Zechariah and The Birth of John the Baptist

Luke 1:5-25 & 1:57-80, tells the story of Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who were unable to have children, and how the birth of John the Baptist was foretold to them by an angel. This story is significant not only because of the miraculous birth, but also because it sets the stage for the birth of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist was born to be a prophet and to prepare the way for the Jesus.

• God has a plan
• We should trust God’s words
• God can do impossible things

Lesson Guide – Zechariah

Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth had never had any children and now they were too old.

Before Jesus came and died on the cross, people worshipped in a building called a temple. Priests worked in the temple and made sacrifice for the people.

Zechariah was a priest. He worked in the temple. He was chosen by lot to go inside and burn incense, which smells nice.

Play a game by putting toy blocks inside a bag. All the blocks should be the same color except one. Take turns to pick a block out of the bag without looking. Say whoever picks the odd block can help at snack time. Explain this is kind of how lots worked at the temple.

You may also choose to smell some unlighted scented candles. Discuss which smells the child likes and dislike. Light one of the candles they like and show how the scent rises in the smoke and fills the room. Talk how incense represented the prayers raising to God.

The worship was very different than what we have now. This is because when Jesus died on the cross, He broke down the barrier between people and God. Now, we can talk to God through our mediator, Jesus Christ. A mediator is someone who is a go-between. Play a game with your child. Sit in one room and have someone else sit in another room. Have the child become a mediator by carrying messages between the two rooms.

While Zechariah was burning the incense, an angel appeared. He had good news for Zechariah. Ask the child if he or she would be happy if someone suddenly told him or her that a dream would come true.

Remember that Zechariah and Elizabeth couldn’t have children because they were too old. God would have to do an impossible thing for Elizabeth to give birth. Play a game with the child by talking about things that are impossible or possible. Take turns saying things like growing wings and flying or eating chocolate or drinking the whole ocean. These can be fun and silly, but the goal is to have the child identify the difference between possible and impossible. Then tell them that the angel was basically telling Zechariah that he could drink the whole ocean. Zechariah didn’t believe God’s word that He sent by the angel.

We should always believe God’s word, because God can do impossible things.

Zechariah couldn’t speak until John was born because he didn’t believe God’s message. Ask the child if it would be difficult to not be able to speak. Play a game of charades.

All along, God had a plan. He knew that Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a baby even when it seemed impossible. God always has a plan to make things work for the good of those who trust in Him.

John the Baptist was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. After he grew up, he had a very special job of telling others that Jesus was coming!

Pray with your child and ask Jesus to help him or her trust in Him and God’s message to them.

Zechariah – Bible story for kids

Games and Activities

Charades

Charades is not only a fun game, but it also helps children develop important communication skills. 

It’s a simple game that doesn’t require any materials, and it can be customized to be as easy or difficult as you want. Here are some tips on how to play charades with young children:

1. Keep it simple. When you’re first starting out, it’s important to keep the charades simple. Choose words or phrases that are easy to act out. Whisper the word or make picture cards for the child.

2. Make it physical. Encourage the child to use their whole body to act out the charade.

3. Make it fun. Be silly and have fun with it. The more fun you’re having, the more likely the children are to have fun too.

Remember how Zechariah was unable to talk.

Can you guess the smell?

This is a fun learning activity for kids that can help them identify different smells.

First, you’ll need to gather some items with distinct smells. You can use things like essential oils, perfumes, or scented candles. Next, place the items in different containers and label them with numbers.

Now, have the children close their eyes and take a sniff of each item, one at a time. After they’ve had a chance to smell each item, have them guess what scent they think it is.

If they guess correctly, give them a point. If they guess incorrectly, provide a hint about the smell until they are able to identify it.

This game is not only fun, but it’s also a great way to help your child develop their sense of smell. Think about the incense in the temple. Read Psalm 141:2 and talk about how when we pray it pleases God.

Worksheets

Free Bible Coloring Pages – Zechariah

Craft – Make a Roman Tabula

What you need:

• Cardboard
• Plasticine / Modelling clay
• Scissors
• Glue
• Coloured paper
• Tape

What to do:

(These steps could be done in advance)

1. Cut out three rectangles of cardboard the same size.
2. Cut out the centre of one rectangle to make a frame shape. Glue onto one of the rectangles.
3. Use tape to secure the third piece of cardboard so that it opens like a book.

Activity

1. Decorate the cardboard Tabula.
2. Roll modeling clay into the space in the frame
3. Practice writing or drawing in the clay.

Download the lesson for FREE

Translations