Bible Blossom - Storyteller's Handbook

136 • T HE S TO RY OF G OD I N C H R I S T : T HE F ULLNESS OF T I ME

The Ministry of John the Baptist Matthew 3.1-12

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Key Verse

Matthew 3.11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

The Lord prepares the way for Messiah, the true seed of Abraham, to establish his Kingdom.

Theme

Setting

The Wilderness of Judea near the Jordan River

• John the Baptist • Jewish People • Pharisees and Sadducees – Jewish Religious Leaders Introduction and Rising Action 1. John is a wild man who wears rough clothing and eats wild locusts and honey. 2. He preaches in the wilderness that the kingdom of God is at hand. 3. He calls for repentance ahead of the arrival of Messiah and baptizes many Jewish people in the Jordan River.

Major Characters

Plot

John the Baptist prepares the way for Messiah