VBS Day 4 - Magnify God’s Forgiveness

Overview

The Big Truth 

Jesus came to save the world, and that includes me. 

Zoom In 

I can trust Jesus as my Savior. 

Bible Verse 

Proclaim the LORD’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3 

Today’s Point 

God forgives me. 

Bible Story 

Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-21; 18–20; 1 Corinthians 15:6) 

Introduction

Start It (4 MINUTES) 

Display one of each “Crickets, Fireflies, and Skeeters” card (item 24). Guide kids to find partners and practice the designated motion for each insect: Crickets—jump and high five your partner 

Fireflies—open and close fingers quickly like blinking lights 

Skeeters (mosquitoes)—touch your partner’s forehead with your index finger and say, “Zzzzt!” 

When kids have the hang of the commands, scramble the cards and distribute them evenly among players. 

Explain that when the game begins, players should hold up a card, shout the name of the insect, and find someone holding the same card. After both players make the designated motion, they may discard their matching cards into the “bug net” (colander) and attempt to find another player who can match the next card. 

The first player to discard all her cards wins the game. 

FOR YOUNGER KIDS 

Form as many groups as you have adult leaders, then guide kids within those groups to find partners. Divide the cards evenly among leaders. The leader will hold up a card and name the insect. Kids will respond with the required “bug stunt.” The leader will discard the first card after everyone performs the correct motion, then hold up the next card for a group response. The first group to discard all its cards wins the game. 

Ask kids what crickets, fireflies, and mosquitoes have in common. Mention that some types of each insect are nocturnal (active at night). Say: “Today’s story is about someone who came to see Jesus at night.” 

Bible Story

Younger Kids

JESUS AND NICODEMUS 

John 3:1–21; 18–20; 1 Corinthians 15:6 

Nicodemus was a church leader. Everyone knew he was a good man who always tried to do what is right. One night, Nicodemus went to see Jesus. He knew that Jesus was a good teacher who could do things no one else could do. But he did not know that Jesus is God’s Son. 

Jesus knew Nicodemus was not perfect. Even though he was a church leader, Nicodemus still made wrong choices, just like everyone does. Jesus talked with Nicodemus and explained many things to him. Some things were hard for Nicodemus to understand, so he asked Jesus questions. Jesus answered Nicodemus’ questions and explained that God sent His Son so that all people could understand how much God loves them. Jesus is God’s Son. 

Jesus explained that God had a special plan for Him. Because of what Jesus would do, people could be forgiven when they choose to do wrong things. Nicodemus thought about what Jesus said. 

Later, after Jesus had died on the cross, Nicodemus helped bury Jesus’ body in a tomb. But Jesus did not stay dead. Three days later, God raised Jesus from the dead. Many people saw Jesus alive again and were amazed. They knew Jesus is God’s Son because Jesus is alive! 

Older Kids

Jesus and Nicodemus 

Nicodemus was a Jewish religious leader. He came to visit Jesus at night. “Teacher,” Nicodemus said, “We know You have come from God. No one could do the miracles You do unless God were with Him.” 

Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless someone is born a second time, he will not see God’s kingdom.” 

Nicodemus didn’t understand. He asked, “How can anyone be born again when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s body a second time?” 

Jesus explained that to be born again, a person must believe in God’s Son. Being born again is only possible through God’s Spirit. “God loved the world in this way,” Jesus said. “He gave His one and only Son. Whoever believes in Him will not perish. He will have eternal (forever) life.” 

Jesus is God’s Son and He knew that God sent Him to die to take the punishment for our sins so that we could have that eternal life. 

Some time later, Jewish officials and a group of soldiers arrested Jesus. The Jewish leaders did not believe that Jesus was God’s Son. They believed Jesus was not teaching the truth. Jesus never did anything wrong, and yet He was arrested unfairly. After His trial, Jesus was sentenced to death and He died on a cross. 

Nicodemus helped prepare Jesus’ body to be buried. He helped wrap Jesus in linen and place Him in a tomb. Nicodemus did not try to hide what he was doing. He knew he was showing honor to Jesus.

After three days, some women went back to the tomb where Jesus had been buried. It was empty! Jesus had risen from the dead. In the days that followed, Jesus appeared to more than 500 people, showing that He is alive! Jesus rose from the dead so that those who receive His gift of forgiveness can be part of God’s family forever.

John 3:1-21; 18–20; 1 Corinthians 15:6

Learn It (9 MINUTES) 

Call attention to your “word tree.” Say: “While I tell the story, you will need watch for some important words.” 

Open your Bible to John 3 and prompt kids to point to the words Nicodemus and visit on your tree. Tell the first portion of the story. As you continue the story, pause and prompt kids to find the phrases printed in italics. 

Review by calling for volunteers to point to two of the sticky notes, using both key words in an accurate sentence about the story. Simplify for younger kids by prompting volunteers to refer to only one of the notes.

4. Display the “Day 4 Bible Story Picture” (item 4). Ask: “What parts of the story suggest that Nicodemus believed Jesus was God’s Son and became a follower of Jesus?”

FOR OLDER KIDS

Instead of pre-populating the tree with notes, give each person 4–5 blank notes and a marker. Pause after you tell each portion of the story. Prompt kids to choose a key word or phrase from that story segment, write it on a note, and stick to the tree. After everyone has responded, continue storytelling. 

When you finish, say: “Jesus’ death on the cross had a world-changing purpose.” Guide kids to complete “Puddle Puzzle” on pages 8–9 in the Kids Activity Book. Help kids understand that Jesus, who had no sin, freely offered to be punished as if He were a sinner Himself. (See 2 Corinthians 5:21.) 

Activities

Live It (12 MINUTES)

Fasten the Day 4 add-on to the “Magnified! Banner” (items 6–7). Say: “God sent Jesus to save the world and provide forgiveness from sin. Here are some important things to remember.”

Hang the first four “Awesome Possums” (item 22) on the “word tree” as you introduce or review these concepts: “God Rules,” “We Sinned,” “God Provided,” and “Jesus Gives.” Use “Sharing the Gospel With Kids” on the inside front cover of this leader guide to help you. Encourage older volunteers to find and read the related Bible verses.

As you hang the “We Respond” possum cutout, say: “It’s important to know these things about God’s plan so that you can respond to it when you are ready.”

34 

Distribute Kids Activity Books and guide kids to complete “Petal Power” on page 11. Debrief, then explain that followers of Jesus admit they have sinned and that their sin separates them from God. They repent, or turn away from sin in order to follow Jesus. 

Mention that followers of Jesus believe He is God’s Son, repent of their sins, receive His gift of salvation, and confess (make public) their faith in Jesus. Say: “Sometimes people follow Jesus immediately after hearing about Him. Sometimes people need time to think things through. God will help you know when it is time for you to trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord (the leader of your life).” 

Encourage kids to have a silent conversation with God before you close with an audible prayer. Ask God to help kids know for sure if it is time for them to respond to the good news about Jesus. 

FOR OLDER KIDS 

Provide copies of “Look at You!” (item 25). Allow kids a few moments to complete the cards to express what they know, or would like to know, about salvation. Assure kids there are no right or wrong answers and there is no pressure for anyone to make a decision today. Ask kids to fold the cards and place them in a bag or basket beside the word tree. Plan to follow up after you have privately reviewed kids’ responses. 

Conclusion