Big Idea:
Jesus challenges us to move beyond religious routines and knowledge, calling us to a radical, transformative relationship with Him—just as He did with Nicodemus.
Key Verses:
John 3:1-12
Discussion Questions:
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, possibly hiding his visit, and approached Him as a teacher rather than a Savior. What do you think keeps people who’ve been in church a long time from fully surrendering to Jesus instead of just adding Him to their lives? How might that show up in their actions or attitudes?
Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be ‘born again,’ which totally throws off this religious expert. How can knowing all the ‘right’ Christian answers or doing all the ‘right’ church things sometimes make it harder to experience the new life Jesus is talking about? Can you think of an example where faith felt more like a routine than a relationship?
On the country citizenship analogy—how no amount of acting the part matters if you weren’t born there. What are some ways people today try to ‘earn’ their place in God’s kingdom with good behavior or knowledge, and why do you think Jesus says that’s not enough?
Jesus compares being born of the Spirit to the wind—you can’t see how it works, but you see its effects. What might it look like in someone’s life when they’re truly ‘doing life with Jesus,’ as the sermon puts it? How can you tell the difference between that and someone just going through the motions?
Nicodemus is left confused, even shaken, by Jesus’ words, questioning what he thought he knew. How can wrestling with tough questions—like ‘Am I actually saved?’—push us closer to Jesus rather than just settling for comfortable faith? What’s one question about your own beliefs or relationship with Jesus that you’re wrestling with right now?