Sunday Spotlight is where we share our Calvary Kids Bible lesson topic each week for kids of all ages. Use this lesson for a Family Night devotion or a preview/review time to talk about what your children are learning at Calvary on Sundays in God’s Word.

These lessons correspond to the Big Picture Cards your child receives each week — great to collect and review together! We post a new lesson here every Wednesday.

 

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Sunday, August 16

Lesson Title: Jesus and Nicodemus

Bible Passage: John 3

Key Passage: 1 John 3:5

Big Picture Question: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.

Lesson Summary

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!

 
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 into 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.

• All: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.

Key Passage

1 John 3:5  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)

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And check out our playlist on Spotify — these songs are featured in our Kid Zone and Zone 345 worship time on Sundays. Sing along at home or on the road!

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