Bethesda Chapel, 2000
SG Bible Study #12

NICODEMUS – JOHN 3:1-15; 7:45-52; 19:38-42

Warm-up question. (Everyone should answer.)

We have probably all known people who seemed to be strong or courageous or committed, but then turned out to be weak when circumstances got difficult. Have you ever known someone who was the opposite, getting progressively stronger or braver as the situation got worse?

Read John 3:1-15 and answer the following questions based on that text.

  1. Describe Nicodemus’s background.

  2. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. Do you think there is any significance in this? If so, what?

  3. Describe Nicodemus’s attitude toward Jesus and his teaching.

  4. Overall, what is your impression of Nicodemus?

Read John 7:45-52 and answer the following questions based on that text.

  1. What is the attitude of the Jewish rulers and the Pharisees toward Jesus?

  2. The Pharisees complain that the common people are ignorant of the law. Then Nicodemus asks them whether their law condemns a person without first hearing him. Do you think Nicodemus is subtly criticising the Pharisees at the very point of their greatest pride? Explain.

  3. What is your impression of Nicodemus in this episode?

Read John 19:38-42 and answer the following questions based on that text.

  1. How would you describe Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus’s attitude toward Jesus as reflected in this episode?

  2. Do you think Joseph and Nicodemus ran any risk by doing what they did? Explain.

  3. Do you think Nicodemus, like Joseph, was a secret disciple of Jesus? Do you think he was still a secret disciple after this incident?

Application question. (Everyone should answer.)

Describe a situation in your life at the present time that will demand a high degree of courage or costly commitment if you are going to be faithful to Jesus. Share a prayer request relating to that situation.