For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
John the Baptist tells the crowds exactly how to get ready for God — and it's simpler than they expected.
Today's Story
John the Baptist was out by the Jordan River, helping people get their hearts ready for Jesus. Big crowds came to hear him. “Turn back to God!” he preached. “And show it by the way you live.”
The people asked him, “What should we do then?” John gave them simple, practical answers. “If you have two coats,” he said, “share with someone who has none. If you have extra food, share it too.” To others he said, “Be honest. Be fair. Don't be greedy or unkind.”
Getting ready for God wasn't about big fancy things — it was about being kind, honest, and generous, and sharing with people in need.
John told them, “Someone much greater than me is coming! I baptize with water, but He will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” And when Jesus came and was baptized, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove, and God's voice said, “You are my Son, whom I love.”
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- John said to share our extra coats and food with people in need. What's something you have that you could share?
- Getting ready for God means being kind and honest. Why do you think how we treat others matters so much to God?
- John pointed everyone to Jesus, the greater One. How can we point other people to Jesus?