Embracing New Life Through Christ's Resurrection
Summary
Today, we gathered in the ongoing joy of Easter, celebrating the presence of the risen Christ among us. We gave thanks for the profound mystery of God’s love: that through Christ’s death, we are welcomed into God’s family, our sins forgiven, and a new life given to us. The Holy Spirit is sent to dwell within us, comforting, teaching, and reminding us of truth, especially in confusing or weary times. Even in the darkest trials, nothing can separate us from God’s love, and the hope of resurrection is always before us.
We reflected on the story of Nicodemus, a religious leader who came to Jesus at night, both literally and spiritually. His world was turned upside down by the things he saw and heard—miracles, changed lives, and a new way of understanding God’s kingdom. Like Nicodemus, we all experience times of darkness, confusion, or conflict, when our assumptions about life and faith are challenged. In those moments, the most important thing is to bring our questions and struggles directly to Jesus, who always has time for us and welcomes our honest searching.
Jesus revealed to Nicodemus that entry into God’s kingdom is not achieved by our own effort or goodness, but by being “born again”—a work of God’s Spirit, not our striving. This new birth is a gift, not something we can manufacture. Jesus used the image of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness: just as the Israelites were healed by looking up in faith, so we are given eternal life by looking up to Jesus, trusting in his work on the cross rather than our own merits.
This journey with Jesus is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. We are invited to continually bring our doubts, fears, and questions to him, trusting that he will meet us in our darkness, illumine our hearts, and guide us into truth. The Holy Spirit is our counselor, leading us not only in great spiritual matters but also in the everyday challenges and decisions of life. As we look to Jesus, he transforms us, gives us new desires, and enables us to walk in the light as beloved sons and daughters of God.
Key Takeaways
- God’s love is so profound that, through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are welcomed into his family and given a new identity. This is not something we earn, but a gift that transforms us from the inside out, assuring us that nothing—not even our darkest trials—can separate us from his love. [12:48]
- Times of spiritual darkness or confusion are not signs of failure, but invitations to seek Jesus more deeply. Like Nicodemus, when our world is turned upside down and our assumptions are challenged, the most important step is to bring our honest questions and struggles directly to Christ, who always welcomes us. [24:25]
- Entry into God’s kingdom is not achieved by our own efforts or religious performance, but by being “born again” through the Spirit. This new birth is a mysterious, gracious work of God, not something we can manufacture or control. Our role is to look up to Jesus in faith, trusting in his finished work rather than our own. [37:22]
- The Holy Spirit is given to guide us into all truth—not just in spiritual matters, but in the practical challenges and decisions of daily life. When we bring our problems, questions, and uncertainties to God, he promises to meet us, give us wisdom, and lead us step by step, often in unexpected ways. [34:49]
- The journey of faith is ongoing; we are continually invited to bring our doubts, fears, and questions to Jesus. As we do, he illumines our darkness, gives us a new heart and spirit, and enables us to walk in the light. Our transformation is ultimately God’s work, and our boasting is in Christ alone. [49:51]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[12:48] - Prayer of Thanksgiving and Confession
[14:25] - Praying for the Weary and Hope in Resurrection
[14:58] - Assurance and Blessing
[17:40] - Children’s Time: Questions and Jesus’ Patience
[24:25] - Nicodemus’ Night: Spiritual Darkness and Questions
[25:25] - Wrestling with Brokenness and Meaning
[26:50] - John the Baptist and Repentance
[28:47] - Jesus’ Miracles and Nicodemus’ Curiosity
[30:29] - Bringing Our Darkness to Jesus
[34:49] - The Holy Spirit Guides Us into Truth
[35:46] - Jesus and Nicodemus: The New Birth
[37:22] - Born of Water and Spirit: God’s Gift
[44:18] - Looking Up to Jesus: The Way of Salvation
[49:51] - Ongoing Wrestling and Transformation
[57:36] - Thanksgiving for New Life and Guidance
[58:47] - Prayers for the Church, Community, and Nation
[01:01:43] - Blessing and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Story of Nicodemus and the Gift of New Life
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### Bible Reading
John 3:1-17 (ESV)
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “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.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 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.”
Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 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. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (ESV)
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Numbers 21:4-9 (ESV)
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.
