Nic at Night

John 3:1-7, 16,18 “Now there was a Pharisee names Nicodemus, a teacher of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life…Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

Monday, February 22 – Read John 6:1-15

The Gospel of John refers to the miracles of Jesus as “signs.” These signs are intended to help us understand who Jesus is and why he has come into the world. The miracle of feeding the five thousand is the only miracle, apart from the resurrection of Christ, to be detailed in all four gospels. This “sign” is meant to teach us a spiritual truth, pointing us beyond the event to a truth about God, resulting in faith. (See John 20:30) As you read this passage, imagine yourself there sitting among the crowds, where “there was plenty of grass” (vs.10). Listen to the comments of the disciples in verses 5, 7, and 8. What is their tone? When did the crowds realize a “sign” was happening? What does this sign tell us about God? How did they respond?

Tuesday, February 23 – Read John 6: 16-71

The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand continues to reverberate through the chapter. Jesus teaches extensively about bread, bread from heaven, bread of life, and eating his flesh. It appears that when one had a conversation with Jesus they needed to prepare for several layers of meaning! According to Jesus in verse 29, what is the “work of God?” What phrase does Jesus repeat in verses 26, 32, 47 and 53? What does this phrase mean to you? We often struggle to discover God’s will for our lives. What does Jesus say is God’s will? (vs.40) How did the crowds respond to Jesus’ teachings? (vs.66) What is the disciple’s response?

Wednesday, February 24 – Read John 7:1-24

Jesus stayed away from Jerusalem, preferring the safety of the more remote regions of Galilee. But he knew his ultimate destiny was Jerusalem. As we sometimes say, timing is everything, and in this Jesus is in full command of the timing (7:6). From here to the end of John, the hostility towards Jesus becomes increasingly intense. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Jesus began to teach in a very public way. His concern was to establish the source, and thus the authority of his teaching. The public presence of Jesus divided the

crowd. Notice how John describes people’s opinions of Jesus. (7:12-13, 20) What does Jesus command the people in 7:24?

Thursday, February 25 – Read John 7:25-52

Jesus roots his life in his relationship with the Father. For Jesus, this relationship is very intimate, very personal and the source of his teaching. Read Jesus’ words in 7:28-29. How does Jesus relate to the Father? Jesus makes an amazing declaration in 7:37-39. What promise does he make? What is the source of this promise? What seems to be the basis of the rejection by “the Jews?” (40-47)

Friday, February 26 – Read John 8:1-11

Some of your Bibles will state at the beginning of Chapter 8: “The earliest manuscripts do not have John 7:53-8:11.” Most modern scholars do not consider this story to have been here originally. However, it is considered an authentic apostolic story, and is consistent with what we know about Jesus. What motivated the Pharisees’ actions? How do you think this woman felt? What is Jesus’ response to her? How can Jesus uphold the law and pardon the woman?

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Sermon Notes