John the Baptist
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: John the Baptist is a biblical figure
that our children should recognize and see as an example of
Christian faith and devotion to his duty. This Gospel reading
gives us the opportunity to talk about John and show the children
what he came to do and how he did what God wanted him to do right
up to and including his death as a martyr.
*Ask the children to name things that God has asked them to
do, and write their answers on the board or easel. For younger
children, you may have to give examples like coming to church,
helping the poor, and so forth. When you have several things
listed, add "to die rather than deny God." Then talk about what
John was asked to do and how he did die for God.
*Put the name "John" up in large letters, and ask if anyone
knows what the name means. Write next to it "The Lord is
Gracious." Ask the children to explain how the name fits for
John, who was born to aged parents beyond the normal age for
having children. You might also use a book showing the meaning of
names, and write down some of the meanings of their names so you
can discuss whether or not their name fits them.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Read the Gospel account in Mark 1:1-8 and discuss its
meaning with the children. Younger children like to talk about
his dress and what he ate. Let them do this, but lead them back
to the assignment he had from God to proclaim the Messiah's
coming.
that our children should recognize and see as an example of
Christian faith and devotion to his duty. This Gospel reading
gives us the opportunity to talk about John and show the children
what he came to do and how he did what God wanted him to do right
up to and including his death as a martyr.
*Ask the children to name things that God has asked them to
do, and write their answers on the board or easel. For younger
children, you may have to give examples like coming to church,
helping the poor, and so forth. When you have several things
listed, add "to die rather than deny God." Then talk about what
John was asked to do and how he did die for God.
*Put the name "John" up in large letters, and ask if anyone
knows what the name means. Write next to it "The Lord is
Gracious." Ask the children to explain how the name fits for
John, who was born to aged parents beyond the normal age for
having children. You might also use a book showing the meaning of
names, and write down some of the meanings of their names so you
can discuss whether or not their name fits them.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Read the Gospel account in Mark 1:1-8 and discuss its
meaning with the children. Younger children like to talk about
his dress and what he ate. Let them do this, but lead them back
to the assignment he had from God to proclaim the Messiah's
coming.
