How John 3:17 Teaches Children About God's Love

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,  but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

I stumbled on a little plant I had set aside and then forgot. It was almost dead from the summer heat, but within a few minutes of watering it, it was green and full of life. It reminded me of how hearing the truth that Jesus loves and forgives me quenches the dryness of my guilt. I love that Jesus calls himself the Living Water.

Every day I need to hear him tell me that his love is bigger than my sin because every day the devil is active in reminding me of my own sin. 

John 3:17 coming right after the famous John 3:16 is so critical for parenting. God never wants our children to wonder if he loves them. It is so easy to weaponize the Gospel and makes love something our children don’t hear from us unless their behavior meets our expectations. That can leave them feeling condemned.

Jesus did not come to condemn; he came to save!

 The salvation Jesus gives has no contingencies placed on us.

The love of Jesus is an absolute, free gift.

The death of Jesus, to take our punishment of hell, alone saves.

The forgiveness of Jesus, alone, makes us holy in God’s eyes.

Jesus came to save the world…that includes me….that includes you. No matter what we have done – he died for us!

Taking it home:

Memorize John 3:16 AND 17 together as a family.

Talk about what it means to each of you that Jesus came to save you and not condemn you.

Praise God in prayer together.