The Word becomes human (John 1:(1-9), 10-18)
Leaders Input
Visio Lectio
A print design from Rev. Sarah West, Diocese of Auckland PNG Download Download w/ background Terms of Use Visio Lectio is based on the practice of Visio Divina - the thoughtful contemplation of something visual that invites God to speak to us. |
The Lectionary will look at the Baptism of Jesus next week too (like a sandwich around Epiphany!), so it may give us an opportunity to spend a couple of weeks looking at John
John the Baptist was someone who anticipated a messiah who would be greater than himself. John is portrayed as the forerunner of Jesus who prepares the people for Jesus' ministry. John baptised Jesus and was beheaded by Herod. From the BibleProject: John begins his Gospel account by introducing Jesus as the Word of God, echoing the opening chapters of Genesis, where God created life through his spoken word. This beginning was good, but when God’s creatures rejected his instructions, all creation spiraled into death. The world needed a new beginning, so God's divine word spoke again, but this time, the word became a human named Jesus.
For more information on John 1, check out the following BibleProject resources: John 1 Study Notes John 1 Script References John 1 Blog Post John 1 Podcast Episode |
Interactive StationWho is Jesus Praise Poster? Something easy and interactive. You may like to use felts or sticky notes as a less-mess option.
Kids TalksA Kids Talk on John 1: 1-18 - a conversation between Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
ActivitiesYou can find more about John the Baptist in Matthew 3! Here are some activities that you may like to include, if you end up doing a deep dive on John.
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Intergenerational WorshipIntergen Australia have produced a two-week series called 'Reflect' to help provide space in the lectionary readings, and this second week we take the time to reflect on who Jesus, the Word is, and the difference that Jesus makes for our world.
All the resources, this week, are based on the reading from John 1:(1-9)10-18. Even though it’s a well-known reading it’s good to take the time to reflect on who the Word is, how the Word makes a difference, and who, around the world, may still be unfamiliar with the Word. Through games, discussions, writing and guessing challenges, and prayer, it is hoped that people may reflect on who Jesus is, and become more confident telling others about the difference that Jesus makes for our world. Written and compiled by Katherine Ruhle. Download here 
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Who is John the Baptist? (John 1:6-8,19-28)
These verses talk about John the Baptist, and the description he gives to the Jewish leaders as to who he is. When questioned if he was a prophet, or Elijah, he tells them that while he baptises people with water, he will not be worthy to baptise the One who is coming.
Who was John the Baptist?John the Baptist anticipated a messiah who would be greater than himself. John is portrayed as the forerunner of Jesus who prepares the people for Jesus' ministry. John baptised Jesus and was beheaded by Herod.
BibleProject: John 1From the BibleProject: John begins his Gospel account by introducing Jesus as the Word of God, echoing the opening chapters of Genesis, where God created life through his spoken word. This beginning was good, but when God’s creatures rejected his instructions, all creation spiraled into death. The world needed a new beginning, so God's divine word spoke again, but this time, the word became a human named Jesus.
For more information on John 1, check out the following BibleProject resources: John 1 Study Notes John 1 Script References John 1 Blog Post John 1 Podcast Episode |
ActivitiesYou can find more about John the Baptist in Matthew 3! Here are some activities that you may like to include, if you end up doing a deep dive on John.
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Lamb of God / The calling of the disciples (John 1:29-42)
In today's gospel reading, we hear about some of the first disciples.
Input for leadersGospel Conversations 2026 (Diocese of Dunedin) - Epiphany 2 / John 1:29-42
We're into our holiday-time mode of conversation now until the end of January. Less structured, friends gathering for a chat about readings from Advent 4 to the end of January. What's in a name?
"Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”)" John 1:42 When Andrew brought his brother to meet Jesus, Simon never knew that this would be the beginning of his life-changing adventure with Jesus. In some of the first words to Simon, Jesus tells him that you will be called Cephas, meaning Peter - which means rock. We know from later accounts of Peter that Jesus will use Peter to build his church, and he will be an important leader of the early church. |
Bible Project have put together a really helpful video that helps explain why Jesus was described as "Lamb of God", a symbol for sacrifice and atonement.
