![]() What was John the Baptist’s mission? (See Luke 1:76–79 3:3–4.) Why do you think it was important that someone prepare the way of the Lord? John began his public ministry many years later, first preaching in the wilderness and then in Jerusalem and “all the region round about Jordan” ( Matthew 3:5). To protect John, “Zacharias caused to take him into the mountains, where he was raised on locusts and wild honey” ( Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. To protect Jesus, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and directed him to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt ( Matthew 2:13–15). Shortly after Jesus’ birth, Herod, feeling threatened by the announcement that a new king of the Jews had been born, “slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under” ( Matthew 2:16). John was born about six months before Jesus. The crowning statement of John’s greatness came from the Savior himself, who said, “Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist” ( Luke 7:28). In preparation for John’s ministry, the angel Gabriel announced John’s forthcoming birth ( Luke 1:13–19), Zacharias prophesied on the day of John’s naming and circumcision ( Luke 1:67–79), and an angel ordained eight-day-old John to his mission ( D&C 84:27–28). Display the picture of John preaching, and share the following background information in your own words:Ĭenturies before John’s birth, many prophets foresaw his ministry and testified of his greatness as the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah ( Isaiah 40:3 1 Nephi 10:7–10). John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because it would be difficult to ask every question or cover every point in the lesson, prayerfully select those that will best meet class members’ needs. Scripture Discussion and Applicationĭiscuss how the teachings in the following scripture passages can help us draw nearer to the Savior. Jesus Christ was the long-awaited Messiah, and John the Baptist was the prophet sent to prepare the way for him. The Jews had waited centuries for the coming of the Messiah, who, according to prophecy, would be their anointed King and Deliverer. Write the following on the chalkboard, and ask class members if they know what it says:Įxplain that this is the Hebrew word Messiah, which means anointed. Suggested Lesson Development Attention ActivityĪs appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson. It is more important for class members to learn and feel the Spirit than for every point in the lesson to be discussed. ![]() Do not end a meaningful discussion just so you can cover the entire lesson. Plan what you will discuss and how much time you want to spend on each part of the lesson, but then let the Spirit guide you. Suggestion for teaching: Use class time wisely. If the following pictures are available, use them during the lesson: John Preaching in the Wilderness (62132 Gospel Art Picture Kit 207) and John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus (62133 Gospel Art Picture Kit 208). Some of John the Baptist’s disciples decide to follow Jesus.Īdditional reading: Mark 1:1–13 Luke 3:1–22 4:1–14 John 1:19–34 2:1–25 2 Nephi 31 Bible Dictionary, “Baptism,” 618–19 “John the Baptist,” 714–15 “Repentance,” 760–61. Jesus withstands Satan’s temptations in the wilderness. John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes, preparing the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures: To inspire class members to draw near to the Savior by repenting of their sins, keeping their baptismal covenants, and withstanding temptation.
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