Lesson 10 – John Prepares the Way

As John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, so our pastors point us to this same Jesus, who grants us forgiveness, life and salvation.

Opening

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

This lesson will use the Bible, the Bible Exploration Guide and the Lesson 10 Leaflet from the Student Pack. The front cover shows how the artist sees John the Baptist preaching to a crowd. Also paper and pencil will be needed.

What qualities or qualifications do you look for in a leader? Why? Would you rather have a leader who is truthful or creative? A great teacher or a good listener?

Watch the video "The Mark of the Unqualified".

Why do you think God chooses leaders who are big sinners with big limitations? God doesn't have much choice because all humans sin and have limitations. God's work through sinners shows His grace and power in our lives.

This lesson is about the ministry of John the Baptist, an unusual leader with important work to do for God.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for giving us Your Son, Jesus, our Savior. Give us faith through the Holy Spirit. Help us to live lives that show we are Your redeemed children. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

God Speaks

On pages 2 and 3 of the leaflet, read the scriptures and follow the directions.

Read Matthew 3:1-3 - By number 1, on the path from John to Jesus, write John's message. "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand".

Read Matthew 3:4-6 and Mark 1:4 (in the leaflet) - What did John wear and eat? What effect do you think this had on people? John wore camel-hair clothes and a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild honey. These things set him apart from other people, helping them acknowledge him as God's prophet. Many went out to see him.

By number 2, write what people did and received from John. Did: Confessed their sins. Received: Baptism in the Jordan River, forgiveness of sins.

Read Matthew 3:7-10 - Describe the tone of John's words to the Pharisees and Sadducees. What concern did he have about them? Do you think John baptized them? John's tone was confrontational, truthful, and pleading. John called them out for their false piety, for clinging to their heritage instead of showing true repentance. He implored them to repent of their sins. Most of the Pharisees and Sadducees were not baptized by John (Luke 7:29-30).

By number 3, write John's warnings to these religious leaders. Repent and show the fruit of repentance (which is living a life of faith and good works), or be cut off. Don't cling to your heritage as children of Abraham. Those who don't bear fruit will be thrown into the fire.

Read Matthew 3:11-12 - How did John compare himself to the One to come after him? John was not worthy to carry His sandals.

To the left of number 4, write what John baptized with. Water

To the right of number 4, write what the One who follows John will baptize with. The Holy Spirit and fire.

Read John 1:29 - By number 5, write words John used to describe Jesus. "The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world".

Read John 1:31 - By number 6, write John's purpose. To reveal to Israel the promised Messiah and Savior of the world.

What did John's work accomplish for God? He called the people to repent and to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. He prepared them to meet Jesus, their Messiah and Savior. He pointed to Jesus and said He was the "one".

What Old Testament prophet foretold John's work? Isaiah (40:3)

Isaiah said the voice in the wilderness would prepare the way of the Lord. Jesus said He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The Early Church called itself “the Way" (Acts 9:2). John showed the way to Jesus. Jesus is the way to the Father (John 14:6).

How did the One coming after John baptize with fire (Matthew 3:11-12)? He baptized with the fire of the Holy Spirit. This was fulfilled when the "purifying, sanctifying fire of the Spirit poured out on Pentecost as tongues of fire"" on the disciples. On the Last Day, Jesus will use fire to separate the wheat from the chaff, His followers from unbelievers.

Why did John say "l myself did not know Him" (John 1:31) when Jesus and John were related? John and Jesus were relatives through their mothers, so they knew each other. In fact, they probably played and talked together when their extended families met. But God did not tell John in advance that Jesus was the Messiah. Instead, God told John to look for the sign of the Holy Spirit descending and remaining on the Messiah (John 1:33-34). John saw this at Jesus' Baptism (Lesson 11).

Later, John said Jesus must increase, but he must decrease. What does this mean? John's work was done. He made the path for Jesus and prepared the people to receive Him. John's work was done, and he would become less important as people looked to Jesus, the Messiah. This was God's plan.

What work did Jesus accomplish? Jesus came to be our Savior, the Messiah. He taught and worked miracles as signs of who He was. He loved the unlovable and worked to break hard hearts. His key work was to redeem His people from their enemies of sin, death, and the devil when He died on the cross and rose from the dead. Jesus paid the debt sinners owed for sin. He reconciled us to God. Those who believe in Christ receive forgiveness of sin, a new life now and forever, and many more gifts to help us walk our paths of life.

We Live

The Apostles' Creed summarizes the beliefs of the Christian Church.

On page 4 of the leaflet, read the Second Article of the creed and its meaning from Luther's Small Catechism.

Read about "The Wilderness" on pages 26-27 of the Bible Exploration Guide.

In Matthew 3:11, John said, "I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire!"

Closing

Listen to "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry".

Prayer: Pray God our Father, thank You for loving each of us. Thank You for Your Law, which shows us our sin. Thank You for Your grace, given to us in Your Son, who saves us from our sin. Through Your Word and Spirit, work in our hearts so that we live lives that reflect Your love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.