Monday, May 15, 2023

John 3:1-21 | Small Group Questions




The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Becoming a new person | John 3:1-21

Through powerful imagery and profound theological insights, John reveals the nature of Jesus as the Son of God, the light of the world, the bread of life, and the hope of Israel. Throughout the Gospel of John, we see Jesus engage with a wide range of people, from the wealthy and powerful to the marginalized and oppressed. He performs miraculous signs, teaches profound truths, and ultimately offers Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Through it all, John presents Jesus as the embodiment of God's love and grace, and the only way to eternal life. As we move into John 3 we read about this interesting encounter with Jesus and Nicodemus. 

1) Think about a time in your life you had a question for God or about God. Who did you bring that question to? What time of day was it? Where did you meet with that person? What kind of answer did you receive about your question? 

2) Read John 3:1-2. We learned that Nicodemus was an educated man who was part of the highest level of Jewish leadership. He comes to Jesus at night with a question. Why would he come to Jesus at night and not during the day? 

3) Nicodemus asserts three truths he knows about Jesus. What are things that you know to be true about Jesus? Share your understanding and back them up with Scripture not just your personal thoughts 

4) Read John 3:3-10. Jesus and Nicodemus have a conversation about rebirth. If  you were asked what it means to be born again, how would you explain that? Make sure to use Scripture in your answers so you can point them to God’s truth. 

5) Within in our text we see that Jesus cares primarily about our spiritual condition. He could have stayed up late talking with Nicodemus about spiritual matters. Who do you want to see experience a spiritual change in their life? 

6) Read John 3:16-18. John gives us the statement of God’s love, Jesus purpose for coming to earth, and the outcome of believing in Him. How has your life been changed by placing your hope in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? 

7) Neal shared a story about a fight that happened across the street from our church. Read John 3:19-21. Talk about the desperate need for light in our dark world. Where is God asking you to reach out to your friends, neighbors, or our community? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 



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