BIBLE EXPLORERS GOSPELS LESSON 17

This is lesson 17 in our journey through the Gospels chronologically. This will likely take 3 years to complete, teaching weekly through the school year. The material is geared for elementary age kids. Each lesson will have a list of Scripture references, materials, introduction, object lessons, and hands on activities. Most lessons can be completed in 1- 1.5 hours. A few may need more than one class time. New lessons will be posted weekly. The posts will not have pictures because I will not be posting pictures of other people’s children. At the end of each school year, a printed version of the curriculum will be made available for purchase. This will include an appendix with printouts, game pieces, and other classroom helps.

Lesson 17: Nicodemus

 Scripture references:

John 2:23-3:21

Numbers 21:5-9

 Materials:

Bible

Whiteboard and Markers

Index cards

Invisible ink, florescent markers, or pencil

Blacklight flashlight (or regular flashlight)

Verse scrolls (see appendix) or paper with John 3:16 and Deuteronomy 6:1-5 written on them

Small envelopes or boxes

Yarn

Optional: Bible costumes

Introduction:

John 3:16 is widely known, but few know the story behind the famous verse. Nicodemus was a Pharisee. The Pharisees were people who tried to do right, studied the scriptures, and taught others about God. What could be wrong about that? Well, often they went through the motions outwardly and looked good but were empty on the inside. Their hearts were far from God. They were fair-you-see. Nicodemus was different. He seems to be truly seeking God and wants answers to his questions. Later, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are the ones to bury Jesus’s body. 

 Activities

Hands on Activity 1: Lamplit Theatre

Purpose- to feel immersed in the story and feel the light in the darkness.

1.     Act out John 3:1-14 with the lights out. Use a battery operated lantern or candles to illuminate the scene.

2.    Discuss physical vs spiritual birth, references to the trinity in the passage, and why Nicodemus came at night.

3.    Have a flashback scene in another part of the room while reading Numbers 21:5-9

4.    Continue with Nicodemus in John 3:15-18

Object Lesson 1: Light Exposes Truth

Purpose- to illustrate light exposing truth and sin

1.     Write examples of sins and good deeds on index cards with invisible ink or florescent markers

2.    Hide the cards in another room.

3.    Use a blacklight flashlight to illuminate the words as you find them.

4.    Alternately you can use pencil to write the words and a regular flashlight if the blacklight is not available.

5.     Read John 3:19-21

Hands on Activity 2: Phylacteries

Purpose- to show how the Pharisees wore the truth and how truth and grace must be present together.

1.     Show pictures of actual phylacteries.

2.    Make phylacteries by punching holes in small boxes or envelopes.

3.    Roll up the verses of John 3:16, and Deuteronomy 6:1-5.

4.    Place the papers in the boxes.

5.     Tie them onto the kid’s arms or forehead.

Discuss:

Truth and grace must be together, truth without grace creates hypocrites and keeps people from forgiveness. Grace without truth takes away the need for grace in the first place and keeps people from seeing their need for forgiveness. We must have both.

What is the heart behind doing this?

Do we have to do this today? (Proverbs 3:1-4, Proverbs 7:1-3, Jeremiah 31:33-34)

Can we? Intention of the heart (Romans 14:5-9)

Truth and grace must be together