Kids-- John and Jesus

John and Jesus would play together as cousins growing up. John was six months older than Jesus and both were filled by God with Holy Spirit before they were born. Both kids were easy to raise, enjoyed times of laughter, and had sympathetic hearts when they noticed other's needs.

John's purpose in life is to prepare the people of Israel to turn their hearts to God and be ready to receive Jesus as Savior when Jesus' time has come to launch His work of salvation. John has the spirit and power of Elijah that God has built within him. When John grows up he will Baptize others, calling them to repentance for their sins like Elijah.

Elijah defeated 450 prophets of baal (nature worshipers and sacrifice by fire) for God (find this in Kings chapter 18), he spoke for God with power and might, performed miracles, and stood up for and spoke up to Israel for the Kingdom of God. Elijah was ordained by God to be a prophet to God's people. John is foreordained to be Jesus' forerunner.

We have heard the expression 'keeping it in the family.' God's Plan is not to exclude but to include. God's Plan is to bring us into His family through Jesus. It's a Christmas Plan. Let's tell the kids.

"He (John) will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before Him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:16-17