If you have ever wanted to truly understand the heart of Jesus, there is no better place to start than the amazing Books of John. This includes the Gospel of John, along with 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. As a homeschool mom, educator, and Bible study enthusiast, I can tell you these books have a way of pulling you in and helping you see Jesus up close. And letโs be honest, studying the Bible with kids (or even adults!) can sometimes feel like herding cats. But when you have a plan, the right tools, and a little creativity, the process becomes a joy instead of a chore.
In this article, weโll explore how to best study the Books of John as a family, in a classroom, or in your small group with Six easy steps. Weโll walk through tips, activities, and even a few personal insights that will help make this journey both memorable and faith-building.
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In This Article:
1. Start With Prayer and Purpose
Before diving in, take a moment to pray together. Ask God to open your hearts and minds to His Word. The Books of John are rich in themes of love, truth, and identity in Christ, and prayer sets the stage for understanding.
Pro Tip: Even young kids can pray out loud. Let them take turns opening your study time. You might be surprised by the simple but deep things they say.
2. Make It Relatable for All Ages
Studying the Books of John is not just for grown-ups. Kids can understand these truths too, we just have to present it in ways that connect to their world. For younger children, retell the stories in your own words, using pictures or props. For older students, challenge them to dig into key words and cross-references.
One of my favorite ways to connect with my kids is through โLetโs Recap!โ moments. In my Bible studies, I write two different recaps: one that keeps it simple for younger kids, and one that goes a little deeper for teens and adults. This way, everyone walks away with something they can remember and apply.
3. Use a Guided Family Bible Study
Hereโs where having a plan really pays off. My Books of John Family Bible Study is a 12-week, fully guided curriculum that takes you passage-by-passage through the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. It includes:
- Parent prompts to help you introduce each passage
- Recaps for all ages
- Printable worksheets and activities
- Hands-on projects to reinforce learning
The best part? Itโs scripted so you can confidently lead without feeling like you have to be a Bible scholar. Whether you are teaching at home, in a Sunday school class, or leading a small group, it takes the guesswork out of planning.

4. Mix in Hands-On Activities
The Books of John are full of vivid imagery, light, water, the vine, the shepherd. Use these as springboards for hands-on activities:
- Create a family art project illustrating โI am the Vine, you are the branchesโ (John 15:5)
- Act out the story of Jesus washing the disciplesโ feet
- Make verse cards to post around your home or classroom
Kids (and letโs be real, adults too) remember more when they experience the lesson, not just hear it.
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5. Encourage Questions and Discussion
John wrote so that we might believe and have life in Jesusโ name (John 20:31). That means questions are welcome! Create an atmosphere where itโs safe to ask anything, even if you donโt know the answer right away.
When you donโt know, say so, and look it up together. This models humility and shows your kids that we are all lifelong learners of Godโs Word.
6. End Each Session With Reflection
Take a few minutes at the end of each study to reflect. Ask:
- What stood out to you today?
- How can we apply this to our lives this week?
You can write these reflections down in a family journal. Over the weeks, youโll see how your understanding grows.
The amazing Books of John!
The amazing Books of John will help your family grow in love for Jesus, understand His truth, and live it out daily. Whether you are a seasoned Bible student or just starting, you can lead your family with confidence. The key is to be consistent, make it personal, and let Godโs Word do the work. If youโre ready to begin, check out The Books of John Family Bible Study in our shop and start your journey today. Your future self, and your kids, will thank you!
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