A Children’s Sermon on John 1:6-8, 19-28 — Advent 3

Preface for Pastors and Parents

We are coming up on the 3rd Sunday in Advent so I bring you a children’s sermon on John 1:6-8, 19-28. In the logic of the lectionary Advent 3 is always about John the Baptist, though our Advent wreaths always have a pink candle this week for Mary’s joy. (Years A and B include Mary’s joyful song as a Psalm option on Advent 3, but that’s as close as we come to consistency.)

Or maybe I should say that only if we prepare for the grown-up call of Jesus will we be able to even vaguely appreciate the wonder of his birth as God incarnate. So John, pointing to grown-up Jesus, helps us become ready, to wait wisely, for Baby Jesus.

Anyway, like it or not, it’s John. And he’s in kind of a funny situation in today’s text. So let’s see what happens in this children’s sermon on John 1:6-8, 19-28.

(By the way, you can see my Monday Meditation on this text here.)

A Children’s Sermon on John 1:6-8, 19-28

Good morning, kids! I’m so glad to see you. I’m glad you are here in worship today, and I’m especially glad you came up to hear the children’s sermon.

Today is the third Sunday in Advent. We are getting ready to celebrate Jesus coming into the world at Christmas. The fact that Jesus was born, God’s very own baby boy, is so amazing that we have to spend four whole weeks just getting ready.

John the Baptist

In our story from the Gospel this morning John the Baptist was helping people get ready for Jesus. Jesus was all grown up. He was almost ready to start telling people about the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus’ cousin John was down by the river. As people came by, John would say “Get ready! My cousin Jesus is coming soon! He’s really amazing!”

People would ask John, “What should we do to get ready?”

And John would say. “First, learn to think differently–think God’s way about things. Second, let me wash you in the river to show you’re starting a whole new life.”

A Visit from the Leaders

One day, while John was talking a little group of people walked up to him together. Everyone saw who they were and made room for them. Everyone recognized the newcomers. They were the leaders, from the city.

“Welcome!” said John. “I’m glad you’vecome. It’s time to get ready for the Messiah.”

“That may be,” said one of the leaders, “but we have some questions to ask you.”

“Okay, sure,” said John. “But first I need to finish telling these people how to get ready.”

“No,” said the man. “first you need to answer our questions.” (He was kind of bossy.)

Then the newcomers stood in a little circle around John. (They were actually kind of pushy.)

“But nothing is more important than getting ready for the Messiah!” said John.

Questions from the Leaders

“First question:” said the man, ignoring what John had said. “Are you the Messiah?“

“No, I’m–,” said John.

But the man cut him off. “Second question: Are you Elijah?”

“No, I’m–,” said John.

But the man cut him off again. “Third question: Are you the prophet?”

“No, I’m–,” said John.

But the man cut him off again. “Well then who are you?” said the man. “Tell us now! We don’t have all day.”

“I’ve been trying to tell you,” said John. “My name is John. People call me ‘John the Baptist’ because, to help people get ready for the Messiah, I dip them in the river.”

Just about then a head poked into the circle between two of the leaders. It was John’s cousin Jesus! Jesus didn’t say anything. He just caught John’s eye and waved, then he pulled his head back and disappeared into the crowd.

Permission

“Well that’s what we want to ask about next,” said the man. “What right do you have to baptize all these people if you aren’t the Messiah, and you aren’t Elijah, and you aren’t the Prophet? Who said you could do this? Who gave you permission? Speak up!”

“Actually,” said John, “I didn’t ask anybody’s permission. My cousin Jesus is the Messiah. I know that getting ready for him is the most important thing in the world. So I came out here to the river and started calling out to people.”

“What?” said the man. “How dare you?”

“I guess it’s like the prophet Isaiah said,” said John. “I’m just a voice, crying out on the wilderness ‘Prepare a straight road! the Lord is coming!‘”

“But you can’t just do that without our permission!” said the man.

“I kind of can,” said John. “The Messiah is more important than you.”

“How can you say that?” said the man.

“He is!” said John. “He’s so important I’m not even good enough to tie his shoes. Plus, he’s actually right here! Today! In this crowd!”

The leaders started looking over their shoulders to see if they could spot the Messiah in the crowd. But mostly they just said “Grumble, grumble, grumble.”

But John said “You know, you guys should really make sure you’re ready for the Messiah. You should learn to think about things the way God thinks. Hey, if you want, I’ll dip you on the Jordan River. That will show everyone you are starting a whole new life.”

Wondering

I wonder how the leaders felt when they heard John didn’t have anyone’s permission to talk about Jesus?

I wonder if the leaders ever decided to get baptized and get ready for the Messiah?

I wonder what you and I can do to get ready for Jesus this Christmas?

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You are, of course, free to use this children’s sermon, or adapt it as you find most useful. But, if you use it, please do one (or more!) of the following.

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