This
well-known encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus raises some very interesting
and challenging questions but also some very rewarding and encouraging information
about Jesus and about ourselves. It highlights the difference and the distance
between those who are willing to look at life and themselves from God’s point
of view rather than look at God from their and the world’s point of view. This
encounter reveals the disconnect that may only be bridged by faith. It also
shows that sincerity alone is not sufficient to find our way to God but that
humility and an openness to him are vital if we are to ‘see God’ and ‘enter his
Kingdom’. Three times Jesus uses the telling phrase ‘very truly I tell you’ or
‘Verily, verily’ of the older versions. Nicodemus is from the academic elite
and the religious leadership; he is steeped in the learning and traditions of
his faith; and yet he is still unable as yet to grasp that here before him is
the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies and promises.
1. Why do
you think Nicodemus came to Jesus ‘by night’?
2. What has
prompted Nicodemus’ interest in Jesus and why does he reckon that God is
somehow with him.
3. What sort
of things do you think prevent Nicodemus from seeing who Jesus really is?
4. What sort
of things prevent human beings from seeing who Jesus really is?
5. How do
you understand the term ‘born again’ or ‘born from above’?
6. Why are
‘water and the spirit’ required to be able to enter the kingdom of God? What do
these signify?
7. What do
you understand by the phrase ‘Truly, truly, I tell you.’ How would you express
that in modern colloquial English?
8. What do
you make of verse 8? What great truth or truths is Jesus conveying here?
9. What does
verse 16 mean to you? How does this promise affect your life?
10. How
would you explain verses 17 – 21 to a non-believing friend?
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