What would John the Baptist do? (and other deep questions about God)

On Sunday, our elementary Sunday school classes explored more of the story of John the Baptist. Matthew 3: 13-17 tells of John assuring others that he has seen Jesus and calls him the “Lamb of God.” In this passage, he tells of how he knows that Jesus is the Son of God sent to teach us about God’s love. We know from the Bible that John is this unusual person living in the wilderness and wearing clothes made of camel hair. He also lives on a diet of honey and (yuck) locusts. How would we react to this strange - probably dirty, smelly, bug-eating, wondering weirdo who is rambling on about a Messiah?  Maybe we are hesitant to talk to others about our faith because we don’t want to become mistaken as some religious nutcase - which is - I am sure - how some interpreted John the Baptist in his time.  God was using John, this outcast and least-likely character to point people to Jesus.  

    On Sunday we discussed with the kids the question of  WWJTBD? - or what would John the Baptist do? How can we be like John the Baptist and point people to Jesus? Simple, non-threatening ways -  inviting someone to come to church with you, helping your neighbors, and being nice to people  - were what the kids suggested.

    During our prayer time with the younger kids Sunday they asked some interesting questions:

“Does God have a body?”

“Can we bump in to God?”

“Is God a ghost?”

“Why can’t I hear God? “

    How would you answer these? Our Sunday school teachers did a great job of fielding those questions and reassuring the students that their questions were wonderful, important and part of  each person’s journey of figuring out who God is for themselves.  “God is Love,” explained Ms. Megan. “And anywhere there is Love there is God.”

    Sometimes we don’t want to talk with others about our faith and what we believe because we feel like we don’t have all the answers. Its hard for anyone, at any age, to get their mind around this big huge mysterious God who loves us. But, if some strange, dirty, smelly, bug-eating, wondering, least-likely weirdo can point people to Jesus - than maybe we can, too.

Here is a lovely litany from our Sunday school curriculum:

Why did Jesus come to earth?

Jesus came to live among us.

Why did Jesus come to earth?

Jesus came to be God with us.

Why did Jesus come to earth?

Jesus came to show us God’s love.

Why did Jesus come to earth?

Jesus came to teach us the way to live. God, please help us to follow Jesus. Amen.