20 - Nicodemus and Baptism

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen

Lesson No. ( 20 )

References: 

John 3. 

The Sacraments of the Church - Habib Girgis 

Notes for Servants 

i Do we learn a lesson from Nicodemus and go to the Lord to consult Him about our problems? i Baptism is a new birth, and Repentance is a second birth. Do we always walk in the Spirit of repentance? 

i On the day of baptism the godmother renounces the devil on the behalf of the baptised child. Can you repeat this promise now with a conscious will? 

Objectives 

General: To understand the work of baptism that we attained when we were children. Specific: 

The children will be able to ... 

1. Understand that Baptism is important to enter the Kingdom of heaven. 
2. Know that is why we baptize children. 
3. Learn the meaning of baptism. 

Bible Verse 

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” 

(John 3:5) 

Teaching Aids 

1. Give the lesson in the Baptism Room in the church if possible. 
2. Video. 

Instruction 

(1) Review last week's lesson. 

(2) Who remembers the verse? 

(3) Remind the children about the church occasions for the coming week. 

(4) Mention the Seven Sacraments of Church. 

(5) Teacher should prepare the appropriate questions to emphasize the objectives during the

lesson. 

Story Time 

A man named Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. He knew that Jesus was a good Servant, so he came to Jesus by night ( mention the conversation in a lively way.) 

When he did not understand, Jesus said to him, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit..." (Seize this chance and explain the rituals of Baptism - By immersion into the water three times- this stands for Christ's burial and His resurrection into a new life... and the practical application which lies in repentance, keeping away from the first works and the beginning of a new life of holiness, quiet full of obedience and love... Nicodemus thanked Jesus but he needed an example from the Old Testament. 

The Lord reminded him of the bronze serpent. Faith heals us. ie. love for the Crucified Christ, repentance, receiving the Holy Communion keep the poisonous sin away from us and thus we become pure... Nicodemus thanked Jesus again and left happily. 

Discussion 

1 - Follow up the story by talking about it with the children. 

2 - Continue the discussion while they do the activity. 

Learning Activities 

Activity Sheet.