Big Idea:

John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus, the true Savior.

Read Together

Mark 1:3 – "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"

John 3:30– "He must increase, but I must decrease."

The Story

Before Jesus began His ministry, God sent someone to get people ready—John the Baptist. John lived in the wilderness, wore camel's hair, and ate locusts with honey. He was different, but God gave him an important job.

John told people to repent—to turn away from their sins and come back to God. He baptized people in the Jordan River as a sign of a new start. But John made it clear: "I'm not the Savior. I'm just the messenger. Someone greater is coming."

John said he wasn't even worthy to untie Jesus' sandals. That's how much greater Jesus is. John's whole life was about pointing people to Jesus.

Advent Connection

Advent is about preparing our hearts. Just like John prepared the way for Jesus' first coming, we prepare our hearts for Christmas and for Jesus' return.

Talk About It

• What did John tell people to do? • Why do you think John said Jesus was greater? • How can we point people to Jesus too?

Activity

Make a Path

• Clear a little space on the floor. • Use pillows, books, or toys to make an "obstacle course." • As a family, work together to clear the obstacles until there's a straight path across the room. • Once the path is clear, read Isaiah 40:3 together: "Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." • Talk about how John the Baptist cleared the way for Jesus—not with roads, but by calling people to repent and turn back to God.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for sending John to prepare the way for Jesus. Help us to turn from our sin and to point others to Christ. Amen.

Family Challenge

At mealtime, let each person share one way they can "make Jesus greater" this week.