Cathy's Corner: The Death of John the Baptist

This lesson about John the Baptist is about him teaching about Jesus and his death. This lesson is used with permission from my Sister-in-law Cathy Whitacre.

Matthew 14:1-12

Who was John the Baptizer? John was sent to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. John was a relative of Jesus, his mother Elizabeth was related to Mary. (Luke 1:36)

John's birth as well as Jesus' was announced by the angel Gabriel before they were born. God had a plan for both John and Jesus. John's mom was Elizabeth, and his father Zacharias was a priest in the temple.

His parents must have taught John about God and the coming of Jesus because around A.D. 28-29, John began preaching about the coming of Jesus. (Luke 3:2)

John preached about moral issues. [Discuss] (Luke 3:11-14) John told the people that “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Luke 3:16 NKJV)

John was telling his listeners that Jesus was coming.

 Jesus also came to John to be baptized by him. This was an example to those listening to John that what he was saying was true. And, to show those that Jesus was God's Son. (Read Luke 3:22)

As John was preaching, he told Herod the Tetrarch that he had made a bad decision when he decided to marry his brother's wife Herodias. John also told Herod of other evil things he had done.

Herod's birthday was coming, so he held a party. many people were there.

The daughter of Herodias, Salome, danced before Herod and his entire group of guests. Herod was very pleased with her dance and entertainment.

He decided to reward her for dancing for him and told her that he would give whatever she wanted. She could have anything; money, gold, jewels, land, cattle, horse, even part of his kingdom if she wanted it.

Salome's mother didn't like John because he had preached that she and Herod were wrong for being married. So, after being instructed by her mother on what to say, Salome said "Give me the head of John the Baptizer on a charger (platter)."

Herod may have been shocked by her request; he was prepared to give Salome many things. He didn't imagine that a young girl would ask for the head of a prophet. Herod had to give her what she asked for because all those who were there had heard him offer.

Herod commanded the head of John the Baptizer be given to Salome and she took it to her mother. What a wicked thing to do to the one who preached the coming of Jesus! John was the first one to die because he believed in Jesus. He was a martyr.

When the followers of John heard what had happened, they took his body to bury and told Jesus what had happened. How sad Jesus must have felt.

Print the lesson here.

Cathy used her visuals as a flip chart and this set of visuals will work great as a flip chart if that is what you prefer. These have been cropped and slightly retouched from the originals. Click here for the updated visuals. 

Cathy Whitacre is a Christian, wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend. Cathy and her husband Gerry worship with the New Hope church of Christ, in Bradyville, Tennessee.

Family has been one of her crowning joys in life. Married to Gerry for over 47 years they have had many years of adventure and love. Her children and grandchildren have kept her busy and happy. Everywhere Cathy has lived from Ohio, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and more she has made dear friends who she considers family.

Cathy has had the opportunity to participate in mission work for many years. She has had the privilege of speaking at Ladies Days, teaching Vacation Bible Schools, and conducting workshops in Jamaica, Scotland, New Zealand, and here in the United States.

Cathy has been involved in teaching for over 50 years, from nursery to adults. Cathy feels that Christian Education is one of the greatest mission efforts we can be involved in, and the benefits are eternal.  

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

Used by permission.