Main Idea: God sent John to get people ready because Jesus, his Son, was coming to save the world.

Key Memory Verse: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11 ESV)

Target Audience: Ages 5–9

The Story Explained

1. Mark Tells Us the Big News: Jesus Is God’s Son (v. 1)

The very first sentence in Mark’s book tells us the whole point: Jesus is God’s Son, and this is the Good News! This first verse is like the title of the whole book—it tells us who Jesus is from the very beginning.

When you read Mark, you are reading the story of God’s Son.

2. God Promised Long Ago to Send Someone to Prepare the Way (vv. 2–3)

Before Jesus came, God had already made promises in Scripture. He said he would send a messenger to help people get ready. Mark uses God’s promises from Exodus, Malachi, and Isaiah to explain that John the Baptizer is this special messenger. God always keeps his promises.

3. John the Baptizer Prepares the People (vv. 4–8)

John lived in the desert. He wore camel’s hair and a leather belt. He ate bugs and honey! He told everyone: “Turn back to God! Be baptized! A greater One is coming!”

People came from everywhere to confess their sins and be baptized. John said: “I baptize you with water, but Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

John was like Elijah—a prophet who helped people turn their hearts back to God. John’s job was to help people get ready for Jesus.

4. Jesus Comes to Be Baptized (vv. 9–11)

Jesus came from a small town called Nazareth. He didn’t look fancy or important—he blended in with the crowd. But when Jesus was baptized, something amazing happened:

The sky tore open
The Holy Spirit came down on Jesus like a gentle dove
God’s voice said, “You are my Son. I love you. I am pleased with you.”

Only Jesus saw the sky tear open, and the voice spoke directly to him—this showed Jesus who he truly was. Jesus is God’s Son, and God is delighted with him.

5. The Spirit Sends Jesus into the Desert (vv. 12–13)

Right after his baptism, the Holy Spirit sent Jesus into the desert. There, Jesus stayed for 40 days. He was tempted by Satan, surrounded by wild animals, and cared for by angels.

This shows Jesus entering a battle with evil—and winning. He is the stronger One John talked about. Jesus fights evil and never loses.

Applications

1. God Always Keeps His Promises

He promised to send a messenger. He promised to send his Son. He kept every promise—and he keeps his promises to you too.

2. Get Your Heart Ready for Jesus

John helped people get ready by telling them to turn back to God. Kids can do that too—by praying, obeying, and listening to God’s Word.

3. Jesus Understands Hard Things

Jesus went into a lonely desert and faced temptation. So when you feel lonely or tempted, Jesus understands—and he can help you.

4. Jesus Is God’s Son, and You Can Follow Him

God said he loved Jesus and was pleased with him. When you follow Jesus, you make God happy too.

Discussion Questions

Why did God send John before Jesus came?
What happened when Jesus was baptized?
Why did Jesus go into the desert?
How does knowing Jesus is God’s Son help you trust him?
What is one way you can “prepare your heart” for Jesus today?

Mark 1:1-13 — Jesus Is God’s Son & Our King