Nicodemus (John 3)

What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus that he must be “born again”? Join us as we explore Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Discover why the concept was so difficult for Nicodemus to grasp and why we also sometimes struggle with the truth that is so central to the Christian faith.

Receive

Jesus often said things that unsettled the very people who thought they understood God best. When He told Nicodemus he must be “born again,” it didn’t fit his framework—and he struggled to receive it.
Where might the same be true for you?
Is there anything—assumptions, expectations, past experiences—that could be shaping how you hear Jesus’ words today? Ask God to gently reveal and release anything that’s getting in the way.
Nicodemus didn’t understand everything at first, but he kept moving toward Jesus—stepping out of the shadows, speaking up, and showing up when it mattered most.
What might your next step toward Jesus look like?

Reflect
* Read John 3. As you reflect on the chapter, what stands out to you?
* Why do you think Nicodemus struggled to understand the meaning of being “born again” that Jesus mentioned in John 3:1–4 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A1-4&version=NIV )?
* According to John 3:5–15 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A5-15&version=NIV ), why must Jesus’ followers be “born again”?
* Based on John 7:50–51 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%207%3A50-51&version=NIV ) and John 19:38–42 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2019%3A38-42&version=NIV ), do you think Nicodemus eventually understood what it meant to be “born again” and became a follower of Jesus?
* How does John 3:16–17 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A16-17&version=NIV ) encourage you as you read about God’s immense love for you?

Respond

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)

“Dear God, thank You that by Your Holy Spirit I can be born into Your kingdom. Thank You for renewing and cleansing me. Help me overcome any baggage that may be hindering me from completely receiving Your gift of eternal life through Your Son Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. Help me as I seek to live for You.”

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources

Mentioned in this episode:
* I Am the Way ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-i-am-the-way )
* The Chosen Season 1, Episode 2 ( https://watch.thechosen.tv/video/184683594335 )
* The Chosen Season 1, Episode 7 ( https://watch.thechosen.tv/video/184683594340 )

Listen:
* The Pharisees Week 1 ( https://discovertheword.org/series/the-pharisees-week-1/ )
* For God So Loved ( https://discovertheword.org/series/for-god-so-loved/ )

Read:
* Love: What does Jesus see when he looks at me? ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-love-what-does-jesus-see )
* The Gospel Here and Now ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-the-gospel-here-and-now )
* Jesus and Nicodemus ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-jesus-and-nicodemus )

Watch:
* God Loves You! ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-god-loves-you-devo )
* God’s Daily Love ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-gods-daily-love )

Discover the Word Podcast
Episode 265
May 24, 2026

★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1c5f690

★ Additional episodes: https://discovertheword.org/