(John 3:1-21)
November 1, 2026
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
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!
***Next Week: John Pointed to Jesus (John 3)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read John 3:1-21 from the Bible.
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One of the most expensive cars in the world is the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, priced at approximately $30.2 million dollars. This dark red drivable piece of art features a removable full glass roof and beautiful handmade wooden interior features. This is one fancy car! Could you afford to buy this car with your weekly allowance? I don’t think so!
When Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus, he wanted to know how a person could receive new life. Nicodemus studied the Law and tried his hardest to obey, and he hoped this would be enough to afford eternal life. Jesus’ response showed Nicodemus that no one could earn eternal life on their own because it came at a cost too great to afford.
This might sound like bad news, but Jesus gave us good news in the familiar words of John 3:16. In our key passage, Jesus said, “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.” God paid the highest price by sending His own Son. When we could never earn eternal life, God has graciously given it as a free gift to all who believe in Jesus!
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.
Pray: God, Your love is bigger than we can even imagine. You loved the world enough to send Your own Son to save the world and to give eternal life to all who trust in Him. Thank You that even though we have nothing to offer for such a gift, You have made it available to anyone who believes in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Preschool:
”He was revealed to take away sins, and there is no sin in him.”
1 John 3:51st-5th:
”But you know that Christ came to take our sins away. And there is no sin in him.”
1 John 3:5 (NIRV) -
Mornings
Thank God for allowing us to ask questions about faith and for giving us parents and leaders to answer those questions. Like Nicodemus, we might be tempted to think we can be right with God by doing enough good things, but God’s Word teaches us that salvation is only available through faith in Jesus. Thank God for that gift!
Evenings
Pray for people whose doubts or questions about faith are keeping them from believing in Jesus. Ask God to use the Bible and the people around them to answer those questions and help them know the truth about Jesus. How can we help those who doubt or don’t believe the good news about Jesus?
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For Fun
Host a family gift exchange. Draw names and shop for gifts or find items to regift from around the house. Try to make the gifts personal for the receivers. After the exchange, talk with kids about how God has made eternal life a gift to all who believe in Jesus. It cannot be earned but is freely given when we trust in His name.
To Serve
Download a copy of The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me and review the plan with kids (www\.gospelproject.lifeway.com/resources). Practice sharing the gospel with one another using this evangelism tool. Pray for opportunities for your family to share the gospel with a neighbor, a family member, or someone else in the coming days.