John the Baptist was send ahead of Jesus as a witness. Through the testimony of John, the people would hear that God was fulfilling all his promises through Jesus Christ. The message also uses the character of John the Baptist as a reminder that we are to “proclaim the light” that is Jesus. When we see lights, we recall that Jesus is the light of the world, and that gives us hope at Christmas and always. And along with John, we prepare the way for Christ and share the good news of His light with others.
Use these free Bible lesson to teach kids in your Sunday School class this important message about being ready for Christ to come. We’ve included complete teaching plans, game suggestions, craft ideas, and bonus coloring page. Simply download the PDF files below.
John 1:6-8, 19-28 Sunday School Lessons
More Teaching Ideas for this Passage about John the Baptist
- See the John the Baptist lesson from Mission Bible Class
- Compare Light of the World from Sermons4Kids
- John the Baptist coloring page / cartoon illustrations
- Browse all our Christmas Lessons for Sunday School
Video Bible Story: John the Baptist
Sunday School Crafts with Video Demonstration
These crafts remind us that Jesus is the light of the world, and we want to direct others to Him! The seasonal crafts focus on Christmas-themed elements, particularly Christmas lights and candles. A few variations are given to allow flexibility and offer multiple types of similar creations.
Children’s Sermon / Object Lesson on the Light of the World
This seasonal message features the deeper meaning behind the holiday decoration of Christmas lights. The message also uses the character of John the Baptist as a reminder that we are to “proclaim the light” that is Jesus. When we see lights, we recall that Jesus is the light of the world, and that gives us hope at Christmas and always. And along with John, we prepare the way for Christ and share the good news of His light with others.
John 1:6-8, 19-28 NRSV
1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
1:7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
1:8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
1:19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
1:20 He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”
1:21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.”
1:22 Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
1:23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,'” as the prophet Isaiah said.
1:24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.
1:25 They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”
1:26 John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know,
1:27 the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.”
1:28 This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.