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Scripture (English) Grade 1
Lesson 32: Repentance: John the Baptist’s Mission
Day 32
Three Special Guests
Story Narration
One hot afternoon, Abraham was sitting by the entrance of his tent. He looked up and saw three men standing nearby. Abraham jumped up! He ran to meet them. "Please, stay and rest! Let me get you some water and food."
He rushed to Sarah. "Quick! Bake some bread!" He ran to his servant. "Cook the best meat!"
They set up a picnic under a tree for the visitors.
While they were eating, one of the visitors (who was actually the Lord!) said, "I will come back next year, and Sarah will have a son."
Sarah was listening inside the tent. She laughed to herself. Hahaha. Me? Have a baby? I am way too old!
The Lord heard her. He asked, "Why did Sarah laugh? Is anything too hard for the LORD?"
Sarah was scared and said, "I didn't laugh."
But He said gently, "Yes, you did laugh."
Orthodox Theological Explanation
Abraham showed wonderful hospitality. Hospitality means making strangers feel like family. He didn't know who they were at first, but he treated them like kings.
The amazing question in this story is: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" The answer is NO! Nothing is too hard for God. He can make the sun, He can part the sea, and He can give a baby to a 90-year-old woman.
Sarah laughed because she looked at her own ability. God wanted her to look at His ability.
Daily Christian Application
You can show God's love to everyone you meet by being a kind and welcoming friend, just like Abraham took such wonderful care of his three special visitors. When you offer a smile, a snack, or a seat to someone new, you are practicing hospitality, which is a very important way to share the joy of being in God's family. And remember the big question those visitors asked: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" The answer is always a giant "NO!" So when you feel like a problem is too big or a dream is too impossible, stop and remind yourself that the same God who made a 90-year-old grandma laugh with a new baby can handle anything in your life too. Trusting in God's unlimited power will help you be a cheerful and generous helper to others, knowing that your Heavenly Father has every situation under control.
Key Takeaways
- ★ We should be kind and welcoming to guests.
- ★ God knows our thoughts (He heard Sarah laugh inside her head).
- ★ Nothing is too hard for God.
- ★ God re-confirmed His promise.
Parallel Verses & Holy Scripture
Genesis 18:1-2, 10, 13-14 1 The LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre... 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men stood opposite him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them... ... 10 He said, I will certainly return to you when the season comes round; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son. ... 13 The LORD said to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh...? 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes round, and Sarah will have a son.
Jeremiah 32:17 "There is nothing too hard for you."
Hebrews 13:2 "Dont forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it."
Lesson 32: Repentance: John the Baptist’s Mission
📖 Matthew 3: 1-12 and Luke 3: 1-20
The children will build their understanding on who John the Baptist is and how he wanted everyone to repent and follow Jesus Christ. Children can learn about the importance of repentance, turning away from sin, and turning towards God. John's message emphasizes the need for a change of heart and mind. Children can also learn about taking responsibility for their actions and making choices that honor God.
DISCOVERING GOD'S TRUTH!
The children will build their understanding on who John the Baptist is and how he wanted everyone to repent and follow Jesus Christ. Children can learn about the importance of repentance, turning away from sin, and turning towards God. John's message emphasizes the need for a change of heart and mind. Children can also learn about taking responsibility for their actions and making choices that honor God.
WALKING IN FAITH!
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ calls every believer to live out the virtues of Lesson 32: Repentance: John the Baptist’s Mission in daily love, prayer, and obedience.
Biblical Context
The scripture reading (Matthew 3: 1-12 and Luke 3: 1-20) reveals God's sovereign grace and divine will for His people.
Orthodox Dogma
The Holy Ethiopian Orthodox Church teaches that our salvation is rooted in living faith, repentance, and communion with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Christological Center
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all prophecies, types, and biblical promises.
Practical Virtue
Students are encouraged to apply this lesson through daily prayer, kindness to family and peers, and active church life.
5-COLUMN LEARNING MATRIX
| Theological Pillar | Scriptural Narrative | Orthodox Dogma | Christological Fulfillment | Student Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Biblical Truth | Matthew 3: 1-12 and Luke 3: 1-20 | Faith in the Holy Trinity | Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Savior | Read Scripture daily |
| 2. Holy Tradition | Apostolic Church | The 7 Sacraments | Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as High Priest | Attend Holy Liturgy |
| 3. Prayer & Fasting | Spiritual Armor | Sanctification | Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Son of God and Ultimate Judge | Pray morning and evening |
| 4. Virtuous Living | Fruit of the Spirit | Love and Charity | Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Example | Practice kindness and truth |
LITURGICAL & PATRISTIC CONNECTION
In the Divine Liturgy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, this sacred theme is celebrated in the holy chants of Saint Yared, the Eucharistic prayers, and the intercessions of the Holy Mother of God.
SACRED VOCABULARY BANK
Tselot : Holy Prayer
Mitswat : Charity & Almsgiving
Kidisna : Holiness of Life
3 GOLDEN HABITS FOR DISCIPLES
DAILY PRAYER
Recite the Memory Verse (Proverbs 9:10) and pray with thanksgiving every morning and evening.
FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE
Honor your parents, teachers, and elders as commanded in Holy Scripture.
JOYFUL CHARITY
Share your blessings, help those in need, and speak kindly to all people.
FAMILY & YOUTH DISCUSSION PROMPTS
What is the core spiritual lesson of Lesson 32: Repentance: John the Baptist’s Mission?
How does the memory verse (Proverbs 9:10) inspire your daily choices?
How can our family practice this teaching in our home this week?
«Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.»
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.!
🐑 The Lord is My Shepherd: Green pastures and still waters of peace in Christ.