The Forerunner and the Cross
Early childhood (9-12) · member guide · Anchor: Matthew 17:9-13· preview
From the sermon Following the Forerunner to Death
1. The Mountain Command
Matthew 17:9-13 — 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.
Jesus answered the disciples by telling them that Elijah had already come, but the religious leaders did not recognize him. Why do you think the scribes and leaders missed John the Baptist even though they knew the Bible so well?
2. Rejection and Courage
The sermon said Jesus followed the forerunner to the same end—rejection and death. Jesus knew He would suffer at the hands of the same people who hurt John. Have you ever been treated badly for doing the right thing? How does knowing that Jesus experienced the same thing help you trust Him?
3. Getting Ready for the Day of the Lord
Malachi 4:5-6 — Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.
Read these verses out loud. The sermon said this great and awesome day is a day of judgment. John the Baptist came to turn hearts back to God. What is one area of your life where you need to turn away from sin and turn toward Jesus?
4. The Only Escape
The sermon said Jesus died on the cross to take God's wrath for our sin, and everyone who trusts Him escapes destruction. Are you trusting Jesus to rescue you, or are you still trying to be good enough on your own? What is one thing you need to hand over to Jesus this week?
5. Tell the News
Jesus told Peter, James, and John to keep the transfiguration quiet for a while, but He wanted everyone to know about His death and resurrection. Who is one person you can tell this week that Jesus is the Messiah who died and rose again to save sinners?