John the Baptist: “Pointing People to Jesus”

Scripture: John 1:19-34

1. Opening Slide
2. Prayers and Praises
3. John the Baptist – Today we’re going to learn about a man named John the Baptist. John had a very important job. His job was to help people find Jesus. Even though lots of people liked John and listened to him, John never tried to make everything about himself. Instead, he pointed people to Jesus. If you could be famous for one thing, what would it be? Most people like attention. We like when people notice us and tell us we did a good job. But today we’re going to learn about someone who wasn’t interested in being the center of attention.
4. Who was John?

• He preached about God.
• He told people to repent.
• Many people came to hear him.
• He baptized people.

John the Baptist lived before Jesus began His ministry. John traveled around telling people to turn away from sin and follow God. People came from all over to hear him speak. He became very popular. Lots of people listened to what he had to say.”

5. People Had a Question “Are you the Messiah?”

One day some religious leaders came to John and asked him a question. They said, ‘“Are you the Messiah?” The Messiah was the Savior God had promised to send. People wondered if John might be the one.

If everyone thought you were special, would it be hard not to brag?

6. John’s Answer John 1:20: “I am not the Messiah.”

John answered honestly. He said, “I am not the Messiah.”

John could have pretended. He could have tried to get more followers.

But he told the truth. That’s called humility.

7. What is Humility? Humility means:

• Not thinking you’re better than others.
• Being honest.
• Giving God the credit.

Humility doesn’t mean saying you’re bad at anything. It means remembering that God is the one who deserves the glory.

8. Then John Saw Jesus John 1:29: “Look! The Lamb of God!”

One day Jesus came walking toward John. John didn’t say, “Everyone look at me!” Instead, John pointed right to Jesus and said. “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John wanted people to follow Jesus.

Activity: Everyone point across the room. What happens when someone points? You stop looking at the person pointing and look where they’re pointing. That’s exactly what John did.

9. John Pointed to Jesus

John said:

• Follow Jesus.
• Listen to Jesus.
• Trust Jesus.

John knew Jesus was greater than he was. John’s mission wasn’t to make people love John. His mission was to help people love Jesus.

How can we point people to Jesus?

• Be kind.
• Pray for others.
• Invite friends to church.
• Tell someone about Jesus.
• Forgive others.
• Obey our parents.

10. Let Your Life Point to Jesus

People watch how we act. When we’re kind, helpful, honest, and loving, we’re pointing people to Jesus. We may never stand in front of crowds like John did, but we can still help others see Jesus.

Review Game:

1. Who did we learn about today?
   • John the Baptist
2. What question did people ask John?
   • Are you the Messiah?
3. What did John say?
   • No
4. Who did John point people to?
   • Jesus
5. What does humility mean?
   • Not making everything about ourselves and giving God the glory
6. What did John call Jesus?
   • The Lamb of God

John’s whole purpose was helping people find Jesus. The same Jesus John pointed to is the same Jesus who loves you today. Jesus came to take away our sins and make a way for us to be with God forever. If you’ve never asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior, you can talk to me after church.

11. Closing Prayer