Theme

How does Jesus’ coming (and going to the cross) bring life?

Questions

• Why do you think John tells us that Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night (v.2)?
• When did you first come across the phrase “born again” (if ever)? Is it a phrase that you think of positively or negatively?
• What do you think Jesus means when he tells Nicodemus that he must be born again? Look at v.5-7, and John 1:12-13.
• Look at v.5. Water and spirit are often found together in the Old Testament as a symbol of spiritual renewal. Look at Ezekiel 36:24-27. How do these verses help you understand what Jesus is saying to Nicodemus?
• In v.14-15 Jesus talks about being lifted up. Look back at Numbers 21:4-9 and forward to John 8:25-30 and John 12:32-36. What does Jesus mean when he talks about being lifted up?
• Compare v.14-15 with v.16. What ideas do these verses share?
• What do you think it means to have eternal life (look at John 17:1-3)? How is eternal life gained?
• Look at the end of the passage, v.19-21 (and think back to what you thought about in John 1, last week).
  • What do you think Jesus means when he says that people love darkness?
  • Do you agree that people prefer darkness to light? Why?
• In reading this passage, what have you found the most surprising or challenging?