COR KIDS · ATHLETES OF CHRIST
Courage to tell the truth
The quick story
St. John the Baptist was a great prophet. A prophet helps people hear God's message. The Church calls John the Forerunner because he came before Jesus to prepare the way for Him.
John spoke up when King Herod did something wrong. Even when the king put him in prison, John stayed faithful to God. He died as a martyr, someone who remained faithful to God even when killed for that faith. We remember his courage and his love for what is right.
Explore the life
PART 1
A baby with a special calling
John's parents were Elizabeth and Zacharias, a priest. When their baby was born, neighbours and relatives shared their joy. Some expected the baby to have his father's name, but Elizabeth said his name was John.
Zacharias wrote the same name on a tablet. Then he could speak again and praised God. He spoke of his son's calling to prepare the Lord's way.
PART 2
Growing in the wilderness
John grew strong in spirit and spent many years in the wilderness. His clothes were simple, and prayer was central to his life.
When God called him to preach, John went to the region around the River Jordan. He urged people to repent: to turn away from sin and return to God.
PART 3
Pointing people toward Jesus
Crowds came to hear John and receive baptism. Some wondered whether he was the Christ. John made it clear that Someone greater was coming.
He did not want people to stop at admiring him. His work was to help them recognise and follow Jesus. That is why the Church calls him the Forerunner.
PART 4
Baptizing the Lord Jesus
Jesus came to John at the Jordan and was baptized by him. The Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove, and the Father's voice was heard from heaven, declaring His love for His Son.
The Coptic Church celebrates this at Theophany. It is a joyful feast revealing the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
PART 5
Faithful when telling the truth was hard
John told Herod that taking his brother's wife was wrong. Herod put him in prison. Later, during a birthday celebration, Herod made a harmful promise and ordered John's death.
John's disciples cared for his body and buried him. The Church remembers John as a martyr and a witness to the truth. His courage helps us think about being honest, even when honesty is difficult.
Think about it
Was John brave because he was powerful, or because he stayed faithful to God?
Tap to discover the answer
He stayed faithful to God and spoke the truth, even when it was difficult.
Try it today
Practise telling the truth kindly. If something unsafe happens, tell a parent or another trusted adult.
May the prayers of the saints be with us. Amen.