Nicodemus Asks How

John 3:1-21

The Big Idea

It is good to ask sincere questions while learning about God. We can listen carefully and keep seeking understanding.

The Bible Story

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

John 3:9-13 records Nicodemus asking Jesus how the things Jesus has taught can happen. Jesus responds by challenging his understanding and explaining that he is speaking about earthly and heavenly things. Jesus also refers to the Son of Man and says that the Son of Man is in heaven. This is teaching language within their conversation, not a description of an ascent to heaven. Nicodemus is presented as a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus at night. The surrounding passage includes Jesus’ teaching about being born again, the Spirit, belief, salvation, judgment, light, and darkness. These ideas should be explained carefully and simply, without turning the symbolic teaching into a literal scene or adding details that John does not provide.

Themes

Being born again Faith in the Son of Man God’s love for the world Light and darkness Salvation and judgment The work of the Spirit Truth and evil

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Nicodemus asks an honest question while Jesus explains earthly and heavenly things. Show attentive listening and thoughtful expressions in a respectful two-person teaching scene.

Talk together

Talk about it

What question did Nicodemus ask Jesus?
How can we listen thoughtfully when we do not understand?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with John 3:9-13 in family worship, Sunday school, church classrooms, or homeschool lessons. Invite children to notice the respectful conversation and discuss how questions can help us learn. For older children, connect the scene with the passage’s teaching about the Spirit and heavenly things.

Source note

From this passage

John 3:9-13 · Nicodemus

Nicodemus asks an honest question while Jesus explains earthly and heavenly things. Show attentive listening and thoughtful expressions in a respectful two-person teaching scene.