Jesus and Nicodemus

Reading: John Chapter 3 1-21

Sermon date: 31st Jan 2021

Introduction

This passage describing a conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus is very well known. It contains one of the most well-known verses of the bible, John 3 vs 16 which for many summarises the essential elements of our faith.

Icebreaker

Have you ever approached someone nervously because you were embarrassed to ask them something? How did you feel? What motivated you to do it?

Who was Nicodemus?

Read John 3 verses 1-2

Question 1: Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin (verse 1). What did this mean in terms of his role in the community?

Question 2: Nicodemus visited Jesus at night ( verse 2) why?

It might have been because he was embarrassed to approach Jesus in public or because he was unable to get to see Jesus during the day because Jesus was too busy.

Question 3: What do you think Nicodemus understands of who Jesus is when he first approaches Jesus? (verse 2)

Note that in verse 2 Nicodemus uses the word “Rabbi” to refer to Jesus although Jesus had not gone through the formalised training for this.

Read John 3 verses 3 - 8

Question 4: Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Why would this have been such shock for Nicodemus?

Think about how the Pharisees were extremely focused on keeping the law, circumcision, and birth rights as the way into God’s kingdom.

“ To experience God’s salvation is not simply a matter of illumination; it is a matter of regeneration. It is not just new seeing, but new being” L. Newbigin

Question 5: As a teacher of the law Nicodemus would have been familiar with the old testament. Jesus may have been reminding him of Ezekiel 36 verses 25-27 when he talked about water and spirit (verse 6), can you see why?

Question 6: Jesus also describes the Spirit as the being like the wind (verse 8) Does this description of the work of the Holy Spirit ring true for you? If so why?

Read John 3 verses 9 to 18.

Question 7: Why do you think that Jesus used the story of Moses lifting up the bronze snake to illustrate belief in the son of man? See Numbers 21 verses 4 to 8

It illustrates escape from death for the Israelites and being “lifted up” may refer to crucifixion.

Question 8: In John 3 verse 16 Jesus uses the phrase “God so loved the world” We are so familiar with this verse that it is worth pausing to consider how God showed his love for the world in that he went so far as to give up his only son to demonstrate the depth of his love. Do we fully understand this for ourselves?

Read John 3 verses 19 to 21

Question 9: In these verses Jesus uses an illustration of light and darkness. How does this illustration show the different responses of people to Jesus? See John 1 verse 4 where John describes what the light might refer to.

It is worth looking at what happened to Nicodemus after his conversation with Jesus.

Read John 7 verses 50 to 51 and John 19 verses 38 to 40

Question 10: From what we see in these verses, how do you think Nicodemus responded to Jesus after this conversation?

Look at how he stood up for Jesus amongst his peers and how he was also willing to get involved practically by getting involved in Jesus’ burial along with Joseph of Arimathea.

Question 11: How might Nicodemus inspire us to respond to Jesus?

This is an opportunity for us to consider our personal response to him and if appropriate share it in the group or think about it individually.

Question 12: Do we find it difficult to stand up for Jesus amongst some of our peers?

Note that Nicodemus did not resign from his role as a Pharisee or on the Jewish council but was able to play an important role in helping Jesus when it was needed from his position.

Prayer

You might like to pray for Christians who like Nicodemus, are in a position of authority such as in our government, local council etc