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Unit 6 • Following Jesus

John

Witnessing to the truth and learning the way of love

John began as a fiery “Son of Thunder,” became one of Jesus’ closest disciples, and spent his life bearing witness that Jesus is the Son of God.

Who Was John?

The beloved disciple who wrote about truth and love.

John was a fisherman, the brother of James, and a son of Zebedee. Jesus called the brothers while they worked with their father. John witnessed the Transfiguration, sat near Jesus at the Last Supper, stood near the cross, and reached the empty tomb with Peter. Jesus entrusted Mary to John’s care. John’s Gospel identifies him as a beloved disciple and explains that its signs were written so readers would believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in His name. John later proclaimed the resurrection with Peter and wrote letters emphasizing truth, obedience, and Christlike love.

Read Together

Read, listen, and explore the story

Read each KJV passage, open the matching NKJV audio book, then use the child-friendly retelling to help young readers understand what happened.

Each listening button opens the matching individual NKJV book link from TGCN’s Audio Bible page.

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Key Truth

Jesus transforms us as we remain close to Him, hold to truth, and love others as He loved us.

The Story

God carries His promise forward.

1

Leaving to follow

John left the fishing business and began a lifetime with Jesus.

2

A fiery heart corrected

Jesus rebuked John’s desire to punish people who had rejected them.

3

Faithful love at the cross

John remained nearby and received responsibility to care for Mary.

4

A witness to resurrection

John saw the empty tomb and recorded trustworthy testimony about Jesus.

What Can We Learn?

Truth for everyday life

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Transformation

Jesus can reshape strong emotions into patient, holy love.

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Closeness

Time with Jesus teaches us His heart and truth.

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Responsibility

Love includes practical, faithful care for people.

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Witness

John shared what he had seen so others could believe.

Memory Verse • KJV

“We love him, because he first loved us.”
1 John 4:19

Think About It

Wonder together

  1. Why were John and James called Sons of Thunder?
  2. How did Jesus correct John?
  3. What responsibility did Jesus give him at the cross?
  4. Why did John write his Gospel?

Family Discussion

Bring the lesson home

Remember

Name an angry reaction Jesus can help transform.

Practice

Show love through one practical responsibility.

Respond

Share one reason you believe Jesus is the Son of God.

Activity

Truth and Love Bookmark

Make a bookmark with “Truth” on one side and “Love” on the other. Add John 20:31 and 1 John 4:19.

You’ll need: paper, crayons or markers, and ribbon if desired.

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Explore Together

Retell the adventure

Use the four reading cards above to retell John’s story. Draw one picture for each moment.

Return to the readings ↑

John Activity Pack

Printables are coming soon

These numbered spaces are ready for original or properly licensed artwork and activities.

JO-001

Coloring Page

Coming Soon

JO-002

Story Sequence Activity

Coming Soon

JO-003

Promise Activity

Coming Soon

JO-004

Faith in Action Sheet

Coming Soon

JO-005

Word Search

Coming Soon

JO-006

Maze

Coming Soon

JO-007

Memory Verse Sheet

Coming Soon

JO-008

Family Discussion Page

Coming Soon

JO-009

Bible Truth Matching Game

Coming Soon

JO-010

Completion Certificate

Coming Soon

Prayer

Let’s pray together

Dear Lord Jesus, keep us close to You. Transform anger into patient love, help us hold truth and kindness together, make us faithful in caring for others, and use our testimony to help people believe. Amen.

Adventure Passport

Your journey through God’s story

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