This week, aim to Read, Pray, and Sing at least twice. Pick two days and spend intentional time together as a family.
John the Baptist lived in the wilderness wearing camel’s hair and eating locusts and wild honey as he preached a clear message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Thousands came, confessed their sins, and were baptized by him in the Jordan River as a symbol of a fresh start. But John had a deeper purpose—he was not the point of the story; instead, he was the pointer to Jesus. He quoted Isaiah and declared his mission was to “prepare the way of the Lord,” always reminding people that Jesus was greater and to follow Him.
The Gospel Connection is woven through this story: John’s water baptism symbolized repentance and cleansing, but he pointed forward to something greater—Jesus, who baptizes not with water but by giving the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus could bring true life to our dead, sinful souls by dying on the cross—and through faith in Him, God pours out His Spirit and makes us alive. That rescue mission is central to the Gospel and to the purpose of John’s pointing work.
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Check out the links below to listen to the story with some added commentary!
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