Jesus is the Good News!

The Greatest News Ever!

Bible Passage: Mark 1:1–15

Summary: In Mark 1:1–15, the Gospel reveals the beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, highlighting His ministry of preaching, baptizing, and calling for repentance in fulfillment of God's promise.

Application: This passage encourages children to understand that Jesus brings joy and hope into our lives and that they too can share this Good News with their friends and family. It teaches them the importance of believing in Jesus and the joy of repenting and following Him.

Teaching: The sermon teaches children about the significance of Jesus' arrival as the Good News, emphasizing how His message of repentance and faith leads to a relationship with God, and encourages them to embrace and share this message.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises and the central figure through whom God reveals His plan for salvation underscores the entirety of Scripture, showing that all stories ultimately point to Him as the Redeemer.

Intro

Imagine it's your birthday, and your favorite friend shows up with a big surprise. Imagine that gift. The best gift you ever could think of. That moment of joy is just a glimpse of the happiness Jesus brings us! Every day is like a gift with Jesus; He makes every moment better, just like your favorite friend’s surprise visit brings joy to your heart!

Big Idea: Jesus is the Good News that brings joy and hope to our lives, inviting us to believe and share His message with others.

1. Prepare for the Good News

Mark 1:1–8

Begin by introducing Jesus as the central figure of the Good News that Mark's Gospel presents.

I could emphasize how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, likening John's call to "prepare the way" to how students might get ready for something exciting, like a big event.

Imagine counting down the days until summer vacation, feeling the joy building up! In Philippians 4:4, we are encouraged to rejoice always. Like the anticipation of summer, we can look forward to the joy God provides every day. The promise of joy is a part of every moment leading up to wonderful experiences in our lives!

Encourage children to be like John, helping their friends and family get excited about Jesus by talking about Him and living in a way that shows His love. Perhaps explore how understanding John's role can inspire children to share the joy and hope that Jesus offers.

2. Proclaim the Greatest Message

Mark 1:9–15

Continue by focusing on Jesus' baptism and His message of repentance and belief in the Gospel.

This is where Jesus' ministry publicly begins, and it's a time filled with hope and promise.

In the midst of our problems we have hope

There is beauty, there is a promise, there is a God who loves us

Perhaps relate this to how important beginnings are in their lives, like starting a new school year or a new hobby, underscoring Jesus as the start of something amazing in our hearts.

Suggest practical ways the children can follow Jesus' example by believing in Him and embracing His teachings at home or school, showing others the love and joy He brings.

Question

What is the main reason we call Jesus the Good News?

Why do you think Jesus wants us to follow Him?

Can you think of a time when you felt joyful because of Jesus? Share that story.