Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

Below are 7 qualities of persons of influence. Rank the list below from most important to the least (1-7) and explain your response.

1. Shine: This is about genuinely displaying passion, joy, and hope. 
2. Hold: When you understand and follow through on your convictions.
3. Connect: Someone who effectively interacts with others (family, friends, and the community/world).
4. Perceiving: This is an intentional effort to see people with respect and value.  
5. Overcome: As life offers roadblocks, the one who learns to persevere will grow deep in an enduring way.
6. Reflect: Make time to think alone and better understand yourself, others, and the world around you.
7. Admit: This is the willingness to acknowledge when you're wrong or don't have all the answers, demonstrating humility and openness to learn and grow.

Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

Today’s Scripture passage: Mark 1:4-8

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with[a] water, but he will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit.”

Download PDF of Mark 1:4-8

John the Baptist "appeared," preaching and stirring up the people to receive the eminent coming of the Messiah. Why do you think people flocked to hear the message of John the Baptist? To what degree did they sense the closeness of the waiting Messiah? How does this scenario compare to our world today?

The "Who are you?" interview calls for a sense of identity. Read the questions and answers in John 1:19-28 and discuss what you see in the interview between Jewish leaders and John the Baptist.

The final words of the Old Testament in Malachi 4:5, 6 portray someone who will stir up people again before the Messiah arrives.

Read the following passages that reveal the kind of a forerunner for Jesus: John 1:35-37, Matthew 11:11, and John 3:30. 

As you explore the person of John the Baptist (the man) and the myths about him that people might have had at that time, what qualities do you think we need today to know and live in a relationship with the Messiah?