Leader Guide
Video Leader Guide
Select a video to have playing as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.
Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time for Large Group to begin.
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.