John 3:1-17

Between now and Easter (April 9), we’re in a series called Step into the Story.  “The Story” into which we are invited to step is, of course, the story of Jesus. It is a very, very big story, much larger than we know! 

This week we step specifically into a story about a late-night meeting between two rabbis.  One, Nicodemus, is older and a member of the Jewish religious establishment.  The other, Jesus, is something of a young Turk, who just caused no small upset within the Temple in Jerusalem.  

How to “step into” this story?

With fresh eyes and ears: one of the main problems we Bible readers often have is thinking we already know the story.  This week’s story is the one in which Jesus tells Nicodemus, “You must be born again.”  That “born again” phrase is one we have likely heard before, especially in church settings.  So we can think, “heard it, got it, know it, let’s move on.”  

Here’s one problem with that sense of overfamiliarity: in this chapter, Jesus does not simply say, “You must be born again.”  What does he actually say?  (Check John 3:3, 5 and 7.)  As you step into this story this week, always start by reminding yourself, “There is probably more going on here than I’ve seen so far!”  For example:

• What prompts Nicodemus to visit Jesus? (HINT: read the second half of John 2)
• What gets the conversation started?
• What gets Jesus going with this “born again” stuff?
• Is that all Jesus has to say?

Be willing to be surprised: are there elements in the story you had forgotten or never noticed?  Any points at which you’re wondering, “Why is that in here?”

Find yourself in the story: Anyone in the story remind you of you in some way?  Ever wish you could have a one-on-one with Jesus?   Any reasons you might have for having such a conversation “during the night”?

Remembering that as you read the Bible, the Bible is reading you:  If you got to have that one-on-one with Jesus, what would you ask?  What might Jesus ask you?

If you got to have that one-on-one with Jesus, what would you ask?  What might Jesus ask you?