Bible Stories for Kids - John the Baptist

Once upon a time, in a dry, sandy place called the desert, there lived a man named John the Baptist. John was a special man chosen by God to tell people that Jesus was coming. He wore clothes made of camel's hair and ate locusts and wild honey. 

Every day, John preached to the people, saying, "Turn away from your bad ways and follow God! The Messiah is coming soon!" Many people came to hear John speak near the River Jordan. They were so inspired by his words that they wanted to be baptized. 

Baptism was a way to show they were ready to change their ways and start fresh. John would take them into the river and dip them in the water to symbolize their new beginning.

One day, as John was baptizing people, Jesus came to the river. Jesus asked John to baptize Him. John was surprised and said, "But you should be baptizing me!" 

Jesus replied, "Let it be so now. It is right for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." So John agreed, and he baptized Jesus. As Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove. A voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

John knew then that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. From that day on, John's mission was complete, and he had prepared the way for Jesus.

## Activity

### Craft: Make a Dove

**Materials Needed:**
- White construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- String or ribbon
- A pencil

**Instructions:**

1. Fold a piece of white construction paper in half. Draw a picture of half a dove on one side of the fold, with the head at the top and the tail at the bottom.

2. Carefully cut out the dove shape, making sure not to cut along the fold. Unfold the paper to reveal a whole dove.

3. Use any leftover scraps of paper to cut out small wing shapes and glue them to the body of the dove.

4. Draw eyes and a beak on your dove with the pencil.

5. Punch a small hole at the top of the dove and thread a piece of string or ribbon through it.

6. Tie the string and hang your dove to remind you of the Holy Spirit's presence.

## Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think John the Baptist was important in preparing the way for Jesus?
2. How did you feel when you imagined the dove coming down from the sky?
3. What can you do to prepare your heart for Jesus like John the Baptist did?