Bible Story taken from Scripture: Luke 1:57-80
Using Betty Lukens Through the Bible in Felt

Aim of Lesson: To understand there was a need for John’s ministry. There were many “disobedient” in John’s day, as in ours.
He was sent to prepare Israel for the Messiah. “To turn the hearts of… the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous.” (Luke 1:17)

Coordinates With:

• NKJV Kids’ Study Bible, p1178-1179

Materials Needed:

• Flannel Board Scene Suggestions: Interior Flannel Board Background or Solid Blue Flannel Board
• Betty Lukens Felt Figures in Order by Story Sequence: #94 – Old Woman Facing Left; # 37-Priest facing right; #111 – Baby; #106 – Woman facing right ; #106A - Woman Facing Right; #21- Man facing right ; #315 – Single Scroll
• Felt Figures Included in Life of Jesus set and the Old & New Testament deluxe set: #94 – Old Woman Facing Left; # 37-Priest facing right; #111 – Baby; #21- Man facing right ; #315 – Single Scroll
• Felt Figures Included only in Old & New Testament deluxe set: #106 – Woman facing right ; #106A - Woman Facing Right; #232 – Chair facing left; #227 – Table

Felt Story Teacher’s Script:

Setting of Bible Account: In the hill country of Judea, the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Some time near or in B.C. 5 (When using interior flannel board begin with felt figure #94 – Old woman facing left and felt figure #37-Priest facing right. For additional scenery, add felt objects #232 – Chair facing left and #227 – Table)

57 Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. (Place felt figure #111 – Baby in the arms of #94 – Old woman)

When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, (Place felt figure #106 – Woman facing right, 106A – Woman facing right and #21- Man facing right) they rejoiced with her.

59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they wanted to call him by the name of his father, Zachariah. His mother answered and said, (Move felt figure #94 & #111 to a different part of the flannel board indicating she refuses the suggestion.) No, the baby will be called John."

61 But they said to her, (Move felt figure #106 – woman facing right, closer to #94 – Old woman) "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name."

62 So the neighbors made signs to Zechariah asking “what would you have him called?” (Place felt # 37-Priest facing right, near felt #94 – Old woman) And he asked for a writing tablet, (place felt #315 - Scroll in hand of felt # 37 – Priest facing right) and wrote saying, "His name is John." So they all marveled.

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.

65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. Those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with John.

The prophecy of Zachariah, about Christ

Now let’s listen as I read the Word of God. (Open Bible to read Luke 1:67-79)

This is what Luke wrote concerning Zachariah great prophecy.

• 67 Now his father Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
• 68 "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people,
• 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David,
• 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,
• 71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us,
• 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant,
• 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
• 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear,
• 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.
• 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
• 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins,
• 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
• 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace."

So the John the Baptist grew, became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

End of Teaching Script

Review this Week’s Memory Verse:
Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people. Luke 1:68 (NKJV)

After Lesson Activities:

• Train Up Children’s Traceable NKJV Bible Verses for Children.
  
  
• Betty Lukens coloring page and activity worksheet.
  (Found on Betty Lukens Coloring Page and Activity CD)

Additional Bible Resources found in Teacher’s Packet Department