Big Idea: Heaven is for those who become born again followers of Jesus.
Bible Basis: John 3:1-21
Key Verse: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3 (NIV)
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story? Why?
The Pharisees thought they were good enough to get to Heaven on their own. Do you think they were right? Why or why not?
For older kids:
What do you think this story teaches us about Jesus?
What do you think it means to be born again?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer to God. Tell Him about your sins and ask Him for forgiveness.
Journal Station prompt: Imagine you were listening to Jesus tell Nicodemus about being born again. What would you want to ask or tell Jesus about?
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: John 3:1–21. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: What do you think it looks like for you to follow Jesus? Draw a picture of it.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Pass the Word (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Supplies: Bible verse sign, beach ball, and stopwatch
- Directions: Place the Bible verse sign in the middle of your group. Read the verse several times with your group so that they can begin to memorize it. Today’s Bible verse says: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3) When enough time has passed, turn the card over. Pass a beach ball to one of the kids in your group. Instruct him to say the first word of the verse and then pass the ball to another kid who will then say the second word. Tell the kids to continue passing the ball around the group until the entire verse has been recited by memory. Give them one practice round and then begin timing them with a stopwatch to see if they can say it faster and faster. If saying one word at a time proves too difficult for some of the younger kids, have each kid recite the entire verse when they receive the ball. When your group is finished with the game, ask them the following questions
- Question: If someone asked you what it means to be born again, what would you tell them?
+ Prayer Bookmark (Prayer Activity)
- Supplies: Duct tape, permanent markers or pens, Bible verse sign.
- Directions: Give each kid in your group a strip of duct tape 10–12 inches long. Tell them to fold it over so that the non-sticky side is on the outside. Assist the younger kids as needed. When finished, it should look something like a bookmark. On one side of the bookmark, tell your kids to write their memory verse: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3) If you have younger kids who struggle with writing, help them simply write the words “God is my rescuer” on their bookmark. Next, ask the kids if they would like to share any prayer requests. For the younger kids, have them listen carefully and remember what is shared. For the older kids, have the group write the name and request on the opposite side of the bookmark. When finished, tell the group to use the bookmark in their Bible or another book throughout the week. Remind them to pray for their small group every time they see the bookmark. In the end, lead the kids in a closing prayer. Allow them to pray for the things that were just shared.
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, Thank you for sending Jesus to forgive all my sins and make me part of your family. Help me to worship and thank you every day for all that you do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
John 3:1-21
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!