Tempo de leitura:
Tamanho:
Index
Topic: Do you know what salvation means?
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” John 3:3
The purpose of this lesson is to show that God offers us salvation through faith in Jesus and that through the new birth we have a life transformed by the Word of God and directed by the Holy Spirit.
Note: Teachers should read John 3:1 to 21.
Introduction
Intermediates, think about someone who talks about the Bible and even about God. Does this mean that this person has already received salvation in Jesus? Today we are going to learn about a man who knew a lot about the Word of God, but Jesus taught him something that he did not yet understand. What did Jesus teach him? Let’s find out!
Development
The Bible tells us about Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee, that is, he was part of a religious group that studied the Law of Moses a lot and sought to fulfill its commandments and traditions. Nicodemus was also an important religious leader and taught the Scriptures to the people.
One night, Nicodemus went to look for Jesus. It may be that he went at night, because he did not want to be seen talking to Him, because many Pharisees did not accept his teachings. Perhaps he also wanted to talk to Jesus more calmly, away from the crowds. What is certain is that Nicodemus knew that Jesus performed miracles and recognized that God was with Him.
When he met Jesus, he said: “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” John 3:2b. Rabbi means “my master.” Then Jesus said something very important to him: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3b.
Born again? He didn’t understand! How could a grown man be born again? Could he return to his mother’s womb? But Jesus wasn’t talking about being born again as a baby. He was talking about a spiritual birth, of receiving a new life with God! And he explained: “…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3b. He continued: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6. Jesus showed that the new birth happens by the action of the Holy Spirit.
To help Nicodemus understand, Jesus used the example of the wind. Have you ever felt the wind blowing on your face? Have you ever seen the leaves of the trees swaying? We do not see the wind, but we feel and perceive its action. The same is the action of the Holy Spirit in the life of what is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus still did not understand and asked: “How can these things be?” John 3:9.
Jesus showed that, even knowing the Scriptures, Nicodemus needed to understand about the new birth. Then he continued teaching and revealed God’s great love: “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. God loved us so much that he sent his Son Jesus to save us! Salvation is a gift from God, which we receive through faith in Jesus!
Do you see what Jesus taught Nicodemus? To receive salvation, we need to believe in Jesus as our Savior. And when we accept Jesus, we are born again. That’s why Jesus spoke about being born of water and the Spirit. Water reminds us of the purifying action of God’s Word: “That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.” Ephesians 5:26.
The Word of God teaches us what is right, shows us when we have made mistakes, and helps us to know God’s will more each day. But Jesus also spoke of the Holy Spirit. It is He who gives us the new birth and helps us to put into practice what we have learned in the Word of God.
Jesus promised, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26. What a wonderful promise! The Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us of Jesus’ teachings.
Do you remember the wind? We cannot see it, but we perceive its action. The same is the Holy Spirit: we do not see it, but we feel it and perceive its action, transforming our attitudes! For example, imagine a child who, unintentionally, breaks something at home. The child is afraid of being scolded and thinks about saying that it was not him. But the Holy Spirit reminds him that Jesus is the truth and the Bible teaches us to always speak the truth. Then the child recognizes the mistake and explains what happened.
Or imagine a child who used to disobey her parents. When her mom asked to put away her toys or clean her room, she pretended not to listen and kept playing. Sometimes she even responded rudely. But now the Holy Spirit reminds her that God’s Word teaches us to honor our father and mother. So even when she feels like continuing to play, she chooses to obey, does what her mom asked, and responds with affection and respect.
All of this is God’s Word teaching what is right and the Holy Spirit helping to make good choices! And you know what else is wonderful? When we receive Jesus as our Savior, we don’t just gain a new way of behaving. We receive a new life with God! We can seek the Lord in prayer, feel His peace, and live with the joy and hope of eternal life.
Intermediates, we are in the month of the Feast of Dedication! And how can we dedicate our lives more to the Lord? By taking time to read the Bible, seeking God in prayer, paying attention to services, and choosing to do what pleases the Lord, at home, at school, and with our friends. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life to save us! Let’s give our lives more to Him, letting the Holy Spirit lead us closer to Jesus each day!
Conclusion
Intermediates, salvation is not just knowing the Bible or having a religion. It is believing in Jesus as our Savior and receiving new life through the operation of the Holy Spirit! And we don’t have to wait to grow up to live that experience. We can give our hearts to Jesus right now and choose to live according to his Word!
The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” II Cor 5:17. What a joy! In Jesus, everything is made new!
Suggested Praises: TBD
Question for Intermediates
Read John chapter 3, verse 8, and answer: Why did Jesus compare the operation of the Holy Spirit to that of the wind? Answer: Because like the wind, we do not see the Holy Spirit, but we feel it. “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8.