JESUS SAYS, “YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN”

John 3:1-21

Key Verse: 3:3

“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’”

· NICODEMUS NEEDED TO SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD (1-9)

1. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. In what sense was he a successful man?

2. Why had Nicodemus come to Jesus? What did Jesus know about him?(2:24,25) What did Jesus say to him? (3) What does it mean when Jesus suggested that he must see the kingdom of God and enter the kingdom of God?

3. What does it mean to be born again? (1Pe 1:3,4) How can one be born again? (1Pe 1:23)

4. How did Nicodemus respond to Jesus’ words? (4) Why was his thinking confined in this physical world?

5. Read verses 5-8. How did Jesus try to help Nicodemus? How is physical birth different from spiritual birth? (6) How does the Holy Spirit work? (7-8) Why is it important for Nicodemus to receive Jesus’ word?

· THE WAY TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD (10-21)

6. See verse 9 for Nicodemus’ reply. Did he receive Jesus’ words? How and why did Jesus rebuke him? (11-13) What does this reveal about his problem?

7. What does the incident of the bronze snake teach about the way of salvation? (14,15; See Nu 21:4-9) Why must the Son of Man be lifted up? Why is it important to believe the promises of God?

8. Read 16-18. Why did God send his Son into the world? What is God’s promise? How do people condemn themselves? How does receiving God’s love enable us to see and enter the kingdom of God?

9. Read 19-21. Why don’t people come into the light? How are people who love truth different? What clue can we find here about Nicodemus’ real problem?