DO NOW: WHAT IMAGES DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD “KINGDOM”?

Chapter 9 ~”The Coming of God’s Kingdom”

Chapter 9 ~Lesson 1

Jesus prepares for his work as God’s son.

Chapter 9 ~Lesson 1

John the Baptist was a prophet sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah.

John called for the people to repent.He told the people that one mightier than he was coming.When Jesus was about 30 years old, he left Nazareth and went to the Jordan to have John baptize him.When Jesus was being baptized, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended upon him.Once baptized, Jesus was led into the desert for 40 days by the Holy Spirit.Jesus was ready to begin his public ministry. “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Chapter 9 ~Lesson 1

The Kingdom of God is the power of God’s love active in our lives and in the world.Jesus was calling the people to bring goodness and happiness into the world. Jesus was saying that:God’s presence and reign can be found in him and in the things he said and did.grace and freedom from sin are offered to everyone.By living in God’s presence, people spread God’s kingdom and can move toward life with God forever.

Chapter 9 ~Lesson 1

Jesus told parables to help people learn more about God’s Kingdom.

Read The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32) andThe Parable of the Fishing Net (Matthew 13:47-50)What messages do we get from these parables?

Remember, a parable is a story with a message.