Are You the One? Jesus Brings Good News
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Matthew 11:2-11
Wonder Truth
Jesus is the promised Savior who brings good news.
Memory Verse
"The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor." – Matthew 11:5
Lesson Image
Leader Prep
John the Baptist is in prison and sends his disciples to ask Jesus: "Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" Jesus answers not with a simple yes or no, but by pointing to what is happening: the blind see, the lame walk, people are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and good news reaches the poor. In Advent we rejoice that Jesus truly is the promised Savior, and His works reveal His heart.
Bible Background for Leaders
WHO: John the Baptist in prison; Jesus; John's disciples; the crowds.
WHAT: John asks if Jesus is the Messiah; Jesus points to prophetic signs (see Isaiah 35; 61) fulfilled in His ministry.
WHERE: Galilee/Judea context; John likely imprisoned in Machaerus region.
WHEN: During Jesus' early ministry, after John's public work has diminished.
WHY: To strengthen faith by seeing Jesus' works and to honor John as a faithful messenger.
KEY TRUTH: It is okay to bring questions to Jesus; He answers with grace and truth.
Volunteer Connection Tips
- Normalize questions: "God welcomes our honest hearts."
- Celebrate what Jesus does: healing, helping, bringing good news.
- Keep tone joyful (Advent 3 often highlights joy).
Key Vocabulary
- Messiah/Christ: God's promised King and Rescuer.
- Good News (Gospel): The joyful message of God's saving love in Jesus.
- Joy: Deep gladness because God is with us and at work.
- Bible (open during story)
- 3 or 4 simple "mystery clue" cards (eye, ear, helping hand, heart)
- Jar labeled "Joy" and small slips of paper
- Banner strips or half-sheets; crayons/markers
- Tape for posting finished items
Prep Time: 10 minutes to prepare clue cards and the Joy jar.
Leader Prayer:
"Jesus, thank You that You are the One we hoped for. Fill our time with Your joy and help us see Your good news today. Amen."
Curiosity
Welcome Question (displayed):
"What is some good news you heard this week?"
Before Kids Arrive:
- Place the "Joy" jar and slips near the front.
- Set the clue cards facedown on a small table.
- Pray that God will encourage any child who has questions.
"Share one piece of good news from your week. It can be small or big!"
Curiosity Activity – Guess the Clues
Purpose: Build curiosity about how Jesus answered John's question.
- Hold up each mystery card (eye, ear, helping hand, heart) and ask kids to guess what it might mean.
- Say: "These are clues about what Jesus does. Let's hear more!"
"Let's open the Bible to see how Jesus answered John."
Belief
Prayer of Invitation:
"Lord, open our hearts to Your Word. Help us listen and believe. Amen."
Bible Time Rhyme (with motions)
"Open God's book, let's take a look!
God's Word is true, for me and you!"
Storytelling (Matthew 11:2–11)
- John is in prison and asks Jesus through his followers: "Are You the One?"
- Jesus answers with signs: the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
- Jesus blesses those who are not offended by Him.
- Jesus honors John as a faithful messenger, the one who prepared the way.
Connect the Clues
- Show the eye card: "Jesus helps people see."
- Show the ear card: "Jesus helps people hear."
- Show the helping hand: "Jesus heals and helps."
- Show the heart: "Jesus brings good news to the poor and hurting."
Discussion Prompts
- "What was John's big question?"
- "How did Jesus answer him?"
- "What do Jesus' works tell us about who He is?"
"Our truth today is: Jesus is the promised Savior who brings good news. We can trust Him with our questions."
Teach with motions:
- Point to eyes ("blind receive sight")
- Walk in place ("lame walk")
- Hands out as if giving ("good news is proclaimed")
- Arms around self ("to the poor")
Faith
Affirm that questions can lead us closer to Jesus. Guide responses toward trust and noticing God's work.
- "What good things does Jesus do for people?"
- "Where do you see Jesus' love today?"
- "What could you thank Jesus for right now?"
- "What questions do people your age have about Jesus?"
- "How can Jesus' works in the Bible help us trust Him today?"
- "What is one way you could bring good news to someone this week?"
Interactive Faith Response – Joy Jar
- Give each child a slip to write or draw one way Jesus brings good news today (heals, helps, forgives, provides).
- Kids place slips in the "Joy" jar and say together: "Jesus, You are the One!"
"Because Jesus is the Savior, we can share His good news with joy."
Identity
Craft – Good News Banner
Supplies: Banner strips or half-sheets, markers, tape.
- Write: "Jesus brings good news!" with Matthew 11:5 on the banner.
- Decorate with symbols from the clues (eye, ear, helping hand, heart).
- Post banners together in a row to form a class display.
"We belong to Jesus, the true King who brings good news. We can speak His hope wherever we go."
Closing
"Say it with me: Jesus is the promised Savior who brings good news."
Practice Matthew 11:5 with motions (eyes, walk, giving hands, arms around self).
Closing Prayer (repeat-after-me)
"Dear Jesus," (pause)
"Thank You for Your good news." (pause)
"Help me trust You with my questions." (pause)
"Help me bring Your joy to others." (pause)
"Amen."
"May the joy of Jesus fill your heart and your words this week."