Light & Life – Nicodemus – January 14, 2024
Welcome, Introduction, and Opening Prayer
In this new year we are exploring the life and ministry of Jesus according to the Gospel of John. This Gospel has been called the “Spiritual Gospel” and is vastly different than the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Whereas these three Gospels follow a very similar narrative, John’s Gospel diverges into a different portrayal of Jesus’ life. John is more concerned about the signs and symbols that point us to a deeper spiritual truth.
SHARE – Icebreaker – In Sunday’s text, we read about Nicodemus and Jesus meeting under the cover of darkness. Nicodemus has the opportunity to sit down with Jesus and have a one-on-one conversation. If you were able to spend time with Jesus, what questions would you ask him?
STUDY - Text: John 3:1-10, 16-21 (NRSV)
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.”3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?” … 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned, but those who do not believe are condemned already because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
Nicodemus goes to Jesus by night, under the cover of darkness. He is concerned about what people might think if they found him conversing with Jesus. Have you ever felt embarrassed about your Christianity or your relationship with Christ? Why or why not?
In John’s Gospel, night is more than just darkness. It represents ignorance and uncertainty. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night with curiosity, uncertainty, and with questions. When have you felt in the dark about your faith? What are some of your doubts and questions?
Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born from above. How might we pray for God to bring about a new birth in our very own lives? Where might we need to experience a new birth in our church?
SUPPORT - Blessings and Burdens: What has been life-giving for you this week? What has been life-draining for you?
Closing Prayer