Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in this scripture lesson is, “I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:8). The icebreaker invites youth to channel their inner John the Baptist by finding gummy worms (instead of locusts). The discussion encourages students to think about Jesus’ baptism and John’s role in the baptism. The activity allows youth to experience the story of John the Baptist through video and discuss baptism. Times are based on a fifty-five-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

Gummy Worm Goo (15 minutes)

Give each student a pie plate that has three to five gummy worms mixed with Cool Whip. Invite the students to put their hands behind their backs. When you say “go,” have the students begin searching for the gummy worms with only their mouths/faces in the Cool Whip. The person who finds all the gummy worms first wins.

Option 1:

If playing with a large group and not wanting to make a mess, consider playing as an up-front game.

Option 2:

Try dying the Cool Whip various colors to give colored beards to all the players.

*Consider any food allergies from your participants if using this game. Also consider having clean up materials on hand, and perhaps old shirts or aprons so that participants can limit the mess on their clothing.

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our scripture reading today involves the stories of becoming the people of God. The book of Mark gives us nothing about Jesus’ birth or life before his ministry. Jesus’ baptism is the fulfillment promised by Isaiah, a promise in John’s own explanation of Jesus’ baptism, that his baptism was with water, but “he [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:8).

Read Genesis 1:1-5 and Mark 1:4-11.

Discussion (15 minutes)

What do you think John the Baptist's main task is in the Mark verses?
Does John the Baptist seem approachable by his description in Mark? Why do you think so many people were eager to be baptized by him? (Remember, this is BEFORE the Christian faith really emerges, so John is baptizing people who are mainly Jewish, and they remain Jewish.)
How is God present in each story? What is God’s response or action in each story? Why do you think that response is important for us today?
What does it mean to be baptized? What does a baptism look like in our church? What is special or unique about the way we do baptisms?
What do you think the difference is between a water baptism and baptism of the Holy Spirit? Why do you think John pointed that difference out?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by getting students’ hands and imaginations involved. Start with the following video: https://youtu.be/7NMHOLPWeTM.

Points for discussion:

John humbles himself to make sure that Jesus is glorified. Why is this important in the scope of Jesus’ life?
Why do you think Jesus went to be baptized at the beginning of his ministry?
John’s ability to serve Jesus was made simply by his humble choices. Is there anything in your life that needs simplification so that Jesus can be glorified?

Option 2:

Consider asking your pastor to help you create a “remembering your baptism” moment during this time. To get you started, check out this service structure: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/new-service-of-reaffirmation-of-the-baptismal-covenant, and this creative article on remembering your baptism: https://www.umc.org/en/content/5-ways-to-remember-your-baptism.

TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes

NEEDED RESOURCES:

Gummy Worms - enough for three to five per student
Pie plates - one for each student
Cool Whip - enough to fill each pie plate
Optional – Cleaning supplies (water, wipes, table covers, floor covers, etc.). Coverings for outfits. (This is a messy game!)