Cry Out

Start by playing Noisy Circle Game. In this game people try to deliver information in a loud environment, see Noisy Circle Game.

Follow up with a couple of questions:

• How did the noise of others impact your ability to hear your partner?
• Were there any methods you could use to help you communicate?

Our world is full of noise and distractions. This can make it difficult to hear and deliver the message of Jesus Christ. This was true in the days when Jesus walked the earth also. Many people were too distracted by the noise of life to hear his message. So God sent someone to break through the noise.

Read the Gospel:

Luke 3:1-6 (St. John the Baptist is a voice in the wilderness) – the Gospel Reading for the 2nd Sunday in Advent – Year C

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.

John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:

A voice of one crying out in the desert:

“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The winding roads shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

Luke 3:1-6

We often think of St. John the Baptist as a wild man, like someone from a good story. He had long hair, wore strange clothes made of camel’s hair, and lived on locusts and honey in the desert. He might seem like a character from an adventure movie, but St. John the Baptist was a real person with a real mission from God. He lived in a specific time and place, with rulers like Tiberius Caesar and Herod mentioned in the Bible (Luke 3:1). He was not some made-up figure or legend. He had real parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, and lived in the land of Israel. God had chosen John for a special purpose long before he was born.

When we hear the story of St. John the Baptist, we should remember that his life was planned by God. He was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. He did not decide on his own to be a prophet. He was chosen by God to “cry out in the desert” and help others get ready for the Savior. This was the mission John was born for, and he didn’t take it lightly. He knew he had to speak loudly and boldly about God’s message. He wasn’t supposed to hold back or be quiet about it. He was called to help everyone get ready for the Good News that Jesus was coming.

It’s important to see that St. John the Baptist was not just a man in the desert yelling at people. He was calling people to change their hearts and their lives. He preached about repentance, which means turning away from sin and moving toward God. He baptized people as a sign of this change. He told people to clear away the obstacles in their hearts that were keeping them from being close to God. He knew that if people were not ready, they would miss out on what Jesus came to bring—salvation.

St. John’s mission is not just a story from the past. It connects to us today. Just as John was called to prepare the way for Jesus, we are called to do the same. God has a mission for each of us. You might not be living in the wilderness or wearing rough clothes, but you still have a mission where you are. Right now, in your school, neighborhood, family, or friend group, God wants you to prepare the way for Jesus. He wants you to help others be ready to meet Him.

You don’t have to act like St. John and eat locusts or grow long hair to follow this mission. You don’t need to be in a desert to “cry out” for Jesus. But you do need to be bold, just like St. John. Sometimes being bold means saying “no” to things that aren’t good for you, even when everyone else is doing them. It takes courage to stand up for what’s right and to turn away from sin. Other times, being bold means inviting someone to church, suggesting that a friend join you at Mass, or simply talking about your faith when the opportunity comes up.

We might think that only people like St. John the Baptist have an important role in God’s plan. But the truth is that God can use each of us to make a difference. You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. You just need to be open to what God is calling you to do. Think about your friends, family, and classmates. Are there people in your life who might need to hear about Jesus? Are there ways you can show God’s love to them? Maybe it’s by being kind, even when others are mean. Maybe it’s by listening to someone who feels alone. Or maybe it’s by praying for someone who is struggling.

You might feel nervous about talking about Jesus or sharing your faith. That’s okay. Even St. John the Baptist probably had moments of doubt. But remember that God gives us the courage we need. We don’t have to rely on our own strength. The Holy Spirit will help us, just as He helped John. We are not alone in this mission.

So, think about St. John the Baptist and his courage. Think about how he pointed others to Jesus, not to himself. John knew that Jesus was the Savior, and he wanted everyone to know Him too. You have the same opportunity. You can point others to Jesus by your words and actions. You can be the voice that says, “Here comes Jesus!” in your own life.

Today, you might find yourself in the right place at the right time to make a difference. It could be a small moment, like showing kindness to someone who is upset. Or it could be a bigger moment, like inviting someone to Mass or sharing how God has worked in your life. Whatever it is, recognize that God’s hand is in it. He has placed you where you are for a reason. So, be brave. Be bold. Cry out, “Here comes Jesus!” because the world needs to hear it.

Small group discussions help youth engage with the message of the Cry Out Lesson Plan on St. John the Baptis in a personal way. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts, but let them know it’s okay to just listen if they are more comfortable with that. Remind the group that sharing honestly and respectfully is important. No one has to have all the answers. The goal is to learn and grow together.

Small Group Discussion Questions

• Who was St. John the Baptist? How would you describe him based on what you’ve learned? What parts of his life or mission stood out to you the most?
• Why do you think God chose John to prepare the way for Jesus? What qualities did he have that helped him fulfill his mission? How can you apply these qualities in your own life?
• What does repentance mean to you? How do you think turning away from sin and toward God can help you prepare the way for Jesus in your life?
• John was not afraid to speak out about his faith. What makes it hard for you to share your faith with others? Have you ever had a moment where you felt called to be bold about your faith?
• John’s message was not just for one time and place. How can you be like St. John in your school, neighborhood, or family? What are some practical ways you can “cry out” for Jesus in everyday situations?
• John was humble, saying, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). What does this mean for us today? How can we put Jesus first in our lives?
• John prepared people during the season of Advent. What does it mean to prepare your heart for Jesus, especially during Advent? Are there specific ways you can spiritually get ready for Christmas this year?
• God has a mission for each of us. What do you think God’s mission might be for you right now? How can you start to fulfill it, even in small ways?
• What obstacles keep people from coming closer to Jesus? How can you help others clear these obstacles in their lives?
• John’s message was simple: “Repent and believe.” How can this simple message impact your life and the lives of those around you?

