Discussion Guide: The Cross – When Curiosity Meets Truth

Published January 16, 2025

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Discussion Guide: The Cross – When Curiosity Meets Truth

PRAYER

Let’s start by praying and asking the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion, open hearts, and bring clarity about the truths revealed in John 3. 

Does anyone have prayer requests, or would anyone like to share a moment where you’ve recently felt God moving in your life?

THE CROSS

When Curiosity Meets Truth

THIS WEEK

As we start a new year, we start a new series, The Cross and What It Means For Humanity, with over 700 of our Every Nation family churches spanning the globe. 

For the next six weeks, we’ll uncover why the cross is the foundation of everything we do as followers of Jesus as we look deeply at six powerful stories of lives changed by the cross.

In this week’s message, we’ll examine John 3:1-15 about the nighttime encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, and curiosity leads Nicodemus to seek answers about eternal life and the kingdom of God.

To start our time together, let’s begin with the following questions:

Share a time you were deeply curious about something or someone. What drove your curiosity?


Have you ever hesitated to explore something because of fear or potential judgment? What held you back?

SCRIPTURE


Have someone read John 3:1-15 aloud.  As this person reads, listen for words or phrases that stand out to you.

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 

2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 

4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 

5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 

8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, 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 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 

12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 

13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

14 And 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.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Curiosity Draws Us To Jesus

Why do you think Nicodemus approached Jesus at night?

How does Nicodemus’ curiosity reflect the questions or longings you have about Jesus today?

What are some modern barriers (e.g., fear, peer pressure, misconceptions) that have prevented or prevent you from openly exploring faith in Jesus?

What questions or curiosities do you have about Jesus or the cross?

Jesus Challenges Our Preconceptions

In verse 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 

How does this statement, specifically “born again”, challenge Nicodemus’ (and humanity’s) reliance on status, effort, or lineage for salvation? How does it challenge you?

Have you ever held assumptions about Jesus or faith that were challenged as you grew in understanding? Share an example.

How does your life reflect the truth of being “born of water and the Spirit”?

The Cross as the Answer

Jesus uses the imagery of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness (v. 14). How does this point to the cross?

Why do you think Jesus emphasizes belief in Him as the way to eternal life (v. 15)?

How does the truth of the cross change how we see ourselves, others, and God?

How has the cross changed you?

CLOSING THOUGHT

In closing, the cross reveals both the gravity of sin and the magnitude of God’s provision to address it. Let us remember that new birth isn’t achieved through our status or efforts but through trusting in God’s provision for our salvation.

This week, spend time reflecting on John 3:1-15. Write down any questions or insights you have and bring them to next week’s gathering. If you’re a follower of Jesus, consider identifying one person in your life who may be curious about Him and invite them to a conversation or next week’s discussion. If you’re not yet following Jesus, and feel comfortable, ask someone in the group who follows Him to share their story of how they came to faith.

Let’s close in prayer: asking God for divine revelation to deepen everyone’s understanding of the cross, for curiosity to lead to transformation, and for courage to break through any barriers that may keep us from fully embracing Jesus.

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