THE LIFE OF JESUS · CHAPTER 9

A Voice beside
the Jordan

A gentle story of turning toward truth, sharing fairly, using strength well, and preparing for Jesus.

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Chapter 9

THE STORY IN A FEW WORDS

Summary for Kids

God’s word came to John in the Judean wilderness, and soon he was calling Jewish crowds beside the Jordan River to turn back to God. People entered the water to be baptized as a sign that they were changing direction. John taught that repentance was more than looking sorry or putting on a show: a changed heart should grow good fruit. He told people with extra clothes or food to share, tax collectors to take only what was required, and soldiers not to use threats or false accusations to gain money.

Some people wondered whether John was the promised Messiah. When priests and Levites from Jerusalem asked who he was, John answered honestly: he was not the Messiah, not Elijah returned in person, and not the promised Prophet they expected. He was the wilderness voice preparing the Lord’s way. John baptized with water, but someone far greater was coming. Though John used serious pictures of wheat and chaff, Luke calls his message good news because the way back to God was open.

John also spoke truth about Herod Antipas’s wrongdoing, and Herod later put him in prison; that danger remains offscreen. Then Jesus arrived from Galilee, still dry, stepped out from the crowd, and walked toward John and the river.

TRY IT THIS WEEK

Lessons for Kids

  1. 1

    Turn around, then take a new step

    Repentance means honestly turning back to God so a different kind of life can grow. When you make a wrong choice, tell the truth, ask forgiveness, and choose one action that helps make it right.

  2. 2

    Share what you can

    John told people with extra clothes or food to share with someone who had none. Look for a simple way to share fairly without making anyone feel small.

  3. 3

    Handle money honestly

    John told tax collectors to take only what was required. Tell the truth about money and belongings, return what you borrow, and never keep what belongs to someone else.

  4. 4

    Use strength without threats

    John told soldiers not to frighten people or make false accusations to gain money. If you are older, stronger, or in charge, use that strength to help rather than bully; if someone threatens you, tell a trusted grown-up.

  5. 5

    Point beyond yourself to Jesus

    John would not pretend to be the Messiah; he humbly pointed to Jesus, the greater One. We can be honest about our role and share the good news that God welcomes people who turn back to him.

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