The Gospel Project at Home: John Pointed to Jesus
- May 20
- 3 min read
Read Scripture
Read all or parts of John 3:22-26 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.
Preschool Bible Story Video
Elementary Bible Story Video
Talk About Scripture
Did you know the giant foam finger was invented by a high school student? In 1971, a teenager named Steve Chmelar built a giant hand out of wood and paper to cheer for his school’s basketball team. Years later, it became the big foam finger we see at sporting events today, pointing high into the air, showing support for a favorite player or team.
That’s similar to what John the Baptist did—except instead of a finger pointing to a team, he used his whole life to point people to Jesus. Some of John’s followers were upset that more people were starting to follow Jesus instead of John. But John wasn’t upset at all. He was glad! He said, “I’m not the Messiah—I was sent ahead of Him.”
Then John said something powerful. John said, “Jesus must increase, but I must decrease.” John knew his job was to prepare the way for Jesus—and then get out of the way so everyone could see the Savior. Just like a foam finger points to someone else, we’re called to use our lives to point people to Jesus.
John pointed people to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. When people believe in Jesus as the Messiah, they receive eternal life and can point others to believe in Jesus too!
Pray: Jesus, help us point to You in everything we do, so others can know You and trust You too. Amen.
Learn Scripture
Preschool Scripture Music Video
Elementary Scripture Music Video
Family Prayer
Mornings: Ask Jesus to help you live in a way that points others to Him today. Pray for a heart that chooses humility and honors Jesus above yourself. How can you point your friends to Jesus today? How does loving them help them see His love?
Evenings: Thank Jesus for the chances you had to show His love today. Ask Him to keep teaching you how to make more of Him and less of yourself. Where did God help you to see His glory today? How did you help others see Jesus today?
Family Activities
For Fun: Use poster board and other craft materials to make giant foam fingers for each family member. Cut them out and decorate them with messages like Jesus is #1!, He must become greater, or Point to Jesus! Talk about how John the Baptist didn’t try to be the most important—he pointed people to Jesus instead. Share ideas about how you can each “point to Jesus” this week—at school, work, or in your neighborhood.
To Serve: Ask friends and neighbors to help your family host a Bible club in your neighborhood this spring. Plan three or four Bible stories to share with kids, come up with lesson plans and activities, and designate an individual to start gathering supplies. Consider hosting the Bible club in a front yard or nearby park to help other kids learn about Jesus. Remind your family that this is just one of the ways we can point others to Jesus the way John pointed people to Jesus.
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