How can you know what or who something or someone is? Sometimes it’s nice to have someone else’s words and descriptions, but it’s nice to see things ourselves, too. We don’t always understand things right away, but have them revealed later. This can be, in some ways, like solving a riddle or puzzle. For people who knew Jesus on Earth, realizing who He was turned out a little like this. Explain to students that Jesus called His disciples, and us, to follow Him and reveal that good news to others!
Jesus is the Lamb of God, our Savior! This is something we know now, but when Christ first appeared on the scene, not everyone was sure about who He was. John the Baptist pointed to Jesus, explaining that previous prophecies all pointed to Him. We are called to tell others about Him, too. What a wonderful and privileged task! We can point the way to Jesus, and thank God for who He is and all He has done for us. Jesus is God’s promise fulfilled!
Don’t miss the full 16-page printable Sunday School Lesson on Jesus the Lamb of God. You can also preview the children’s sermon on John 1:29-42 and Look to Jesus Bible crafts for children.
Bible Passage: John 1:29-42
Target Audience: Kindergarten-6th grade (better geared to older grades)
Materials Needed: Construction paper, markers, stickers, scissors, tape/glue, string, popsicle sticks, yarn/string, cotton balls, decorations (all optional, depending which activities you choose to use).
Games and Lesson Introduction
Lesson Opening: This lesson reminds us that we all have a task similar to John the Baptist: we are called to point to Jesus and follow Him. He is our Messiah, the Lamb of God! To get started, select from one of the following openers, or select another of your own choosing!
- What does it describe? Take some time to describe people or things in detail, and see if students can identify what the things are without explicitly stating. Have pictures on hand to demonstrate what is what!
- Point it out, sort of… play a few rounds of the classic “I spy” to emphasize the element of pointing to Christ. Start with simple obvious objects, and get a little tougher as you play.
- Sheep shape… in honor of the lamb of God theme, have some fun with a wooly twist: glue cotton balls or yarn to a plate or paper sheep, and give it a “trim” haircut.
- Connect the dots (older students): review how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies spoken about Him, and celebrate His role as Messiah.
- Pass on the baton: As John the Baptist gave over ministry to Jesus, we can “pass the baton” to others, too. Have a relay race in honor of this idea.
Explain that this lesson is about how Jesus was first revealed as God’s son, who came to save us. John the Baptist pointed to Jesus
Ask: Can you think of a story where a hero appeared on the scene to save people? (This is a common theme in literature, though sadly not all children these days are aware…hopefully they can come up with a few hero examples).
Bible Lesson for Kids “Jesus the Lamb of God”
Use whatever translation best suits you and your audience. This passage is a wonderful reminder of who Jesus is and why He came for us. If you like, it can be acted out or done in assigned parts. Older students can take turns reading. Or for any audience, consider reading out loud, pausing to discuss elements.
Depending on where you are starting in the chapter, you might need to provide some of the background explanation, remembering who John the Baptist was and how he came to prepare the way for Jesus. John lived and taught and told others that the Messiah was coming.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” -John 1:29-31
Ask: What do you know about John the Baptist?
It might be helpful to review who John was and why he came. John came before Jesus, in order to get people ready for the Messiah. John baptized Christ in the river, and told others that He was the special chosen Savior. He was an eyewitness who told others about the Lord.
And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” -John 1:32-34
It was important for John to point the way to Jesus. He wanted others to know that what Christ said was true. He also wanted to be sure that people didn’t look to John, but to Jesus. John was there to prepare and to point to the one who was far greater than He. John was explaining that all of the prophecies and things that had been spoken about a Messiah had come true! Jesus was the one they waited for. He was the hero, sent by God to save the day!
Ask: How can you point others to Jesus?
John was in a sense, passing on the baton, turning his followers and disciples over to Jesus, the One who was more worthy of listening to. John pointed his friends to Christ, and they immediately went to follow their new teacher.
The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. -John 1:35-39
John’s disciples knew (partly because he told them) that Jesus was special. When they met this lamb of God, they told others, as well. They couldn’t keep to themselves the good news that they met the Messiah! They brought other friends to Him.
Our reaction should be similar. When we know who Jesus is and how special He is, we should be so excited that we can’t wait to tell other people about Him. We can do this with our words, but also with how we live, and with being a kind friend to others and showing what it means to serve Christ. He is the one we have waited for, the Lamb of God!
One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). -John 1:39-42
Ask: Have you ever told someone about Jesus? What do you say when the topic comes up?
It is a blessing and joy to know Jesus has taken away our sins and given us new life. Let’s pray that god would allow us to share His love with others, and bring them into His family, too!
Pray: Thank God for giving us Jesus. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness, and ask for courage in sharing His love with others.
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