Second Sunday of Lent

Nicodemus Visits Jesus at Night

John 3: 1 - 17

The name of Nicodemus occurs only three times in the New Testament, all in the Gospel of John.

Nicodemus was an important person in Jerusalem; he was a Pharisee who was a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin.

He came to visit Jesus quietly, at night, and later spoke in Jesus' behalf when Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin (John 7:50).

After Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus brought 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes, helping to prepare Jesus' body for burial (John 19: 39).

In this passage, Jesus begins a classic question and answer teaching dialogue with Nicodemus and then goes on to declare the greatest statement of our faith in God. John 3: 16 is the basis for everything Christians believe about God and Jesus.

1. Why does Nicodemus know Jesus is sent from God?

[Nicodemus sees the presence of God in the signs and miracles of Jesus.]

2. What is the only way that Jesus says someone can enter the kingdom of God?

[Jesus says everyone must be born again of water and the Spirit (we call this baptism).]

3. Why did God send Jesus to us?

[God sent Jesus to us because he loves us so much that he wants us to live forever.]

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