Lesson Guide

First, watch the video above together as a group.

Icebreaker Activity: Most Unusual Influencer

Go around and have each student answer the question below:

If you had to follow one weird influencer for a week, what would their content be about?

Examples:

Transition: John the Baptist was probably the weirdest influencer in history, yet thousands of people listened to him.

Take turns reading the talking points and scripture passages aloud.

John the Baptist was sent by God to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. Mark 1:2-4
Repentance means making a U-turn—turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Baptism was a public way for people to show they were serious about following God.
John was humble. Instead of promoting himself, he pointed everyone to Jesus. Mark 1:7-8
We can prepare the way for Jesus today by helping friends and family see Him more clearly through our words and actions. Matthew 5:16

*Have students read the talking points and verses.

Read through the questions one at a time and discuss them as a group.

What stood out to you most from the video or talking points?
Why do you think so many people listened to John, even though he looked and lived so differently from everyone else?
When you hear the word “repentance,” what comes to mind? How would you explain repentance to a friend?
Have you ever had to make a “U-turn” in an attitude, habit, or decision? What happened?
John’s whole mission was to point people to Jesus instead of himself. Why is that difficult in a world focused on likes, followers, and attention?
What could it look like for you to be a modern-day forerunner for Jesus at school, on your team, among your friends, or in your family?
Have you personally made the decision to repent and follow Jesus? If so, what led you to that decision? If not, what questions do you still have?

*Encourage everyone to participate, listen well, and share honestly. This is an opportunity to learn from God’s Word and from one another.