In John 3, Jesus tells a man named Nicodemus that everyone needs to be born again, and that God loved the world so much he sent his Son. Children ages 5 to 11 can learn this lesson in 20 to 30 minutes, using a short story, a memory verse, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God loves everyone so much that he gave Jesus to save us, and when we trust Jesus, God gives us brand new life.
Memory Verse
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and cup both hands in front of their chest as if holding a gift. On the words “God so loved the world,” have them stretch their arms wide, then bring their hands back to their heart on “eternal life.”
The Story: John 3 for Kids
One night, a man named Nicodemus went to visit Jesus. Nicodemus was an important leader among the Jewish people, and he was curious about Jesus. He had seen the amazing things Jesus did, and he knew God must be helping Jesus. So he came quietly, when it was dark, so no one would see him.
Nicodemus said, “Teacher, we know you come from God.” Jesus told him that to see God’s kingdom, a person must be born again. Nicodemus was puzzled. “How can a grown man be born a second time?” he asked. He could not picture it at all.
Jesus explained that being born again means receiving new life from God’s Spirit. Jesus compared the Spirit to the wind. You cannot see the wind, but you can hear it moving the leaves and feel it on your face. In the same way, the Spirit works in people in ways we cannot fully see.
Then Jesus told Nicodemus about a time long ago, when Moses lifted up a bronze snake on a pole in the desert. Anyone who looked at it was healed. Jesus said that he, the Son of Man, would also be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him can have life that never ends.
The chapter also tells us about John the Baptist. John was telling people about Jesus, and he was happy to say that Jesus must become greater while he himself became less important. John knew his job was to point people to Jesus.
Read It Together
John 3:3
Jesus answered him, “Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus says a person must be born again to see God’s kingdom. Ask children what they think it means to start over with God. Keep it simple and let them guess before you explain.
John 3:14-15
14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(WEB)
Show children that Jesus compares himself to the bronze snake lifted up on a pole. Explain that just as people looked and were saved, we look to Jesus and trust him. Point out that the word “believes” appears here as the way to receive life.
John 3:17
For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
(WEB)
Help children see that God sent Jesus not to punish the world but to save it. Stress that God’s plan is rescue, not anger. This verse is a good reminder that God wants everyone to be saved.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Nicodemus came to Jesus at night instead of during the day?
- What did Jesus compare the Holy Spirit to, and what can we learn from that?
- How do you feel knowing God loves everybody in the whole world, including you?
- What did John the Baptist say about his own job, and why was he happy about it?
- What is one way you can tell someone else about Jesus this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Snake on a Stick
You will need construction paper, markers, scissors, a paper towel tube or craft stick, and tape. Have children draw a long snake shape, color it, and cut it out. Tape the snake to the top of the tube or stick so it looks lifted up. Talk about how Jesus was lifted up so we can look to him and live.
Wind Walk Game
Gather the children in an open space and have them stand still. Tell them the wind is blowing where it wants to go, and call out directions for them to move, like “north” or “toward the window.” Afterward, explain that we cannot see the wind, just like we cannot always see how the Spirit works, but we know it is real.
Born Again Take-Home Card
Give each child an index card and a crayon. Have them draw a seed or an egg on one side, and write “John 3:16” on the other. Explain that a seed grows into something new, which reminds us that God gives new life. Encourage children to show the card to a family member during the week and say the memory verse together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, John 3 teaches that salvation is a gift from God, received by faith in Jesus and not earned by religious status or effort. Nicodemus was a respected teacher who still needed to be made new, which shows that everyone, however good or educated, comes to God the same way. The chapter also shows John the Baptist’s humble heart, content to decrease so that Jesus might increase.
When teaching children, avoid overstating how the new birth works in detail or turning the Spirit’s work into a formula. Children may get confused by the wind comparison or the question of physical birth, so keep the focus on God’s love and the gift of new life. Let the mystery remain a mystery, and point them to the simple truth that Jesus saves.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us so much that you sent your Son, Jesus. Help us trust him and receive the new life you give. Help us be like John the Baptist and point others to Jesus every day. Amen.
