Nicodemus

Day 1- 01 THE STORY

The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ time did not like Jesus. They didn’t believe Jesus was God. If you read the full story of Jesus, you will see that these leaders were always trying to stop Jesus or trick Him. One of them was named Nicodemus. He was a Jewish ruler who, instead of trying to stop Jesus, wanted to know more about Him. Nicodemus risked losing everything he had to go see Jesus. He was so afraid people would see him that he went to see Jesus in the middle of the night.
Read John 3:1-3
What did Jesus tell Nicodemus about getting to be a part of God’s Kingdom?
Nicodemus didn’t understand what God was trying to teach him about being born again. Jesus helped him understand.
Read John 3:16
What did God do for us? How do you get eternal life?

Day 2- 02 THE WITNESS

In the verses you read yesterday, we don’t know if Nicodemus decided to believe in Jesus. It wasn’t going to be easy for Nicodemus to believe in Jesus. Believing in Jesus meant he would be hated by his friends and family. They would bully him if he believed in Jesus. You want to know something awesome? The Bible does show you that Nicodemus eventually followed Jesus. Later on in the Bible it tells about when Jesus died.
Look which followers of Christ asked to bury Jesus?
John 19:38-42
Who buried Jesus in the tomb? Did they risk their lives to do it?
Get excited if you believe you will one day see Nicodemus in heaven!

Day 3- 03 THE SOURCE

Sometimes following Jesus isn’t easy, but Nicodemus gives us a great example of someone who decided to follow Jesus no matter what people thought of him. He wasn’t afraid to ask Jesus questions and find out what He is all about. You might not be popular because you follow Jesus. There might be a few people who do not like you. Jesus explains why this happens.
Read John 15:18
Why do people, who hate you for following Jesus, really hate you?

Day 4- 04 THE MOTIVE

Don’t be discouraged when people don’t like you because you believe in Jesus.
Be kind to them and know that God is in control. Good things can come from anything, even bad situations!
Read Romans 8:28
What does God do for you? Does God work some things or all things for good?
Do you believe that God can turn anything into good?

Day 5- 05 CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Are you afraid of being a follower of Jesus because of what people will think of you?
Ask someone, who’s been a Christian for a long time, if they were ever scared of following Christ. Ask them if following Christ is worth it.

Write down on your character sheet what you learned from the story of Nicodemus.