DAY 20
JOHN THE BAPTIST
I baptize you with water. But he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Mark 1:8
PAUSE
For nearly 400 years, God’s people hadn’t heard a message from His prophets. Many felt forgotten, wondering if God would ever speak to them again. Then, one day, everything changed. Zechariah, a faithful priest, was visited by the angel Gabriel. Gabriel delivered an incredible message: Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son. This child, John, would be God’s special helper, turning people’s hearts back to God and preparing them for the arrival of Jesus.
Zechariah struggled to believe Gabriel’s words because he and Elizabeth were very old. Because of his doubt, Gabriel told Zechariah he would lose his ability to speak until the baby was born. For nine long months, Zechariah remained silent. Finally, the day came when Elizabeth gave birth. Friends and family gathered to hear what the baby’s name would be. Zechariah wrote on a piece of paper, “His name is John.” At that moment, his voice returned, and he joyfully exclaimed, “John! His name is John!” Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.
As John grew up, he lived in the desert, wearing camel hair clothing and eating locusts dipped in honey. While his appearance was unusual, John’s mission was extraordinary. God sent John to prepare His people for Jesus’ coming. John preached a message of repentance, urging people to stop sinning, seek forgiveness, and turn back to God. Many listened to him and wanted to change their lives. To publicly declare their commitment to follow God, they asked John to baptize them.
One day, as John was baptizing in the Jordan River, Jesus approached. This was the moment John had been waiting for all his life. He exclaimed, “This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” Jesus asked John to baptize Him. As Jesus rose from the water, the heavens opened, and a brilliant light shone down. The Spirit of God descended like a dove and rested on Jesus. Then a powerful voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” In that moment, God’s plan to save His people was unfolding before everyone’s eyes.
DISCUSSION
Zechariah struggled to believe Gabriel’s message because it seemed impossible. Have you ever doubted something God was doing in your life? How can we overcome doubt and grow in trust?
John’s mission was to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus. How can we, like John, help point others to Jesus in our everyday lives?
When Jesus was baptized, God declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” What does this moment teach us about Jesus’ identity and God’s plan for salvation?
John lived a very unique life dedicated to serving God. What does his example teach us about being willing to live differently for the sake of God’s mission?
PRAY
God, prepare my heart for the celebration of Christmas. I want to know you and love you more. Amen.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments - If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - John the Baptist. Then hang your twentieth ornament on the tree.
Family Memories - Let your children have a sip of vinegar, followed by a taste of honey. After the taste of vinegar, remind them how the people of God had to wait for 400 years of silence before they heard any message from God. Talk about how hard and lonely that must have been. Then, give them the honey. After the honey, celebrate that today’s story was the sweet great news! Jesus was coming!
Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 20th ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!
I baptize you with water. But he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Mark 1:8
PAUSE
For nearly 400 years, God’s people hadn’t heard a message from His prophets. Many felt forgotten, wondering if God would ever speak to them again. Then, one day, everything changed. Zechariah, a faithful priest, was visited by the angel Gabriel. Gabriel delivered an incredible message: Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son. This child, John, would be God’s special helper, turning people’s hearts back to God and preparing them for the arrival of Jesus.
Zechariah struggled to believe Gabriel’s words because he and Elizabeth were very old. Because of his doubt, Gabriel told Zechariah he would lose his ability to speak until the baby was born. For nine long months, Zechariah remained silent. Finally, the day came when Elizabeth gave birth. Friends and family gathered to hear what the baby’s name would be. Zechariah wrote on a piece of paper, “His name is John.” At that moment, his voice returned, and he joyfully exclaimed, “John! His name is John!” Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.
As John grew up, he lived in the desert, wearing camel hair clothing and eating locusts dipped in honey. While his appearance was unusual, John’s mission was extraordinary. God sent John to prepare His people for Jesus’ coming. John preached a message of repentance, urging people to stop sinning, seek forgiveness, and turn back to God. Many listened to him and wanted to change their lives. To publicly declare their commitment to follow God, they asked John to baptize them.
One day, as John was baptizing in the Jordan River, Jesus approached. This was the moment John had been waiting for all his life. He exclaimed, “This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” Jesus asked John to baptize Him. As Jesus rose from the water, the heavens opened, and a brilliant light shone down. The Spirit of God descended like a dove and rested on Jesus. Then a powerful voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” In that moment, God’s plan to save His people was unfolding before everyone’s eyes.
DISCUSSION
Zechariah struggled to believe Gabriel’s message because it seemed impossible. Have you ever doubted something God was doing in your life? How can we overcome doubt and grow in trust?
John’s mission was to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus. How can we, like John, help point others to Jesus in our everyday lives?
When Jesus was baptized, God declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” What does this moment teach us about Jesus’ identity and God’s plan for salvation?
John lived a very unique life dedicated to serving God. What does his example teach us about being willing to live differently for the sake of God’s mission?
PRAY
God, prepare my heart for the celebration of Christmas. I want to know you and love you more. Amen.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments - If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - John the Baptist. Then hang your twentieth ornament on the tree.
Family Memories - Let your children have a sip of vinegar, followed by a taste of honey. After the taste of vinegar, remind them how the people of God had to wait for 400 years of silence before they heard any message from God. Talk about how hard and lonely that must have been. Then, give them the honey. After the honey, celebrate that today’s story was the sweet great news! Jesus was coming!
Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 20th ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!