03/03/2026
Here is Pastor Candice's sermon from Sunday March 1,2026
John 3:1-17
Please pray with me:
Nicodemus. The Pharisee who wonders for more information. The Pharisee who was a ruler of the Jews, knew the law, interpreted the law, but doubted/was curious/was unsure/ completely fathomed by Jesus. Could this Jesus really be the fulfillment of the law?
Enjoy this clip of John Ch 3 from “The Chosen”.
Play Clip
Pass out paper while they are watching:
John Ch 3:1-17 Questions to Ponder/Pray Over
1. Put yourself in Nicodemus’ shoes. What are you thinking versus what are you feeling?
2. Nicodemus refers to Jesus as Rabbi. This means Nicodemus is acknowledging Jesus as a Teacher of the Synagogue, yet Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night. Why? What would you do if you were Nicodemus?
3. Nicodemus’ name in Greek means “victor over the people.” How does this relate to this conversation with Jesus?
4. Nicodemus knows that Jesus is not like the priests and religious leaders in the temple. They do not have the power to heal anyone. In your own faith, would that information be enough for you to believe and follow Jesus?
5. “Very truly I tell you” can also be translated as “verily, verily” meaning beyond a shadow of a doubt. Does Nicodemus doubt Jesus? Why or Why Not? Give examples for your reasoning.
6. Darkness can be a both/and. It can be safety but it can also be terrifying. Which is it for you?
7. Do you believe in the phrase, “Doubt clouds judgement?”
8. Nicodemus asks Jesus, “How can these things be?” Ponder/Pray over this question in your own life. What comes to mind?
9. As a Lutheran, which are you more inclined to be? Intellectual or Mystical? Can one be both?
10) What does it mean to you to be born of the Spirit?
John 3:1-17 NRSV
1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 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 unless God is with that person.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
