Birth of John the Baptist

We are going to be learning about the life of Jesus for the next couple of months. Today’s lesson is about the birth of John and is found in Luke 1:5-25; 39-80. He is about 6 months older than Jesus, and John is the one who baptizes Jesus. John's father is Zacharias, and his mother is Elizabeth. They were both faithful to God. They were older and didn’t have any children. Zacharias was a priest. He was burning incense in the temple during the hour of incense, and there was a large group of people outside praying.

An angel of the Lord appeared to him on the right side of the altar of incense. When Zacharias saw him, he was worried and afraid. But the angel said "Do not to be afraid. Your prayer was heard, and Elizabeth would have a son and you will call him John. You will be glad, and many people will celebrate his birth. He will be great in the Lord’s eyes and will teach many people about Jesus. He will prepare the way for Jesus."

Zacharias asked the angel how I will know this; I am an old man, and my wife is old. The angel told him that he is Gabriel and was sent to tell him about John. But because you didn’t believe what I told you, you will not be able to speak until the things I told you happen.

The people waited for Zacharias, and they were amazed that it took him so long in the temple. When he came out, he couldn’t speak, and they thought he had a vision. When his work was done at the temple, Zacharias returned home to his wife Elizabeth. She found out that she was going to have a baby and hid herself for 5 months. Elizabeth was very happy to have a baby!

Her neighbors and relatives were so happy for her and celebrated with Elizabeth! When they were going to name the baby, normally they would have named him Zacharias like his father, but Elizabeth said they were naming him John. Her friends said, "But no one in your family is named John!"

And then they asked Zacharias what they were going to call the baby. Remember, he can’t talk and so he took a writing tablet and wrote “His name is John.” They were so surprised!

Immediately Zacharias could talk, and he spoke praising God. People all over the country heard about this and talked about it.

John grew up and became strong in his faith.

Today's project is a slider. Depending on your students, you can make these before class and use them during the lesson like I do, or you can let them put the slider together. But, in either case, I would use the craft knife before class to cut the sides open. Click here to print it.

There is a similar slider for Paul with photos and directions to put them together and use. They are the same concept except for the graphics. Click here to see directions for assembly. The link will take you to the Paul slider for instructions.

Click here to download the worksheet.
Print the Spanish worksheet here.

For the class Project: During the class, let the children use a small chalkboard and write comments/questions. I had the kids write like Zacharias had to. “I can’t talk, food?, baby (add smiley face), etc.” At the end, have them write “His name is John.” They also take them home.  Click to see the chalkboards.
(They are plain wood, don't forget the chalk!) 

I also made these to use with the lessons, especially shorter lessons that we can spend time reviewing what we have learned.  You can use a hole punch and keep them on a book ring. Or, you can store them in an envelope or pocket. Click here to print. 

I made these to use as we wait for everyone to come to class. A lot of kids are nervous when they change classes, so it will give us something to talk about and give their hands something to do. Or, you can use them after the lesson if you have time as a 'Get to know me' conversation starter. Everything on the worksheet can be used to talk about the Bible, like God made everything, God made us different, we like different things, and God loves us, etc. The download has your choice of color or black & white. Click on the picture to print.

Bible Verse: Luke 1:63l.

 

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission.

Click here to download the lesson.