Jesus said these words at night, to a man named Nicodemus who came to ask him questions.
Jesus told him something big and simple. God loved the whole world. Not just the good people. Not just the grown-ups. The whole world.
God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. That Son is Jesus. Whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
So when you see a picture of Jesus with children crowding close, that is true. He did not shoo them away. He welcomed them. He is a kind friend who listens and takes care of them.
The boy at the back of the picture is not forgotten. Neither are you. God's love is not a small love for a few people. It is for the whole world, and the whole world includes you.
🐑Jesus Loves Children
Jesus Loves the Child at the Back
God loved the whole world, and that means you too.
November 8, 20262 min readNIV
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.
— John 3:16 (NIV)
Jesus teaches Nicodemus
Today's Story
✍️Fictitious Story
At Sunday school, Teacher Ruth held up a big picture. Jesus sat on a grassy hill, and children crowded close around him. One small boy stood behind the others, half hidden.
Lucas Yeo pointed at him. "That one at the back. Does Jesus love him too?"
Teacher Ruth smiled. "Look at his hand." Lucas leaned in close. Jesus' hand was reaching back toward the boy.
After class, Lucas walked to the bus stop with Emma. He sang softly, "Jesus loves me, this I know." Emma joined in. They sang it twice more before the bus came.
Reflection
Think About It
• When you hear "the whole world," who do you think of? • Do you know Jesus wants you to come close, not stand at the back?
Prayer
God, thank you for loving the whole world. That means me too. I like that Jesus is kind and never sends children away. I believe you sent him for me. Help me sing about it today and not be shy. Amen.
Live It Out
Sing or say "Jesus loves me" today with someone you love.