Discussion with Nicodemus Regarding the New Birth — 3:1-21

Verse 1
1. Who came to Jesus by night? What else do you know about him?
Verse 2
2. What conclusion had he already reached about Jesus?

Verse 3
3. What did Jesus say one must do to enter the kingdom of God?

Verse 4.
4. What did Nicodemus say in response that showed he misunderstood?
5. List and explain at least 3 other passages about being born again, becoming a child of God, or receiving a new life.

Verse 5
6. What two aspects of the new birth did Jesus identify in v5? (Thought question: What role does the “Spirit” play in the new birth?)
7. List 3 other passages showing that water baptism is not essential to salvation.
8. Case Study: Some people say the “water” in v5 refers to physical birth. How would you respond? How did the subject of physical birth enter this discussion?

Verses 6,7
9. What two births did Jesus contrast in v6?

Verse 8
10. Think: Explain the meaning of v8.

Verses 9,10
11. How did Nicodemus show his confusion (v9), and how did Jesus respond (v10)?

Verses 11-13
12. What was the source of Jesus’ information, and how did people respond to it?
13. Special Assignment: List other passages showing Jesus came from heaven. Explain the significance of this claim.

Verses 14,15
14. Describe the Old Testament event mentioned in v14 and give Old Testament b/c/v for it.
15. Explain how Jesus was lifted up in a way similar to this Old Testament event.

Verse 16
16. What gift did God give to the world, and what motivated the gift? (Thought question: What need did man have that made this gift necessary?)
17. As a result, what blessing can we receive, and what must we do to receive it?
18. List 3 other passages showing what Jesus did so we can be forgiven and have eternal life.
19. Case Study: Suppose someone claims that John 3:16 shows we are saved by faith; baptism is not mentioned, so it is not necessary to salvation. How would you re-spond?

Verses 17,18
20. What was not the purpose for which Jesus came? (Thought question: In what sense was it not necessary for Him to come for that purpose?)

Verses 19-21
21. Why do some men hate light (truth), but other men love it?
22. Application: Give some examples that illustrate the principle of vv 19-21