Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3)

Dear families,

Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus reveals the Lord’s patience and kindness toward us as we earnestly seek Him. Though Nicodemus had heard Christ’s teachings, he had not yet placed faith in the true Ruler and King of the Jews. But here in this chapter, he would learn what it means to be born again.

Nicodemus was curious about Jesus and ventured to see Him under the cover of night. He called Him “Teacher” and declared that only someone who knew God could perform such miracles. Jesus knew the internal struggles of Nicodemus and spoke to his curiosity: “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus’ words debunked some Jews’ belief that God’s salvation was their birthright as His people. Jesus likewise declared salvation for all who would place their trust in Him—Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) alike.

When Jesus answered Nicodemus’ questions, He compared Himself to the bronze snake lifted up in Numbers 21. Just as the Israelites had to look to the snake while trusting in God’s salvation, so, too, are we called to look to Christ’s work on the cross by faith. Nicodemus no doubt recognized this Old Testament reference; however, he had no way of knowing that Jesus would soon be lifted up on the cross as a sacrifice for his own sin.

In John 3:16, the gospel is proclaimed in a single verse: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus declared God’s love for all of humanity, an invitation for anyone to trust in Him by faith. God didn’t send His Son to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17)!

Pray that the words of John 3:16 will take on fresh meaning in the lives and hearts of the boys and girls in your care. May they realize that salvation is possible by faith alone and that they, too, may be born again into the kingdom of God!

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

• Preschool: Jesus taught that anyone who believes in Him will have life with God forever. 
• Kids: Jesus taught that people must be born again to enter the kingdom of God.

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: When people trust in God’s Son, Jesus, He forgives their sins, and they have life with God forever.
• Younger Preschool: Jesus is God’s one and only Son who came to the world to save sinners. When we trust in Jesus, He forgives our sins and we have life with God forever.
• Older Preschool: Jesus is God’s one and only Son. God sent Jesus into the world to rescue people from sin. Everyone who believes in Jesus will live with Him forever.
• Kids: Nicodemus was a religious leader, but he needed to be born again to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus shared how the Spirit causes people to be born again to new life. Anyone who believes in Jesus will be born again and receive eternal life.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
• Older Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
• Kids: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus came to take away sin; there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Younger Preschool: He was revealed to take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Older Preschool: He was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Kids: You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5

** Next week: John Pointed to Jesus (John 3)