Telling Jesus Stories
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a vivid portrait of John the Baptist, emphasizing his odd appearance and extreme diet, which drew massive crowds eager for baptism. The teacher highlighted John’s fearless rebuke of the religious leaders, calling them a "brood of vipers" and urging genuine repentance. From there, the discussion shifted to John’s self‑identification as the forerunner of Christ, focusing on his humble declaration that his role was to decrease so that Jesus could increase, and his proclamation of Jesus as the Lamb of God who would take away the world’s sins. The lesson then turned to the moment Jesus approached John at the Jordan River. The teacher explained why Jesus, though sinless, chose to be baptized—to fulfill all righteousness and to model humility and obedience. This act demonstrated the cooperative relationship between John and Jesus and set a precedent for believers to follow. Finally, the class applied these biblical themes to modern storytelling, encouraging participants to craft personal testimonies that point unmistakably to Christ, mirroring John’s purpose to direct attention to the Messiah.
Key Scriptures
When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore, produce fruit consistent with repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. The ax is already at the root of the tree. Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
He must increase, I must decrease.
I baptize with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove his sandals.