Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome, everyone! Today we have a new Superbook video about John the Baptist. He was called “John the Baptist” or “John the Baptizer” because he baptized people—including Jesus! Now, let’s meet John in our new Superbook adventure—and also see what Chris, Joy and Gizmo are doing today!   

Play Video 2: Chris and Joy’s Dilemma (4 minutes)

Chris and Joy's Dilemma

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth today says: “I can point others to Christ.” Let’s say it together.

What are some ways we can point people to Jesus? Praying, obeying God’s Word, telling people about Jesus, inviting them to church, etc.

Let’s watch the rest of our video to see how John the Baptist pointed others to Jesus.

Play Video 3: Bible Story and Resolution* (18 minutes)

*Note: Be sure to preview this video. Should you feel that some scenes in Video 3: Bible Story and Resolution are too intense for the younger children in your class, you may play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story, and Video 8: Chris and Joy's Resolution together instead.

Bible Story and Resolution

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. John preaches a message of repentance to the crowds and fearlessly confronts King Herod about his sin. The wicked queen plots revenge by having her daughter dance to entice the king and ask for John’s head as her reward. John faithfully chooses to follow God, and the children learn they can point others to Christ.

Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (10 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

Video 8: Chris and Joy's Resolution (3 minutes)

Chris and Joy's Resolution

Play Video 10A: SuperVerse Graphic 1

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 1

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Matthew 3:2b (cev):

“Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here.” 

God had given John the Baptist a very important mission—to call people to repent—which means to turn away from sin and to turn toward God. John was preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry in the world! Let’s shout our SuperVerse together!

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.  

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray: Dear God, John the Baptist did not seek attention for himself; instead, he pointed others to Jesus. Help us live our lives in such a way that we point others to Jesus, too! In His name we pray, Amen.   

Today in Small Group, you will play a game about pointing to Jesus. Are you ready to go? Have fun!        

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Teaching

Our SuperTruth says: “I can point others to Christ.” Does this mean you should point to Him like you would point to someone in the room? If appropriate, you may point to a child in the room and say, “We are so glad to have {child’s name} in class with us today.”

So, how can we point to Jesus today? Let’s look at some different ways.

1. Have the first child read Romans 10:14:

But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?

Some people have never heard about Jesus and how to have a relationship with God! We can point people to Jesus by telling them about Him. We can explain how He took the punishment for our sins by dying on the cross. We can share what He has done for us personally—for example, how we have peace and joy and happiness because He lives in our hearts! Share something Jesus has done for you.

We can point others to Jesus by telling them. When I say “3”, let’s all jump up with our hands in the air and shout, “I can point others to Christ with my words!” 1, 2, 3! “I can point others to Christ with my words!”

2. Have the second child read Philippians 2:14–15:

¹⁴ Do everything without complaining and arguing, ¹⁵ so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Another way we can point to Jesus is by how we live—by our choices and actions. Whether we know it or not, people are watching to see how Christians act. They wonder, when trouble comes, do we get angry or jealous or afraid? Or do we respond with God’s love, joy and peace?

We shouldn’t pretend to have these qualities, because then we would just be acting—like an actor who acts one way on stage but behaves completely different in real life. When we ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit, He gives us the wonderful nature and characteristics of His Son Jesus. So, whenever we run out of our own supply of love, God gives us Jesus’ love. Will Jesus ever run out of love? No!

If we get angry, God gives us Jesus’ joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Do you think God’s supply of these things can ever run out? No!

So, when we react differently than others do—if we act with love and forgiveness instead of anger and hate—people will see Jesus in us. The Bible says we should be lights in the darkness! This light comes from Christ, and when we allow His light to shine through us, our light can show the way to Jesus! On the count of 3, let’s stand up with our arms in the air and shout, “I can point others to Christ with my life!” 1, 2, 3! “I can point others to Christ with my life!”

