Lesson: John 1:15 (Ages 9-11)

📖 John 1:15 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

John the Baptist was a special person chosen by God to tell others about Jesus. When John said, "This is the one I said would come after me," he was talking about Jesus. John wanted everyone to know that Jesus is really important and special.

John also said that Jesus ranks ahead of him because He existed before him. This means that Jesus is super important and powerful because He has always been around, even before John was born. It's like when you play a game and someone is the leader because they know all the rules and have been playing longer.

So, John was telling everyone that Jesus is the most special person ever because He is God's Son, and He has always been here with us, even before John was born. It's like having a best friend who knows everything about you and is always there for you, just like Jesus is always there for us, too.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a bustling village, there was a wise old owl named Oliver. Oliver loved sharing stories with the young animals in the forest. One day, a curious squirrel named Sammy asked Oliver about the verse John 1:15.

Oliver perched on a branch and explained, "Imagine you are preparing for a big race, and a friend runs ahead of you to cheer you on. That's like John preparing everyone for Jesus, who is even greater than him because Jesus is God who has always been."

Sammy's eyes widened in understanding. From that day on, Sammy cheered on his friends with even more joy, knowing that just like John prepared the way for Jesus, he could prepare the way for kindness and love in the forest. And so, the animals learned that preparing the way for goodness is a noble and joyful task.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to us. Help us to remember that Jesus is greater than anyone because He has always existed. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean when John says that Jesus "ranks ahead" of him?
2. Why do you think John was so excited to testify about Jesus?
3. How does it make you feel knowing that Jesus existed before John?
4. What are some ways we can testify about Jesus like John did?
5. Why is it important to remember that Jesus is greater than anyone else, even those we look up to?

Life Application

This verse from John 1:15 teaches us about John the Baptist's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God. Children can apply this message in their daily lives by recognizing and acknowledging Jesus as someone special and important. They can show respect for Jesus by following His teachings, being kind to others, and sharing His love with those around them. Just like John testified about Jesus, children can share their faith with others by talking about Jesus and how He is important in their lives. By doing so, they can be a light for Jesus at home, school, and with their friends.

Craft or Activity

To help children aged 9-11 understand and remember the message of John 1:15, you can have them create a timeline craft. Have them draw a timeline on a large piece of paper or a long strip of cardboard. At one end, write "Before Me" and at the other end write "After Me." Then, help them create visual representations of events from the life of Jesus and John the Baptist. For example, they can draw John baptizing Jesus, John pointing to Jesus, and other key moments.

As they create the timeline, explain each event and how it relates to the message of John 1:15. Encourage them to discuss the significance of Jesus existing before John the Baptist and how John testified about Him. This hands-on activity will help reinforce the message and make it more memorable for the children.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

John told all, with glee,
"This One comes after me, you see.
Yet He's greater, can't you see?
For He existed before me!"

Songs or Videos

One Christian song that relates to the message of John 1:15 is "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Kids. This song emphasizes our identity in Christ and how He sees us. Another great song is "This I Believe (The Creed)" by Hillsong Kids, which talks about our faith in Jesus, who existed before us and is greater than anyone else. Both songs can help kids understand the message of John 1:15 and deepen their connection to Jesus.

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