John the Baptist is a key figure in the Bible, not only for His place as baptizer of Christ. The New Testament prophet brought the blessed news of Christ’s coming, announcing the Messiah and preparing the way for Him. This message communicates to kids that, while there is a lot of negative news emphasized, we know the greatest news of all. The Gospel is, by definition, good news, and we should share it with those around us! John came to announce the hopeful good news of a coming rescuer. He came to point the way to Christ. So we, too, eagerly await Jesus, and point others to Him.
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.
Mark 1:1-8 Sunday School Lessons
More Bible Teaching Activities about John the Baptist
- See the Ministry To Children Sunday School Lesson on this scripture passage
- See the John the Baptist lesson from Mission Bible Class
- Compare the Mark 1:1-8 children’s sermon from rfour.org
- Download our book of Mark coloring page
Video Bible Story: John the Baptist
Craft Ideas with Video Demonstration
These crafts focus on John the Baptist and his role as the one who made way for the Messiah. John had an important message to share with God’s people, and he boldly proclaimed the coming of Christ. As we discuss this with children and remind them that they, too, can tell others about Jesus, these crafts celebrate John and his job. A noisemaker honors the joy of getting attention and making announcements. A map reminds us that we can point the way to Christ, just as John did. And just for fun, “bugs on a plate” are a reminder of John the Baptist’s unique dietary habits!
Children’s Sermon Message on Mark 1:1-8
How do we receive information? Is the news good, or frustrating? In this children’s sermon message, discuss who John the Baptist was and the message of hope he came to share. Encourage students to receive this good news and to tell others about the joy of Jesus.
Bible Verses/story to Reference: Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,
“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way,
3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
-Mark 1:1-8