NTGD(02)L5p?)
a.John 3:1–22
Read, ponder, and pray
Jesus teaches Nicodemus that all must be born of water and the Spirit to enter
the kingdom of God.
Jesus teaches that he is the Only Begotten Son of God, sent to save mankind.
Purpose
To help class members understand that to receive everlasting life, we must be
"born again" and continue to follow Jesus Christ.
b.John 4:1–42
Read, ponder, and pray
Jesus teaches a Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well.
Many Samaritans are converted.
Purpose
To help class members understand that to receive everlasting life, we must be
"born again" and continue to follow Jesus Christ.
Topical Guide, "Living Water," 294.Additional reading
bring to class:
A healthy, well-watered plant and a plant that is wilted from lack of water
(or draw on the chalkboard a healthy plant and a wilted plant.
b. A pitcher of water.
Display the healthy plant and the wilted plant, or draw them on the chalkboard
as shown on the next page.
Also display the pitcher of water.
• What happens to a plant if it does not receive water?
What happens to us if we do not receive water?
Explain that just as we will die physically if we do not receive physical water,
we will die spiritually if we do not receive spiritual water.
This lesson tells of Jesus' teachings about being born of the water and the
Spirit and about the living water he offers.
1.John 3:1–22
Discuss.
Invite class members to read selected verses aloud.
Jesus teaches Nicodemus that all must be born of water and the Spirit to enter
the kingdom of God.
Explain that Nicodemus was a leader in the Jewish community.
John 3:2
He came to Jesus knowing that Jesus was "a teacher come from God".
•John 3:5
What did Jesus teach Nicodemus that he must do to enter the kingdom of God?
John 3:5
What does it mean to be "born of water"?
(to be baptized).
How is baptism a symbol of rebirth?
(Being immersed in water symbolizes the death or burial of our past sins;
when we rise out of the water, we start a new life.)
John 3:5
What does it mean to be "born … of the Spirit"?
(to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost).
• Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught;
"Church members are not born again by the mere fact of baptism alone"
(Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 1:142).
John 3:16, 18; Mosiah 5:1–7; 27:25–26; Alma 5:14–35; 22:15–18
Besides being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, what else is
necessary in becoming born again?
(have class members mark phrases in these verses that relate to being born
again.
A sample list is provided below.
Point out that the verses from the Book of Mormon clarify what it means to be
born again.)
a.John 3:16, 18
Believing in Jesus Christ.
b.Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:12–14, 26
Experiencing "a mighty change in … our hearts, that we have no more disposition
to do evil, but to do good continually".
c.Mosiah 27:25
Being "changed from [a] carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness".
d.Mosiah 5:7; 27:25
Becoming "[God's] sons and daughters".
e.Mosiah 27:26
Becoming "new creatures".
f.Alma 5:19; Alma 5:14
Having "the image of God engraven upon [our] countenances" ().
g.Alma 5:21; Alma 5:19, 33–34; 22:18
Repenting so our "garments [are] purified until they are cleansed from all
stain, through the blood of [Christ]".
• Elder McConkie also taughT;
being born again "doesn't happen in an instant.
It] is a process"
("Jesus Christ and Him Crucified," in 1976 Devotional Speeches of the Year,
399).
2 Nephi 31:19–20
What can we do to continue this process throughout our lives?
How can we overcome discouragement or setbacks in our spiritual progress?
What changes have you observed in yourself or someone else during the process of
becoming born again?
•John 3:14–18
How are these truths about the Savior's mission related to his commandment that
we be born again?
•John 3:19–21
Jesus used the concepts of light and darkness to teach Nicodemus.
Why do some choose darkness over light?
How can we maintain the ability to love the light and shun darkness?
D&C 50:24; 88:67
What promises has the Lord made to those who come to the light?
2.John 4:1–42
Read and discuss selected verses
Jesus teaches a Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well.
Display the map of the Holy Land.
Explain that while Jesus and his disciples were traveling from Judea to Galilee
(you may want to point out these places on the map)
they stopped to rest at Jacob's Well in Samaria.
While Jesus sat by the well, a Samaritan woman came to draw water.
Display the picture of the woman at the well.
If you are using the video presentation "The Woman at the Well," show it now.
•John 4:9
The Jews had "no dealings with the Samaritans" and usually avoided Samaria when
traveling.
Yet Jesus deliberately went through Samaria.
What does this reveal about him?
Who are some "Samaritans" in today's world?
(Answers may include any person or group considered inferior.)
How should we treat them?
•John 4:9, 11–12, 15, 19, 25
How did the Samaritan woman make it easier for Jesus to teach her?
(Answers may include that she was humble, she desired to know more, and she
believed his words.)
What can we do to become more receptive to the Savior's teachings?
•John 4:9, 11–12, 15, 19, 25
How did the Samaritan woman change as Jesus spoke to her?
How did Jesus help bring about this change?
(Answers may include that he taught her at her level of understanding, he
testified of himself, he used the symbol of water powerfully, and he showed
compassion.)
How can we follow his example as we teach others?
•John 4:10
Jesus told the Samaritan woman that he could give her "living water".
1 Nephi 11:25; D&C 63:23
What do you think "living water" means?
(Answers may include the doctrines of the gospel, the love of God, and the
Atonement.)
How can we obtain living water?
How has this living water blessed you?
•John 4:7
The Samaritan woman had come to the well for water.
John 4:28–29
However, after she spoke with Jesus, she left her pitcher at the well and went
to tell others about the experience.
What can we learn from her example?
•John 4:39–42
How were other people blessed because of the faith of the Samaritan woman?
How have you been blessed or seen others blessed for believing in the Lord?
How can our faith affect those around us?
Conclusion
If you used the attention activity, display the plants and the water pitcher
again.
Explain that just as plants need water to live, we need to follow the Savior and
his teachings to be born again and have everlasting life.
Testify of the truths you have discussed during the lesson.
Challenge class members to seek Jesus Christ, follow him, and continue in the
process of being born again.
Additional Teaching Ideas
1.•John 3:25–36 Additional Teaching Ideas
what is John's attitude about his role in relationship to the Savior's?
How does John's attitude exemplify true discipleship?
John 3:28
"I am not the Christ, but … I am sent before him"
How can we apply this attitude to our service in the Church?
2.•John 4:35–38 Additional Teaching Ideas
What did Jesus teach his disciples about missionary work?
John 4:35
"The fields … are white already to harvest"
What did he mean when he said the field was white and ready to harvest?
Doctrine and Covenants 4:1–4 and D&C 75:3–5
How did the Savior apply this same symbol?
Ask class members to share experiences they have had when sharing the gospel
with others.
3.John 4:46–54 Additional Teaching Ideas
Read and discuss.
Jesus heals a nobleman's son
•John 4:46–47
What did the nobleman want of Jesus?
John 4:48
What was Jesus' first reply to him?
John 4:49
How did the nobleman respond?
•John 4:50
What was Jesus' second response to the nobleman?
John 4:50
What was the nobleman's reaction?
John 4:51–54
What was the result of the nobleman's faith?
What can we learn from this account about the power of faith?