Share the Word

Ways to present John 3.14-21

Activities marked with an asterisk next to the activity title are in addition to the resources in the Ready to go sessions. Suggested timings for these activities are also shown. NB The inclusion of additional activities varies from week to week.

For very young children
For children
For young people

A version of the story for very young children

Very young childrens Session

In a story bag place a small globe, a heart shape, a small cross and a torch.

God loved the world so much. (take out the globe)
So much that he sent Jesus his only Son, (take out the heart)
so that everyone who believes in Jesus will live with God for ever. (take out the cross)
Light has come into the world, (take out the torch)
and we can trust in God’s promise for ever. (turn on the torch)

FOR CHILDREN

Childrens Session

Read the story and pause at the to share these points with the children (see Stop and share below). Then use the activity to explore the passage together. (10 mins)

Click on the image to view a PDF.

Stop and share

Talk about ‘being in the dark’. As well as physical darkness, we often use this to mean not knowing or not understanding something.
Explain the reference to the bronze serpent – this was made by Moses and was said to have the power to heal someone from a poisonous snake bite.

Listen in the light W E S

You will need: a candle.

Make the room as dark as possible. Ask the children to close their eyes and cover them with their hands.
Read the story again and, each time the word ‘light’ is said (it comes 7x), tell the children to do something to make the room a little lighter:
1. Remove one hand from over your eyes.
2. Remove the other hand from your eyes.
3. Partly open your eyes.
4. Fully open your eyes.
5. Open curtains or blinds.
6. Switch on the room lights.
7. Light candle.
Talk about how it felt hearing Jesus’ words as it became lighter in the room.

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people Session

Eternal promises 5 mins W E

You will need: pens, copies of the passage, dictionaries.

Give out a pen and the printed passage to each young person.
As you read the passage through slowly, invite them to draw an upwards arrow next to any words they think are about eternal life.

Play the track ‘In God We Trust’, Hillsong Worship on Open Heaven/Run Wild, as you read.

Then discuss together what the word ‘eternal’ means and find some definitions from dictionaries or online.
Ask: Do any of the words from the Bible passage make a good definition?