Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Display the healthy plant and the wilted plant (see the “Preparation” section), or draw them on the chalkboard as shown on the next page. Also display the pitcher of water.


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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.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how they apply to daily life. Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

1. Jesus teaches Nicodemus that all must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.

Discuss John 3:1–22. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Explain that Nicodemus was a leader in the Jewish community. He came to Jesus knowing that Jesus was “a teacher come from God” (John 3:2).

2. Jesus teaches a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well.

Read and discuss selected verses from John 4:1–42. 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.

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.