Week of Oct 1, 2017

Dear Parents,

Jesus’ ministry had begun. His first miracle was at a wedding, turning water into wine. He cleansed the temple in Jerusalem and performed signs, and “many trusted in His name” (John 2:23). Jesus likely spent a large part of His day teaching. When the day was done, He spent time alone or with His disciples. One night, however, a man named Nicodemus approached Jesus.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews; that is, he was a religious leader who taught God’s law, and he was a member of the Sanhedrin—a Jewish governing body. Nicodemus was part of an exclusive group of apparently moral men. He held to the belief that if a person was a law-abiding Jew, he would be accepted by God. Jesus gave Nicodemus a lesson that would turn his belief system on its head.

Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3), so the religious teachers likely assumed He didn’t know theology. But they had seen Jesus’ miraculous signs in Jerusalem. Nicodemus had to conclude, “You are a teacher come from God” (John 3:2).

Nicodemus initiated the conversation, but Jesus chose the subject. His words perplexed Nicodemus: “Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Jesus explained that spiritual birth is not unlike physical birth in that a person cannot do it himself. It is something that happens to him.

Jesus reminded Nicodemus of an Old Testament account, the disobedient Israelites and the bronze snake. The Israelites could not help themselves, but when they trusted in God and looked to the bronze snake lifted up on the pole, they were healed. (Num. 21:4-9)

Family Talking Points

Toddlers

• Jesus is the Messiah.
• Nicodemus went to see Jesus at night.
• Jesus gives people life forever with God.
• God sent Jesus to earth because He loves us.

Preschool

• Who did Jesus say He is? Jesus said He is God’s Son.
• Jesus told Nicodemus about God’s plan.

Kids

• Who did Jesus say He is? Jesus said He is the Messiah.
• Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again.

Unit Key Passage

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
– John 14:6

Next Week

“Jesus and John the Baptist” (John 3:22-36)

Reminders

“LifeKids Families” Facebook Group – we’ll be posting photos, updates and more in the LifeKids Families Facebook Group, so please add yourself. Only parents/families of LifeKids will be accepted to the group!