Have you ever tried to explain something big and important to a child? Sometimes the most profound truths need the simplest words. That’s why I’m so excited to share this special version of John 3 from the F.O.G Kids Bible! This beloved chapter, home to the most famous verse in the Bible, has been carefully adapted to speak directly to young hearts while keeping all the wonder of Jesus’s nighttime chat with Nicodemus. Get ready to discover God’s amazing love in a way that makes sense to kids (and might just bring fresh understanding to grown-ups too!).
John 3
Jesus Teaches About God’s Love!
Get ready for an amazing story about a nighttime visit to Jesus and His wonderful teaching about God’s incredible love for us! We’ll learn about being born again and discover the most famous verse in the whole Bible.
A Secret Nighttime Visit (Verses 1-3)
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There was a man named Nicodemus who was a very important religious teacher. One night, he sneaked through the dark streets to visit Jesus. He really wanted to learn more about God! ★
“Teacher,” Nicodemus said respectfully, “we know God sent You because no one could do the amazing things You do without God’s help!”
Jesus smiled and told him something surprising: “I tell you the truth, no one can see God’s kingdom unless they are born again.”
Think About It: Why do you think Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night? Have you ever been curious about something and wanted to learn more?
Born Again? (Verses 4-8)
Nicodemus looked confused. “How can someone be born again when they’re already grown up?” he asked.
Jesus explained that being born again isn’t like being born as a baby – it’s something special that God’s Holy Spirit does in our hearts. “The Spirit is like the wind,” Jesus said. “You can’t see it, but you can see what it does!” ★
Think About It: What are some things you can feel but not see, like the wind?
Jesus Explains God’s Plan (Verses 9-15)
Nicodemus still looked puzzled, so Jesus told him a story from the past. He reminded him about Moses lifting up a bronze snake in the desert to heal people. “In the same way,” Jesus said, “I must be lifted up so that everyone who believes in Me can have eternal life.” ★
Think About It: Have you ever used a story to help explain something difficult?
The Most Famous Bible Verse! (Verses 16-17)
Then Jesus shared the most wonderful news ever – words that millions of people have memorized: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one-of-a-kind Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus wanted Nicodemus to know that God didn’t send Him to judge the world, but to save it! ★
Think About It: How does it make you feel knowing that God loves you this much?
Choosing Light or Darkness (Verses 18-21)
Jesus explained that He is like a light coming into a dark world. Some people love the light and come to Jesus, while others prefer to stay in the darkness. When we choose to follow Jesus, we’re choosing to live in His light! ★
Think About It: What are some ways you can choose to live in Jesus’s light?
John the Baptist Points to Jesus (Verses 22-30)
Later, some people came to John the Baptist and told him that everyone was going to Jesus to be baptized. John wasn’t jealous at all – he was happy! “Jesus must become greater, and I must become less important,” he said with joy. ★
Think About It: When have you been happy for someone else’s success?
The One from Heaven (Verses 31-36)
John explained that Jesus came from heaven and speaks God’s words. Anyone who believes in Jesus receives eternal life – that means living forever with God! But those who don’t believe in Jesus won’t have this special life. ★
Think About It: What do you think heaven is like?
Words to Know
- Born Again – When God gives us a new life in our hearts
- Holy Spirit – God’s very Spirit and presence living in believers
- Eternal Life – Living forever with God
- Kingdom of God – Everywhere God rules with love
Footnotes
★ [3:2] In those days, important people often didn’t want others to see them visiting Jesus – kind of like when you want to ask someone a question but feel shy about it.
★ [3:8] Just like you can feel the wind blowing your hair but can’t see it, God’s Spirit works in ways we can feel but not always see.
★ [3:14] The bronze snake story reminded people that God can heal and save – like how a photo might remind you of a special memory.
★ [3:16] This verse is so famous that people sometimes hold up signs with “John 3:16” at big sports games to share God’s love!
★ [3:21] Living in Jesus’s light is like walking in sunshine instead of darkness – everything is clearer and better!
★ [3:26] John was like someone who introduces their friends to each other – he wanted everyone to know Jesus.
★ [3:36] Eternal life is God’s amazing gift – better than any present you could ever receive!
Remember: This chapter shows us how much God loves everyone in the world. He sent Jesus to help us understand His love and to give us new life with Him forever!
Conclusion
The beauty of this adaptation lies in how it makes John 3’s deep truths sparkle with child-like clarity. Through gentle explanations, thoughtful questions, and relatable comparisons, young readers can grasp concepts that even a religious teacher like Nicodemus found challenging! The ‘Think About It’ sections create perfect moments for family discussion, while the starred footnotes help bridge the gap between ancient times and today’s world. Whether you’re a parent, Sunday school teacher, or simply young at heart, this version of John 3 shows us that God’s greatest truths can shine just as brightly through simple words as scholarly ones. After all, wasn’t it Jesus who told us to come to Him like little children?
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