Download the FREE lesson plan here:
Create Curiosity:
Show a large clear pitcher of water that is dirty (add dirt from outside in advance). Ask, do you think this water is good for drinking? (No!) Add scoops of clean water to the pitcher and ask if that’s any better. (No.) Repeat several times. No matter how much clean water I add, the dirty water just won’t get clean! In our story today, we will hear about a man named, Nicodemus. He thought that if he followed the rules and did good, it would be enough to wash his sins and give him eternal life in heaven. But, we cannot do enough good things to make us clean. Only Jesus can make us clean from our sins!
Teaching Time:
Turn off the lights and provide a lantern, lamp or flashlights to dimly light the room. Explain that Nicodemus came to visit Jesus at night.
Omit for very young: Why did he come at night? He probably didn’t want anyone to see him talking to Jesus. He was a religious leader and religious leaders didn’t like Jesus. They didn’t believe He was God’s Son.
Jesus talked with Nicodemus. One of the things he told him is a famous verse that most people memorize.
Read John 3:16.
Jesus also told Nicodemus that if he wanted to have eternal life, he would have to be born again.
Nicodemus didn’t understand. How could someone we born again?
Show your baby picture. Ask, Can I become a baby like in this photo again? (No.)
Explain that Jesus wasn’t talking about being born physically, but spiritually. The only way to start over spiritually is to believe that Jesus is God’s Son, who died on the cross to pay the wage for your sins.
Craft Corner:
What Can Wash Away My Sins? heart shaped craft
Provide heart printable and red paint with Q-tips. Allow kids to paint the heart red.
Sing a Song:
John 3:16 by The Rizers
Group Game:
Don’t get caught
Have one player face the wall. Everyone else should move around the room freely. The person who is “it” will say, “1,2, 3, Flashlight” and turn around. He can shine the flashlight on anyone who he/she saw moving. For very young players, don’t make them sit down if they are out. Just allow them to continue. Pick a new person to be “it” often.