Week 1: What Will People Think?

Big Idea:  Jesus did not come to make the old you look better. He came to make you new.

Primary Scripture: John 3:1–21

Supporting Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 7:45–52; John 19:38–42

Message Notes

  • Nicodemus had everything people respect: religion, reputation, education, morality, and influence. But he still came to Jesus at night.

  • Reputation can become a hiding place.

  • Nicodemus came to Jesus looking for insight, but Jesus offered him something deeper: new life.

  • Born again means God gives you a clean heart and a new life from the inside out.

Personal Reflection

Where am I most tempted to hide?

   Reputation

   Religion

   Achievement

   Morality

   Busyness

   Image management

   Fear of what people think

   Other: ______________________

Discussion Questions

  1. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night because he had a reputation to protect. Where do you feel the pull to manage how people see you instead of being honest about what is really going on?

  2. Jesus told a deeply religious man, “You must be born again.” Why do you think religion, morality, achievement, or reputation can make it harder for someone to recognize their need for new life?

  3. The challenge this week is to “come into the light.” What is one honest next step you sense Jesus inviting you to take?