3. Have the third child read 1 Peter 3:15:

You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

What does this tell us about how we can point others to Jesus? Through our worship.

We can show others that we want to give God our highest devotion and dedication. Jesus is worthy to be our Lord and Savior. He is worthy to receive our love and service above everything else! If someone asks us why we go to church when we could be playing soccer or sleeping in, we should be ready to share why! On the count of 3, let’s stand up with our arms in the air and shout, “I can point others to Christ by my worship!” 1, 2, 3! “I can point others to Christ by my worship!”

We have a responsibility and a privilege to point others to Jesus by our words, by how we live, and by our worship! Are we ready to be lights that point to Jesus?

Let’s think about that for the next two lessons in our study of John the Baptist. 

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Now it is time for our Discipleship Challenge and craft!

Hand out scissors and the Fruit of the Spirit Pattern to each child. Have them assemble the craft by cutting out both the circle and the half circle segments along the dashed lines. Using a brass fastener, align the half-circle piece over the circle and push the brad through both to connect. Display the model you made before class for them to see, and assist the children as necessary to complete their crafts.

Our goal as followers of Christ is to allow God to change us day by day. We want to become more like Him and less like our human, sinful selves. We want to point others to Him by our words and actions. When we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, God gives us His Holy Spirit to produce good fruit in our lives, helping us become more like Him. Galatians 5:22–23 lists nine fruit of the Spirit. Your Discipleship Challenge before our next lesson is to learn about the first three—love, joy and peace.  

The Bible says God is love. Let’s look at our crafts. When we allow God’s love to rule in our hearts, what is there less room for? Children adjust their crafts to reveal “anger.” If time permits, ask children to give examples of how this is true.

The next fruit is joy. True joy isn’t based on having certain things or being in a certain place or with certain friends. True joy comes from knowing that Jesus loves us and died to save us. When we have more of God’s joy, what is there less room for in our lives? Children adjust their crafts to reveal “jealousy.” If time permits, ask children to give examples.  

The third fruit of the Spirit is peace. When we allow God’s Spirit to have control, what is there less room for in our lives? Children adjust their crafts to reveal “fear.” If time permits, ask children to give examples.

Pray: Dear heavenly Father, we pray that You will fill us more and more with Your Holy Spirit so Your good fruit will grow in our lives. When we begin to feel angry or jealous or afraid, please remind us to ask You for help. Thank You that You can replace bad feelings with Your love, joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep thinking and praying about this in the days ahead. Next time, I will give you a chance to share how God answered your prayers.  

Game

Divide the children into two teams, Team A and Team B, and have each team stand single-file behind the starting line. Give two “pointers”—pool noodles, paper towel rolls, or paper pointers—marked with A or B to each team. Teams alternate turns, with one player throwing both of the team’s pointers, one at a time, toward the Jesus box. One point is scored for each pointer thrown into the “Jesus” box. The team loses a point for each pointer that lands in the “Me” box. Pointers that miss both boxes score no points. Be prepared to help children with special needs. Helpers, such as fifth or sixth graders, should return the pointers from the boxes back to the teams after each turn. Play until each player has had a turn. The team with the most points wins. Play again if time allows.

Note: if you don't have helpers to return the pointers, after a player tosses both pointers, he/she may retrieve them for the next player on the team, being careful not to get in way of the opposing team.

Conclusion: You did a great job trying to get your pointers in the “Jesus” box. Our SuperTruth says: “I can point others to Christ.” John did not want anyone to confuse him with the Messiah, so he was very careful to point people to Jesus! Now, let’s learn some more about John the Baptist!

SuperVerse

Our SuperVerse, Matthew 3:2b, says,

“Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”

Let’s say it together now. Children say verse.

John wanted to prepare the way for Jesus. His message was clear: people should turn away from their sins and be ready to receive the words of life Jesus would preach about the kingdom of heaven.

Was John talking about a physical kingdom here on Earth with castles and thrones and palaces? No.

