"Heaven Breaks Through" Lesson 2

Hello once again, and thank you for joining us in this our second of three
lessons for January’s story “Heaven Breaks Through”. You can find this story
in The Jesus Storybook Bible written by Sally Lloyd-Jones,
Children: Time to refresh our memories by listening once more to Pastor
Steve’s oral reading video of our story, or maybe an older brother, sister, or
parent could read it to you.
John the Baptist was important in the life of Jesus because God had
promised a messenger would come before Jesus. This man would be sent to
get people ready for Jesus' message about the Kingdom of God. John was
this very man.
What did he tell the crowds of people who would gather to hear him? He
told them that everyone was a sinner, that they needed to be sorry for their
sins, and if they were truly sorry, he told them God would forgive their sins.
Jesus was going to be The Rescuer everyone was waiting for!
Another message John taught to his followers is that God expects
everyone to share with others willingly and with kindness. Service to others
is an important part of a Christian’s life.
Adults: The Biblical references to this story are Matthew 3, Luke 1, 3
and John 1.
St. Luke records that John the Baptist preached a three part message:
1) he preached human repentance and divine forgiveness, 2) he preached
stewardship, and 3) he preached the arrival of Jesus Christ.
He attracted much public notice circa 28 CE as a prophet in the Jordan
Valley. Jesus himself came to be baptized by John and shortly afterward
began his own mission.
Here are other interesting facts about this man. John the Baptist’s
parents were Zacharias and Elizabeth. According to the Gospel of Luke,
Elizabeth was barren due to her age. The Angel Gabriel appeared to
Zacharias whilst in a temple and told him that Elizabeth would bear a child.
Zacharias did not believe what he had been told, and therefore because of
his disbelief, the Angel Gabriel made him mute. The name “John” was given
to Elizabeth’s child by an angel sent by God. It is believed that John was
born around six months before Jesus and that he was a second cousin to
Jesus.
~This week’s prayer: Dear God, help us to keep our focus on Jesus’ love
and forgiveness. Amen
Next week there will be one more Learning Together lesson based on our
“Heaven Breaks Through” story. The following week, on January 28, at 11
a.m., Sunday School will meet for story reading, discussion, and a fun craft.
All are welcome to attend!
Stay warm,
Margo Greer