CE: A Voice Crying in the Wilderness
📣 A Voice Crying in the Wilderness
When God Sends Someone to Speak Up!
👂 What’s a “Voice Crying in the Wilderness”?
That’s a Bible way of saying:
“Someone calling out to people who aren't listening—telling them to turn back to God!”
It can mean a real desert (with sand and heat)…
Or it can mean a spiritual wilderness—a time when people’s hearts are far from God.
🦗 Meet John the Baptist!
John was the most famous voice in the wilderness.
- He lived in the desert
- Wore camel-hair clothes
- Ate locusts and honey
- Told people to repent (turn back to God)
- And said:
“Get ready! Jesus is coming!”
All four Gospels agree:
John was the voice Isaiah talked about. (Isaiah 40:3)
🔥 Other Voices in the Wilderness
John wasn’t the only one!
God has always sent voices to help people listen—even when no one wanted to.
Here are some others:
1. Elijah
- Told people to stop worshiping fake gods
- Spoke to King Ahab and the people of Israel
- Spent time by a little stream and in caves
He was loud and bold—like fire!
2. Moses
- Spoke to Pharaoh: “Let my people go!”
- Led the people through the desert
- Got the Ten Commandments in the wilderness
He helped Israel get ready to follow God
3. Samuel
- Lived in a time when no one was listening to God
- Told people to stop sinning and obey God
- Helped get Israel ready for their first king
4. Isaiah
- Told people to turn back to God
- Said a Messiah was coming!
- Wrote the famous words:
“A voice crying in the wilderness…”
5. Jeremiah
- Cried a lot because people didn’t listen
- Warned about God’s judgment
- Loved God even when he was ignored
6. Ezekiel
- Lived in exile far from home
- Had strange visions from God
- Spoke to people who didn’t want to hear the truth
🌵 What Does “Wilderness” Mean?
The wilderness can be…
🌞 A real desert
💔 A lonely or sad time
👂 A place where God speaks
🧽 A place where we get cleaned up inside
🏗️ A place to get ready for something new
God uses the wilderness to help people listen again!
📝 Activity Page: Wilderness Voices!
1. 🦁 Match the Messenger!
Match each person to their message:
| Person | What They Said |
|---|---|
| John | A. “Let my people go!” |
| Moses | B. “Stop worshiping idols!” |
| Elijah | C. “Prepare the way for the Lord!” |
| Isaiah | D. “A Savior is coming!” |
2. ✅ True or Not True?
Circle T or N
- John the Baptist wore fancy clothes T / N
- The wilderness can be a real place T / N
- Ezekiel lived in the desert in a tent T / N
- A voice in the wilderness helps people listen to God T / N
3. ✏️ Fill in the Blank
“A voice cries: In the ____________, prepare the way of the Lord!”
4. 🎨 Draw a Desert Scene
- Add John the Baptist with wild hair and camel clothes
- Add a cactus, some rocks, and people listening
- Write “REPENT!” on a sign
- Draw Jesus walking in from the distance!
5. 🙏 Prayer Time
“Dear God, thank You for sending people to help others listen. Help me be like a voice in the wilderness—calling people back to You!”
(Draw or write your prayer)
🖍️ Coloring Page Idea
Title: “A Voice Crying in the Wilderness”
Illustration Includes:
- John the Baptist with wild hair, camel clothes, shouting: “Prepare the way!”
- A desert with animals, rocks, and a river
- A crowd of people listening
- Scrolls from Isaiah with shining words
- Other prophets standing on cliffs: Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah
- A bright light or cross far off, showing Jesus is coming