He was talking about a spiritual kingdom. Jesus came down from heaven to live and minister in the world as a human being. Jesus lived His life perfectly, obeying God’s will and following His Word. People could look at Jesus and see what God is like. In this way, the world would witness heaven’s kingdom on Earth. Did you know we don’t have to wait to go to heaven—we can be part of heaven’s kingdom right NOW? Yes, when we believe in Jesus and live according to God’s will and Word, we experience His kingdom on Earth, in our hearts!

Have the children stand in a circle. Have you ever played a game where you take turns spinning an arrow? Well, we are going to play a game where you are the spinner! Whoever you point to should say one word of our SuperVerse! Our lesson is about pointing others to Jesus, just as John the Baptist did. So, our game is all about pointing. Isn’t that cool?

Ask a sixth grade helper or another student to stand in the middle of the circle, turn around, and point to a child who should immediately say the first word in the verse. The “spinner” should keep turning and pointing quickly to different children, who should immediately say the next word, until the verse is finished. Children may look at the board if they forget the next word. Repeat as time allows, allowing other children to be “spinners.” Praise them each time the verse has been completed correctly.

Optional: have different children be the spinners for each four-word phrase of the verse: “Turn back to God!” … “The kingdom of heaven” … “will soon be here.”

Optional challenge: after each round, erase a few key words from the verse on the board.

Prayer

We have been learning how John the Baptist pointed others to Jesus. John lived a life of truth, and he also boldly spoke the truth about sin and the need to repent of sin. To repent means to admit your sin to God, to turn away from that sin, and turn to God. When we turn to God, we can point others to Jesus by the words of our mouths and by the way we live our lives according to God’s Word. This verse is taken from a prayer that King David prayed to God.

Read Psalm 51:6 (cev)

You want complete honesty, so teach me true wisdom.

Let’s bow our heads, fold our hands, and close our eyes. Let’s take some time to repent for anything untruthful we have thought, said or done—anything that would not be pleasing to God. Allow time for children to pray silently.

Now, let’s ask Jesus to cleanse us and forgive us. The good news is that Jesus paid the punishment for our sins—and He promised to forgive us when we ask Him! Allow time for children to pray silently.

Now let’s prayerfully think of someone you would like to point to Jesus. Ask God to help you speak words of truth and love, and to live a life that can help point the way to Jesus. Allow time for children to pray silently.

Close in prayer: Dear God, give me the power of Your Holy Spirit to live my life in a way that will point others to Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SuperVerse Game

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Matthew 3:2b (cev):

“Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”

Divide the children into teams of three. Have each team stand in a triangle shape with about 3–4 feet distance between each child in the group. Leave plenty of distance between teams. The players on each team will volley the balloon back and forth between them saying a word of the SuperVerse at each volley. Play to see which team comes in first, second and third place. Play additional rounds as time allows. The team must start over from the beginning of the SuperVerse if:

• The balloon touches the floor.
• A player touches the balloon two times in a row before another player touches it.
• A player catches or holds the balloon against his/her body.

Conclusion: You did a great job playing the game! Turning back to God and turning away from sin is called what? Repentance.

When we repent, we can experience the kingdom of heaven and God’s power, love and blessings!

Skit

Have the children sit down and hand out the slips of paper to children volunteers to read aloud at the appropriate time.

At the end, you may ask the children who were not reporters if they have any additional questions for John the Baptist.

Optional: there is a place near the end of the interview for John the Baptist to give out samples of his “snacks” to all the children. When using food in the classroom, always be cautious and aware of any food allergies that children may have. You may choose to delete this part and only offer the snacks to the teacher.  

Object Lesson

Note: if possible and appropriate, the presentation can be enhanced by closing the drapes or blinds.