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Intergenerational Worship
Kids TalksA retelling of John 1:29-42 (Gary Neal Hansen)
Jesus is a teacher we can follow (RFour) Go make disciples (Ministry to Children) Full lesson plan - includes activities God's eye witnesses (Sermons 4 Kids) ActivityIn art, the Agnus Dei symbol is often depicted as a lamb bearing a cross or banner.
Here is a simple craft activity that kids can make:
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Preschool Play Tell the story - A simple retelling:
John was standing by the road one day. He looked up and said, “Look! Look! It’s Jesus — God’s special one!” Two friends heard John say, “Look!” So they followed… follow, follow, follow. Jesus turned around and smiled. “Who are you looking for?” he asked. They said, “Teacher, where are you staying?” Jesus said, “Come and see.” So they followed… follow, follow, follow. They walked with Jesus. They stayed with Jesus. They spent the day with Jesus. One friend was called Andrew. Andrew ran to his brother and said, “We found Jesus! Come and see!” And his brother came too. And he followed… follow, follow, follow. Jesus invites us, “Come and see.” We can follow Jesus every day. Follow the Leader - play follow the leader and get the kids to do the actions you do. Take turns being the the leader. Talk about: I wonder why people wanted to follow Jesus? Who is someone you like to follow (like a parent or friend)? I wonder what it feels like to be a friend of Jesus? Light Station - you will need toy lamb (or lamb pictures), Flashlights or battery tea lights, white paper and crayons. Children can cuddle the lamb toy and explore light with the torches: shining light on the paper, tracing shadows, watching light “come alive.” Talk about how John called Jesus the Lamb of God and how Jesus is the light of the world. I wonder what it means that Jesus is a light? I wonder how Jesus helps us see love and kindness? Names and New Friends - Materials: Large paper with outlines of faces or simple name tags, crayons, stickers. Invite children to draw a face or decorate a name tag for themselves and for “Peter.” Talk about how Jesus gave Simon a new name: Peter — a name like a gift! I wonder why Jesus gave Simon a new name? I wonder what it means to be a friend of Jesus? Pray - Gather in a small circle with the lamb toy or a soft light (battery candle). Pass the toy/light around gently — as each child touches or holds it, say: “Thank you, God, for Jesus -- the Lamb of God, the light of the world, the friend who loves me.” |
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Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43-51)
I SpyIntroductionAs Carolyn Brown points out in Worshipping with Children, "Eyes are important. Using them well to really see is even more important! John the Baptist saw and knew who Jesus was when he came to be baptised. When Nathaniel asked Philip, in reference to Jesus, if anything good could come from Nazareth, Philip answered, “Come and see.” And they saw a lot in the years that followed! Use this story to urge children to really see or pay attention to people and to what is happening around them."
GamesHere are some icebreaker game to get kids noticing and using their eyes: I-Spy Take turns to play i-spy (I spy with my little eye, something beginning with ... choose a letter and wait for kids to guess that item) Where's Wally Source some where's wally or I Spy books from the library, where they have to hunt out different items on the pages. Kim's Game/Tray Game Collect an assortment of items on a tray. Give the children 30 seconds to look at them and then cover it with a cloth. Give the children a minute to name as many items on the tray as possible. This is a good team game and can be themed to your other activities. Treasure hunt Hide different items around the room that the kids have to search for. Give them a time limit or until the last item has been found. You could print off small speech bubbles and hide them around the room. Download here |
Name above all namesWhat's in a name? When Nathanael saw Jesus, he called out “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” Jesus’ friends also called him “Rabbi,” which means “Teacher.”
Jesus was called many things - What would you call him? Activity
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Disciples Mobile CraftJesus and his disciples mobile craft which links in the idea of being fishers of men, taken from guildcraftinc.com and seen on Pinterest
Download crown and fish template here |
Colouring inTwelve disciples colouring page, with spaces to write all of their names (if the group is too young to manage the writing easily, print one copy and write the names on it before making copies).
Colouring sheet found here |
