This week's Life Group Questions
For reflection and LIFE Group facilitation
1. Read John 15:1-16.
2. We do not know why Nicodemus visited Jesus (the text does not tell us), but the essence of his conversation starter in verse 2 is that He is curious about Jesus’ identity. For Jesus, curiosity is reason enough to engage the conversation. However, He takes the conversation into a different direction, to tell Nicodemus the truth he needs to hear.
a) What have you been curious about with Jesus lately? What question(s) did you ask Him?
b)Where did Jesus take that conversation and what truths did He reveal to you?
3. Nicodemus thought that, based on his religiosity (keeping the law, observing the right rituals, born into a Jewish family), he was part of the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells him the shocking news that his salvation does not depend on his religion, but that something else is needed: he needs to be born again. God is not interested in our religious behaviors if these are not coming from a heart that longs for him.
a) Self-reflection: what religious practices and behaviors do you find in your life that are merely a habit, instead of an expression of your yearning heart for (more of) God? Share your reflections with the group.
b) Read Psalm 51:16-17 and take 5-10 minutes for individual reflection and silent prayer to ask God for a broken and contrite heart, that desires Him more than anything.
4. Read John 15:5-6 in connection with Ezekiel 36:25-27. We don’t need (new or more) religion or an upgraded version of self. We need a new life, with a new heart: we need to be born of water and the Spirit.
a) Storytelling: what do you remember about your spiritual “date of birth?”
b) What do you see as “tangible evidence” of the new heart you have received (Ez. 36:26)?
c) Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. What transformational work is the Holy Spirit is currently doing in you?
5. Close your time together in a time of praise and prayer. A good way to start this time is to proclaim the words of Titus 3:4-7 out loud together and use these truths to direct your praises and prayers.
1. Read John 15:1-16.
2. We do not know why Nicodemus visited Jesus (the text does not tell us), but the essence of his conversation starter in verse 2 is that He is curious about Jesus’ identity. For Jesus, curiosity is reason enough to engage the conversation. However, He takes the conversation into a different direction, to tell Nicodemus the truth he needs to hear.
a) What have you been curious about with Jesus lately? What question(s) did you ask Him?
b)Where did Jesus take that conversation and what truths did He reveal to you?
3. Nicodemus thought that, based on his religiosity (keeping the law, observing the right rituals, born into a Jewish family), he was part of the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells him the shocking news that his salvation does not depend on his religion, but that something else is needed: he needs to be born again. God is not interested in our religious behaviors if these are not coming from a heart that longs for him.
a) Self-reflection: what religious practices and behaviors do you find in your life that are merely a habit, instead of an expression of your yearning heart for (more of) God? Share your reflections with the group.
b) Read Psalm 51:16-17 and take 5-10 minutes for individual reflection and silent prayer to ask God for a broken and contrite heart, that desires Him more than anything.
4. Read John 15:5-6 in connection with Ezekiel 36:25-27. We don’t need (new or more) religion or an upgraded version of self. We need a new life, with a new heart: we need to be born of water and the Spirit.
a) Storytelling: what do you remember about your spiritual “date of birth?”
b) What do you see as “tangible evidence” of the new heart you have received (Ez. 36:26)?
c) Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. What transformational work is the Holy Spirit is currently doing in you?
5. Close your time together in a time of praise and prayer. A good way to start this time is to proclaim the words of Titus 3:4-7 out loud together and use these truths to direct your praises and prayers.