North Main Jump Start Elementary Ministry

What We Learned This Week in Jump Start

John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1–12; Luke 3:1–18)
Brite Idea: Jesus is greater than any person.

Before Jesus was born, an angel told Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would have a son named John. John would prepare the people for the coming Messiah and fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah. John grew up in the wilderness, preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River. He rebuked religious leaders for relying on tradition instead of true repentance. When people wondered if he was the Messiah, John said the true Messiah was coming, one mightier than him, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Later in His ministry, Jesus would say that there was no greater man who had ever been born than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11). Even as great as John was, he knew that Jesus was greater. John’s birth was a miracle, but Jesus’ birth was even more miraculous. John prepared the way for the Messiah, but Jesus was the Messiah. John could baptize people and call them to turn to God, but only Jesus could truly forgive sins and make people new. Jesus is greater than any other person!

Monthly Memory Verse: But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31)

Hey families! Today is the day! Please take a "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake kit - one per family. Plan a time to make your cake together & celebrate Jesus' birthday as a family!