This week, keep your eyes open for moments to share the Gospel. It might happen in a conversation with a friend, a kind word to someone who is down, or even inviting someone to Mass. Be aware of what’s happening around you and be ready to act. God often gives us small chances to make a big difference, even when we least expect it.

When the moment comes, don’t hesitate. Whether it feels big or small, take the step to point someone toward Jesus. Remember, it’s not about having all the answers or saying the perfect thing. It’s about letting God use you right where you are. Trust that He will give you the courage to speak up or reach out. Be bold, be ready, and be willing to share the love of Christ.

To wrap up this lesson, we will pray the Litany of St. John the Baptist together. This prayer is a way to ask for John’s intercession, courage, and boldness as we try to share the Gospel like he did. As you pray, think about the mission God has given you and how you can be a voice for Jesus in your world. Ask St. John to help you be brave in your faith.

You can find the litany here: Litany of St. John the Baptist.

Themes

• Preparation for Jesus: John was called to prepare the people for Jesus. He called them to repent and change their ways. We are also called to help others be ready to welcome Jesus.
• Repentance and Conversion: John’s message was about turning away from sin. He called people to be baptized as a sign of a new life. We are also invited to repent and change our hearts for God.
• Courage to Proclaim: John boldly spoke about God’s plan, even when it was hard. He stayed true to his mission, no matter the cost. We are also called to be brave when sharing our faith.
• God’s Plan for Us: John’s life had a special purpose from God. He was chosen for a mission to point to Jesus. God has a plan for each of us too.
• Humility Before God: John was humble, knowing he was not the Savior. He always pointed others to Jesus. We are reminded to give God the glory, not ourselves.
• Making the Way Straight: John called people to clear obstacles that kept them from God. He encouraged making a clear path for Jesus. We are also called to help others remove obstacles to faith.
• Role of Baptism: John baptized people as a sign of repentance. His baptism prepared them for Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit. We learn the importance of baptism in starting a new life with God.
• Advent Preparation: John’s message is central during Advent, a season of waiting and preparing for Jesus. He reminds us to look forward to Christ’s coming. Advent is a time to renew our hearts for God.
• Faith in Action: John’s words were not just teachings; they led to action. He invited people to live differently. We are also called to act on our faith and not just talk about it.
• Jesus as the Messiah: John’s mission was to identify Jesus as the promised Savior. He recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God. We are called to know Jesus as the one who brings salvation.

Background Material

The Cry Out Lesson Plan on St. John the Baptist fits well into Catholic teaching. St. John the Baptist is an important figure in the Bible and the Catholic Church. He was chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus, as we see in the Gospels. He fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah: “A voice cries out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” (Isaiah 40:3). John’s role is to call people to repentance and to help them be ready to accept Jesus. He is a model of bold faith and clear purpose.

The lesson plan emphasizes his mission to call for repentance and conversion. This is an important Catholic teaching. In Luke 3:3, John preaches “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” This helps us understand that we need to turn away from sin to prepare for Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “John the Baptist is ‘more than a prophet.’ In him, the Holy Spirit concludes speaking through the prophets” (CCC 719). His message connects to our sacrament of Baptism, which is the start of our life with God and our call to holiness.

John also showed courage in his mission. He spoke out against sin and pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). He was not afraid to speak the truth, even when it led to his imprisonment and death. His boldness is a call for us to be brave in our own lives. We may not face the same challenges, but we can be inspired by his example. We, too, are called to share Jesus with others.

The Cry Out Lesson Plan on St. John the Baptist also fits into Catholic teaching on humility. John never tried to make himself important. He understood that his role was to point others to Jesus. He said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). This humility is a key lesson for us. We should remember that everything we do is for God’s glory, not our own.

The lesson also connects to the liturgical season of Advent. During Advent, we remember that we are waiting for Jesus to come into our lives. John the Baptist is a central figure during this time. His call to “make straight the paths” (Luke 3:4) helps us focus on spiritual preparation. Advent is a time to renew our commitment to Jesus. John’s message encourages us to look at our hearts and clear away anything that keeps us from God.

This lesson plan is a good way to help youth understand their own role in God’s plan. Just as John was called to prepare people for Jesus, we are called to do the same. The Church teaches that every baptized person shares in the mission of Christ. The Catechism says, “Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ. Therefore, we are called to be witnesses to the Gospel” (CCC 1267). This is the core of the lesson plan: we are all called to cry out and help others know Jesus.

In short, the Cry Out Lesson Plan on St. John the Baptist teaches repentance, courage, humility, and readiness for Christ. It helps us see John as a role model. And it reminds us of our own call to share Jesus with others.

Music Suggestions

• Prepare the Way
• Find Us Ready
• Come Alive / Dry Bones
• Desert Song
• Ready the Way

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

If you are looking for more lesson plans and reflections like this Cry Out Lesson Plan on St. John the Baptist, visit our website. We offer many free resources for teachers, youth ministers, and catechists. You’ll find lesson plans, discussion guides, and reflections that help young people grow in their faith. Check out more ideas here: Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections.