YEA Lesson Library
God’s Love
About This Lesson
Using the encounter with Nicodemus, this lesson teaches God’s love for us and our response to love Him.
Scriptures
Matthew 7:13-14
Matthew 19:29
John 3:1-16
John 3:16
John 6:47
Acts 15:11
Acts 16:30-34
Romans 5:6-11
Words to Know
MIRACLE - something wonderful that God does
VACATION - a time of rest from work, a trip
The Lesson
One night a man came to Jesus. The man’s name was Nicodemus. He had seen Jesus do great miracles. Nicodemus knew only God could help Him do such great things. Surely God had sent Jesus.
Jesus told Nicodemus how he could be a part of God’s family. He said Nicodemus had to be born again. Isn’t that a strange thing? Nicodemus said, “I am already a man. How can I become a little baby again?”
Jesus was talking about new life that He would give Nicodemus. Jesus was the only one who could give that new life. It was a life that would last forever. Jesus said Nicodemus should believe on Him and do what God told him. Then he could live forever in God’s Kingdom.
God loves you very much. He loves everybody in the world. He wanted to show us how much He loves us. So, God sent His only Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus never did anything bad. But, He died for all the bad things you have ever done. He had to die so that you can live forever. Isn’t that a lot of love?
Jesus said there was something Nicodemus had to do. He had to believe on Jesus. He had to obey what God told him to do.
Don’t you think you should love Jesus because He loved you so much? What can you do to show Jesus that you love Him?
Daily Devotions
Sunday - John 3:16
Monday - Romans 5:8
Tuesday - Acts 16:30-34
Wednesday - Acts 15:11
Thursday - Matthew 7:13-14
Friday - Matthew 19:29
Saturday - John 6:47
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. State that Jesus came from God.
2. Relate that God showed His love to us by sending His Son, Jesus.
3. Tell that Jesus died so that our sins would be forgiven.
4. Name some ways they can show that they love God.
Topics & Themes
Eternal Life
God’s love
Jesus, Death of
Jesus, God the Son
Jesus, His Ministry
Nicodemus
Obedience
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students’ and Teacher’s books, attendance and memory verse charts, stars, songbook, CD or cassette tape, music player, glue, construction paper, crayons, road map
Preparation
Our children should never remember a time when they didn’t know that Jesus died for their sins. This lesson presents an opportunity to plant the first seeds for understanding the plan of salvation. It is the focal point of the Gospel. Lay the foundational stone and build on it lesson by lesson. By using simple and familiar words, certain concepts will be grasped. As they mature and Christ works with them, the fruits of your labor will be born in their lives.
This age group listens best when there is action. One of the best ways to know they understand is by a positive action response. Youngsters can listen for short periods with frequent breaks. Moving them from the work table to sit in a semicircle for the lesson and back to the table for activities will help.
This is not too early to encourage little children to bring a friend or neighbor with them to Sabbath School. This is a way to build your attendance and do a lot of good in your community. From time to time, add this to the reminder the students take home.
Before you come to class, write “God Loves Me” at the top of enough sheets of construction paper so that each child will have one. Cut out enough various sized hearts from red and pink construction paper so each child will have at least six or seven.
Review Questions
1. How did Nicodemus know Jesus came from God?
2. What did Jesus tell Nicodemus he had to do to be in God’s Kingdom?
3. Why did God send Jesus to earth?
4. Why did Jesus have to die?
5. What do we have to do to be in God’s Kingdom?
6. Name something you can do to show you love Jesus.
REACH Activity
Letter: N
Words: Nicodemus, name, never, new
Sentence:
A MAN NAMED NICODEMUS HAD SEEN JESUS DO GREAT THINGS. JESUS CAN GIVE NEW LIFE. GOD SENT JESUS SO WE CAN LIVE FOREVER IN GOD’S KINGDOM!
Song
“Jesus Loves Me” is on page 6 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Dear Father, Thank you for showing how much you love us. You sent your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Please help me show you I love you by being good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Printable Pages
