The Messenger Who Came First

Welcome, leaders! This guide helps you talk with 7- and 8-year-olds about today\'s sermon. Keep things short, upbeat, and simple.\n\nStart by reading the main passage together.\n\n> And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, \'Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.\' And the disciples asked him, \'Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?\' He answered, \'Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.\' Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.\n\n## Question 1: Who did Jesus say had already come?\nLeader tip: Expected answer: John the Baptist. Jesus said Elijah already came, and the disciples realized he meant John. John came to get people ready for Jesus, but the leaders did not recognize him and were mean to him. If a child talks about the Old Testament Elijah, say: \'That Elijah was a long time ago. Today Jesus was talking about someone who came like him. Who was it?\'\nTime: about 2 minutes\n\n## Question 2: What did Jesus say would happen to the Son of Man?\nLeader tip: Expected answer: Jesus said He would suffer and die. The sermon reminded us that Jesus knew He would die on the cross. He died to take the punishment for our sin. If a child talks about the resurrection first, say: \'Yes, Jesus rose again! But first He died. Why did He die?\'\nTime: about 2 minutes\n\n## Question 3: How do we escape the punishment we deserve?\nLeader tip: Expected answer: We trust in Jesus. We turn from our sin and believe that Jesus died and rose again for us. When we trust Him, we are saved and become part of God\'s family. If a child says, \'By being good,\' gently redirect: \'Being good is nice, but Jesus said we are saved by trusting in Him, not by being good on our own.\'\nTime: about 3 minutes\n\n## Activity: Draw the Story\nLeader tip: Give each child paper and crayons. Ask them to draw two pictures: one of John the Baptist pointing to Jesus, and one of Jesus on the cross. Then let each child share one sentence about why Jesus died. If a child draws something off-topic, ask: \'Can you add Jesus or John to show what we learned today?\'\nTime: about 5 minutes\nSupplies: paper and crayons