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### Observation Questions
1. What time of day did Nicodemus come to Jesus, and why is that detail important in the story? ([24:25])
2. According to Jesus, what is required to enter the kingdom of God? ([37:22])
3. What Old Testament story does Jesus refer to when explaining how people can receive eternal life? ([44:18])
4. What does God promise to do for his people in Ezekiel 36:25-27?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Nicodemus, a respected religious leader, have chosen to visit Jesus at night? What does this say about his spiritual state? ([24:25])
2. Jesus tells Nicodemus that being “born again” is not something we can achieve by our own effort. Why is this idea so challenging for people who are used to working hard to be “good”? ([37:22])
3. In the story of the bronze serpent (Numbers 21), what did the people have to do to be healed, and how does this connect to what Jesus says about himself? ([44:18])
4. The sermon says that times of spiritual darkness or confusion are not signs of failure, but invitations to seek Jesus more deeply. How does this perspective change the way we view our own struggles or doubts? ([24:25])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that God’s love is so profound that nothing—not even our darkest trials—can separate us from it. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to be reminded of this truth? How can you hold onto it this week? ([12:48])
2. Like Nicodemus, we all have questions and doubts. What is one honest question or struggle you have about faith right now? What would it look like to bring that directly to Jesus in prayer or conversation? ([30:29])
3. Jesus says we must be “born again” by the Spirit, not by our own effort. Are there areas where you are still trying to “earn” God’s love or acceptance? What would it look like to trust more in what Jesus has done for you? ([37:22])
4. The Holy Spirit is given to guide us into all truth, even in practical decisions. Can you think of a recent decision or problem where you needed God’s wisdom? How did you seek it, and what happened? ([34:49])
5. The journey of faith is ongoing, not a one-time event. What is one way you can make space this week to bring your doubts, fears, or questions to Jesus? ([49:51])
6. The sermon shared a story about someone who asked Jesus for help with work problems and always found a solution. Is there a specific area in your daily life where you need to invite Jesus or the Holy Spirit to guide you? ([34:49])
7. Jesus welcomed Nicodemus’ questions and didn’t turn him away. How can we as a group or as individuals create a safe space for others to bring their honest questions and struggles? ([30:29])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to spend a few moments in silent prayer, bringing their own questions, doubts, or areas of darkness to Jesus, trusting that he welcomes them and will meet them with love and truth.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Meets Us in Our Darkness
No matter how deep our confusion or how many questions we carry, Jesus welcomes us to come to Him, just as Nicodemus did in the night. He does not turn us away or grow weary of our doubts, but instead opens the door for honest conversation and healing. In our darkest moments—when life feels upside down, when our hearts are conflicted, or when we are wrestling with disappointment—Jesus invites us to bring our questions and burdens to Him. He is patient, present, and ready to illumine our path, offering hope and understanding even when we cannot see the way forward. [24:25]
John 3:1-2 (ESV)
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “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.”
Reflection: What is one question or burden you are carrying in your heart right now? Will you bring it honestly to Jesus in prayer today, trusting that He welcomes you even in your darkness?
Day 2: New Birth Is a Gift from God
True transformation and entry into God’s kingdom is not something we can achieve by our own effort or goodness; it is a gift that comes from God alone. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that being “born again” is not about working harder or following more rules, but about receiving a new heart and spirit from God. Just as Ezekiel prophesied, God promises to cleanse us, give us a new spirit, and enable us to follow Him—not by our striving, but by His grace. This new birth is mysterious, but it is real, and it is available to all who come to Jesus with open hands and hearts. [37:22]
John 3:3-8 (ESV)
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 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.”
Reflection: In what ways have you tried to “fix” yourself or earn God’s favor? How might you open your heart today to receive His gift of new life instead of striving for it?
Day 3: Look Up to Jesus for Healing and Life
Just as the Israelites were healed by looking up to the bronze serpent in the wilderness, so we are given eternal life by looking up to Jesus, who was lifted up on the cross for us. Our salvation does not depend on our own resume or ability to save ourselves, but on trusting in what Jesus has done. When we are poisoned by sin, discouragement, or doubt, the invitation is simple: look up to Jesus in faith, and He will give you life. This act of looking up is not a one-time event, but a continual turning of our hearts to Him, especially in times of need. [44:18]
John 3:14-16 (ESV)
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Reflection: Where do you need healing or new life today? Will you take a moment to “look up” to Jesus, trusting Him to meet you right where you are?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit Guides Us Into All Truth
God has not left us alone to figure out life’s challenges; He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, both in spiritual matters and in the everyday decisions of life. Whether we are facing a complex problem at work, a difficult relationship, or a crossroads in our journey, we can ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and insight. Sometimes answers come through Scripture, sometimes through conversation, sometimes in quiet moments of reflection—but God is faithful to lead us. As we bring our questions and needs to Him, He promises to counsel, comfort, and teach us, illuminating our path step by step. [34:49]
John 14:26 (ESV)
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need wisdom or clarity? Will you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you today, and pay attention to how He might speak or lead?
Day 5: Wrestling With Doubt Leads to Deeper Faith
Faith is not the absence of questions or struggles; rather, it is the willingness to bring our doubts, fears, and anxieties to Jesus and wrestle with Him until we find peace. Like Nicodemus and Thomas, we may find ourselves in dark places, unsure or even skeptical, but Jesus meets us there and invites us to know Him more deeply. As we name our struggles before Him and seek His presence, He transforms our hearts, gives us new desires, and leads us into the light. This ongoing journey of faith is marked by honest conversation with God, community with others, and a continual return to Jesus, who is our Good Shepherd and the light in our darkness. [49:51]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Reflection: What doubts or fears have you been hesitant to bring to God? Will you take time today to name them before Him, trusting that He will meet you and lead you into deeper faith?
Quotes
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