Lesson 4 : John the Beloved
Bible Story : The Crucifixion
Bible Scripture : John 19:17-27
Objective : Kids will learn that we can love others because God loves us.
Memory Verse : 2 Corinthians 5:17

“When anyone lives in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone! The new is here!”

Words to Remember

• Loved (Minamahal) a strong feeling of affection and concern toward another person.

• Beloved means dearly loved; a much loved person.

Introduction

Who is John?

John is the son of Zebedee, and his brother James were the grandsons of Joseph. He was one of the Twelve Apostles who were fishermen by trade.

John is distinguished above the other apostles as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John did not naturally possess the loveliness of character that his later experience revealed. By nature, he had serious defects. He was not only proud, self-assertive, and ambitious for honor, but impulsive and resentful. Jesus rebuked all these characteristics and transformed him through the influencing power of love.

It was John’s deep love for Christ which led him always to desire to be close by His side. Because his own experience of Jesus’ love was so strong and personal, John was sensitive to those words and actions of Jesus that illustrated how the one who is love loved.

Tell the Story

Tell the bible story in your own words and by showing pictures.
Don’t just read it. Know it and bring it to life!

READ John 19:17-27 – The Crucifixion

Main Point of the Lesson

As said on the previous lesson, Jesus wants us to follow Him. He wants us to be part of saving the world. He wants us to share the good news with everyone. You don’t need super powers to join the Jesus League. You just need to be willing to see the light and answer the call from Jesus to follow Him and let Him lead your life.

Jesus uses unlikely heroes. Like on the first two lessons, Peter and Thomas were used by God despite of their limitations and shortcomings. And now, in our lesson, he also chose John to be His follower to tell the world His greatest love (John 3:16). After the Lord Jesus was taken as prisoner and sentenced to death, John however, was among those few faithful ones standing by the cross. John faithfully followed his Master in the path of suffering.

All of us are objects of the love of Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. When God changes a life, He does not take away personality and characteristics, but puts them to effective use in his service.

Jesus is waiting to hear from you. Are you ready to join the Jesus League?

Activity

Matching Game: “Resurrection Opposites”
Help the children identify the opposites as they play and allow them to play additional rounds if time permits. Then review the matches to instill how we should act because we have been changed by the resurrection.

Prayer Time & Wrap-Up