John the Baptist

A week after the birth of Elizabeth and Zechariahs son, family and friends gathered for a celebration. Many expected the child to be named Zechariah after his father. However, Elizabeth insisted that his name should be John. When people asked Zechariah, he wrote the same name on a tablet. Immediately, his ability to speak returned, and he praised God.

Zechariah declared that John had a special purpose. He would prepare the way for God's promised King and proclaim God's message of forgiveness and salvation. Johns mission was to help people turn back to God.

As John grew older, he chose to live in the wilderness. He dressed simply, much like the prophet Elijah, and spent his time teaching people about repentance. Crowds came to hear him speak, and many confessed their sins.

John baptized those who repented in the waters of the Jordan River. This act symbolized a fresh beginning and a new commitment to follow God. Through his ministry, many people prepared their hearts for the coming Messiah.

---

---

BIble verse

"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him." — Luke 1:76 (NIV)

---

Questions & Answers (QA)

1. What name did Elizabeth choose for her son?

2. What did Zechariah write on the tablet?

3. What happened after Zechariah wrote Johns name?

4. Why was John special?

5. Where did John live when he grew older?

6. Which prophet did Johns lifestyle resemble?

7. What message did John preach?

8. Where did John baptize people?

9. What did baptism symbolize?

10. For whom was John preparing the people?

---

---