Theme Discussion
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
Although the scripture reading for this week is John 3:14-21, we are going to focus on just this one verse in the middle, verse 16. This is a verse that is well-known by Christians and even many people around the world who have different beliefs have heard it. It is a verse that is often used all by itself and, taken out of the whole story of Jesus, it can be hard to understand or it can seem to say a lot of different things.
There are a few phrases that are important for us to unpack:
“God so loved the world…” Right from the start, this verse tells us that God loves the whole world, not just those who think or look or live the way we do – and not even just people but the whole world. Can you think of some of the messages that Jesus gave us that remind us of this? Who does Jesus ask us to love? How can we show love to all of creation?
“…everyone who believes in him…” What do you think it means to believe in someone? It could mean believing someone or something is real, even if you can’t see them; or it could mean trusting that someone or something is right and good because you trust them. What do you think we mean, then, when we say we believe in Jesus?
“…may have eternal life” This could mean to live forever, but does that make sense? We know that human beings and animals don’t live forever. When someone we love dies, people often say they will live on in our hearts. There is also a song we sing in our church sometimes that says, “We rise again in the faces of our children.” How might those ideas change the meaning of eternal life? Can you think of some ways that you keep someone you love “alive”, even after they have died? How can we keep Jesus alive in the world?
Some people put the words of John 3:16 on a poster for everyone to see and to help them understand about Jesus. If you were going to pick one verse or make a poster to tell the world about Jesus, what would it say?
Response Activity Ideas
Scripture Word Art
What verse or idea about Jesus did you choose to tell the world about Jesus and his message? On the computer or by hand, using fancy lettering and shapes, lines, and other designs, make a word art poster like the colouring sheets we sometimes do from Illustrated Ministry.
Younger children could print and colour this poster instead.
Click to print PDF
Wave a Magic Wand
During the children’s message in today’s service, Rev. Lorrie talked about how John 3:16 seems like a magical promise! But really our good deeds are the ‘magic’ needed to bring about God’s dream for our world. In each star on the worksheet, draw or write about ways you can do the work we need to do to follow through with Jesus’ teachings about loving God, our neighbours, ourselves, and the world.
Click to print PDF
Illustrated Ministry Lenten Package
This week’s activity reminds us to remember God loves the whole world, as discussed above, and that God provides enough for everyone – if we share and take only what we need. It reminds us to believe in that promise and to trust God’s love and grace.
Read the scripture on pg. 35 and reflect on “What’s in your barn?” following the activity on pg. 37.
(Note: If you have not yet received a Lenten Package and would like one, please contact the church office)