Our SuperTruth says: “I can point others to Christ.” As we discussed earlier in today’s lesson, there are a number of ways to point to Jesus. John preached about repentance as he prepared the way for the coming of the Lord. In John 5:35, Jesus described John the Baptist as a burning and shining lamp. Jesus was referring to John’s message and witness about Jesus. John’s light shone on Jesus, not himself.     

Read Ephesians 5:8–9:

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Before someone knows and follows Jesus, they live in “spiritual darkness.” See Proverbs 4:19. But, once we know Jesus, we have spiritual light. Turn the flashlight on.

We live in the light from the Lord, in other words, Jesus’ light. The light in us produces only what is good, right and true. This is the good fruit produced by the Holy Spirit!

Use the flashlight to illuminate the Bible as you read aloud Matthew 5:14–16:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Jesus said that if you have a light, you wouldn’t cover it so others couldn’t use it and be helped by it. Cover the top of the flashlight so light cannot be seen. How useful would that be?

Uncover the light. In the same way, what good does it do anyone if we hide our spiritual light? We want everyone to see that our lives are lit up by Jesus’ light so others can rejoice and have a relationship with our heavenly Father, too! 

Read John 8:12:

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

We have the light that leads to life—let’s shine our light brightly so we can point others to Jesus so they too can have the light of life and no longer walk in spiritual darkness!

Bible Study

Have children look up and read the passages. Divide the verses among the children and lead a discussion using the questions.

1. In our first passage, Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a water well and began talking with her. This was unusual because Jews did not like Samaritans and avoided them as much as possible. Jesus told the woman about her life and her sin. He also revealed that He was the Messiah.

John 4:27–30,39–42:

²⁷ Just then His disciples came back. They were shocked to find Him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do You want with her?” or “Why are You talking to her?” ²⁸ The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, ²⁹ “Come and see a Man who told me everything I ever did! Could He possibly be the Messiah?” ³⁰ So the people came streaming from the village to see Him. ³⁹ Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!”⁴⁰ When they came out to see Him, they begged Him to stay in their village. So He stayed for two days, ⁴¹ long enough for many more to hear His message and believe. ⁴² Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves. Now we know that He is indeed the Savior of the world.”

• How did the woman point to Jesus? Ran to the village and shared her encounter with Jesus.
• What happened? Many came to see Jesus because of her testimony.
• Why did they believe in Jesus? Jesus had shown He was from God by revealing the woman's life to her.
• Jesus stayed for 2 more days. What happened? Many more believed Jesus because of His words.
• Based on this story, what can we effectively do to point others to Jesus? We can share our testimony, what Jesus has done in our lives, and who He is.
• Do we need to be able to preach and answer every single question anyone might have about Jesus or the Bible? No, we do not need to know all the answers; we can ask others to help us find the answers, if needed. We can simply point people to Jesus and allow God to work.

2. After Jesus went up to heaven, His disciples at first thought that the Gospel was only for Jewish people. Then God sent Peter to preach to Cornelius, a Gentile or non-Jew.

Acts 10:24–29a,34–36,44–48:

²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled. ²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. ...” ³⁴ Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. ³⁵ In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. ³⁶ This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” ⁴⁴ Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. ⁴⁵ The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” ⁴⁸ So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.

• In verses 25–26, how does this remind you of John the Baptist? John pointed others to Christ, not to himself. He was humble and did not want the glory. He knew who he was and what his job was.
• What do Peter’s words tell us about who we should witness to? All people, all nations.
• John the Baptist told the truth no matter what the cost. How is this similar to Peter in this passage? He was willing to go where God sent him to point to Jesus and spread the Gospel. It was against the Jewish laws to share the Gospel with the Gentiles who were considered unclean.
• In verses 44–48, what was the result of Peter’s obedience and pointing to Jesus? The Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles. They believed and were baptized in water. They wanted to hear more.

Pray to close the activity: Dear God, let us always be willing to share our testimony and point others to Jesus, no matter who they are! You desire everyone to hear Your Gospel and be saved! In Jesus’ name, Amen.