This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 3:1-22, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
A man named John the Baptist was chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus. John lived in the wilderness and traveled throughout the region around the Jordan River, telling people to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.
As it was written by the prophet Isaiah, John was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'”
One day, a big crowd came to see John. He saw that many of them were Pharisees and Sadducees, and he was not happy with them. He called them a “brood of vipers” and warned them that God’s wrath was coming. He told them to produce good fruit in keeping with repentance and not to rely on their family history, but to show they truly changed their ways.
The crowd then asked John, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who has none. And if you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
Some tax collectors also came and asked John what they should do. John told them, “Don’t collect more money than you are required to.”
Soldiers also asked what they should do, and John told them, “Don’t use threats or false accusations to take people’s money, and be happy with what you earn.”
As John preached, the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
After John finished preaching, he continued to spread the good news to the people. However, Herod, the ruler, was not happy with John because John had spoken out against him for taking his brother’s wife, Herodias, and doing many evil things. So Herod decided to throw John in jail.
Later, Jesus came to be baptized by John, and when Jesus was praying, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.”
Biblical Lessons
- Even great and powerful people are not above God’s laws and will face consequences for their actions.
- God’s plan unfolds in His perfect timing, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
- We should not be afraid to speak out against injustice, even if it means facing persecution.
- Following Jesus may require sacrifice and persecution, but He is worth it.
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