You Must Be Born Again (John 3:1-15)

What is the significance that Nicodemus was “a ruler of the Jews?”

Why would Nicodemus come to Jesus by night?

“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Who is the “we” of whom Nicodemus spoke? What signs had they seen? Why could no man do these signs unless God was with him?

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Why would Jesus make such an abrupt change in subject? How is one born again? Can one really “see” the kingdom of God? If so, how?

How can a man be born when he is old?

One must be born of water and the Spirit. How is one born of water? How is one born of the Spirit?

“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” What does the blowing of the wind have to do with the Spirit? How is it thus with everyone who is born of the Spirit?

Why did Nicodemus not understand what Jesus was teaching him?

“Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.” Who is the “we” of whom Jesus spoke? How had Jesus spoken of what he knew? In what way(s) had the Lord borne witness to what he had seen?

Who are the “you” who did not receive Jesus’ testimony? Why should they have accepted Jesus’ testimony? Why did they not accept it? Are there many today who refuse to accept Jesus’ testimony? Who are they? Why do they refuse to accept Jesus’ testimony?

Who is in heaven today?

How was Jesus’ being lifted up like the serpent’s being lifted up?

What does it really mean to believe in Jesus?