Memory Verse Sheet

Coming Soon

JO-008

Family Discussion Page

Coming Soon

JO-009

Bible Truth Matching Game

Coming Soon

JO-010

Completion Certificate

Coming Soon

Prayer

Let’s pray together

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending John to prepare the way for Jesus. Help us turn from sin, speak truth with courage, stay humble, and point others to Christ. May Jesus become greater in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Adventure Passport

Your journey through God’s story

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