Read: John 3:19-21, 1 John 1:5-9, Colossians 1:21
Explain the difference between repentance and legalism. Why is this distinction important to understand?
In what way is repentance an ongoing requirement for every Christian? How does it also confirm saving faith?
How often do you repent and ask God for forgiveness? Why? How is God prompting you to come to Him?
Read: John 3:19-21, Acts 2:37-38, James 2:17-19
Explain the dynamic that must take place between faith and repentance in order to go to heaven.
Why is this important? What can happen if this isn’t properly understood? How does James 2:19 relate?
In what way does repentance also prove saving faith? What has been your experience with this truth?
Read: John 3:19-21, 1:9-13, 8:12, Genesis 3:1-8
Explain the metaphor Jesus used regarding light and darkness and going to heaven. Why will this be a challenge?
How did Jesus address the root desire? In what way does this go back to Adam and Eve? (i.e., shame)
How do you see this taking place in culture today? Give an example. Why will heaven ultimately require a choice?
Read: John 3:18, Ephesians 2:1-4, Romans 7:15-20, 8:1-11
What did Jesus mean by telling Nicodemus that people are already “condemned”? How did this relate to Nicodemus?
What does this also imply when people say they were raised in a Christian home and were essentially born a Christian?
Why is this important when talking about going to heaven? What does this imply about winners and losers?
Read: John 3:16-17, 14:6, Mark 10:45, Acts 4:11-12, Romans 5:12-19, 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9
In what way did Jesus come on a rescue mission? What was the motivation behind His mission?
What does this imply about the requirement for going to heaven? How does this clarify man’s inability?
How does this also help explain a “Jesus only” approach for going to heaven? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 3:13-15, Proverbs 30:4, Numbers 21:1-9, John 8:28-30
How would Nicodemus have processed Jesus’ statement about descending to earth and ascending into heaven?
What did Jesus mean by being “lifted up”? How does this relate to Moses? Be specific.
In what way would this have challenged Nicodemus’ perspective on heaven? What does this teach you?
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, Romans 10:9-10
When you consider today’s devotion in light of Easter, what encourages you the most? Be specific.
In what way is death and dying the foundation for Christian faith? How can this get lost in an Easter tradition?
Do you have the promise of heaven? If so, how are you with dying? If not, what can you do to change that?
Read: 1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrews 9:27-28
How does it make you feel to think of facing God’s judgment when you die? Be specific.
In what way do you think non-Christians today would respond to this same question?
How did Jesus and Easter solve the problem? How does this change your perspective on dying?
Read: Matthew 28:1-7, 12:38-40, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26
What was Jesus communicating about Jonah in His discussion with the pharisees? Why?
How would this have been a challenge from their perspective and mindset? (i.e., Jesus’ resurrection)
In what way should this be a precursor for Christians? (i.e., firstfruits) How does it encourage you?
Read: John 11:38-44, 25-26, 3:16, 14:6, Luke 2:11, 1 Corinthians 15:19
In what way did Jesus make it clear He was on a rescue mission to save the world? Why is this important?
How did Jesus use the resurrection of Lazarus to prove His point? How did He highlight this to Martha?
What happens to Christianity if this truth doesn’t remain central to faith? How does this correct you?
Read: John 11:23-25, Ecclesiastes 7:2
Why does scripture say it’s better to go to a “house of mourning” rather than a “house of feasting”?
In what way do you think today’s culture resists this type of thinking? Give an example.
Why is it important to ponder the afterlife? How comfortable are you with this topic? What does this reveal?
Read: John 11:17-27, Luke 7:11-17, Mark 5:35-43
Describe the circumstances surrounding the three resurrections in today’s reading. What was the response?
In what way do you think Jesus was trying to change people’s opinion about the afterlife?
How does this expand your view about the message of Easter? How have people missed this today?
Read: Luke 19:39-40, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Proverbs 28:26, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
In what way does scripture highlight you should not trust yourself? Why is this important for spiritual growth?
How much do you rely on your own wisdom to make daily decisions? How does this put you at risk?
How does obedience provide protection? What are some practical steps you can take today to reduce your risk?
Read: Luke 19:39-40, Mark 11:1-19
Why were the Pharisees uncomfortable with the excitement of the Palm Sunday celebration? (i.e., their agenda)
In what way did they try to shut it down? Why was this ironic given their opinion of Jesus?
What does this imply about knowing yourself for spiritual protection? How does this apply to you?
Read: Luke 19:37-38, Mark 15:12, 14:26-31, 43-50, 66-71
What similarities do you see between the emotions of the Palm Sunday crowd to the emotions of Peter?
Why did Peter’s confidence fall apart when challenged by a servant girl in Mark 11:66-67? Be specific.
What does this highlight about the power of emotions and self-preservation? How does this challenge you?
Read: Luke 19:37-38, Galatians 5:16-26
Compare and contrast the fruit of the flesh with the fruit of the spirit. How much of flesh is emotion based?
What does this imply about spiritual protection? Why is this important to understand with other Christians?
How is the Palm Sunday crowd an emotional warning to you? What steps of protection do you need to take?
Read: Luke 19:36-38, Mark 11:1-10, Zechariah 9:9, Mark 15:12
Describe the emotion of the crowd when Jesus came riding in on a colt. Why was this a big deal?
Why did the emotion of the crowd change on Friday? (i.e., crucify him) Be specific.
In what way is this a warning to all Christians today? How can you protect yourself against this trap?
Read: Luke 19:29-35, Matthew 28:20a, John 15:5-11
Based on what you know, describe what changed in Jerusalem during Passover. (Population, emotions, etc.)
Why did Jesus ask His disciples to fetch a colt? How might this have been confusing/concerning to the disciples?
What was their response? In what way could they have caused problems? What does this teach about obedience?
Read: John 3:1-12, Galatians 5:16-26, 2 Corinthians 13:5
Given Jesus made it very clear to a religious leader (Nicodemus) what is required to go to heaven, how does this help you?
Why is it important to double-check your Christianity? What can happen if you don’t? What can happen if you do?
Using Galatians 5:16-26 to help you double-check your faith, how do you check out today? Be specific.
Read: John 3:1-8, Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians, 5:17-18, Titus 3:4-6
Explain what takes place when someone is “born again” by the Spirit of God. Why will it always be a life-changer?
In what way does this prove someone is truly a Christian? What does this also highlight about doubting your Christianity?
How does this truth encourage or challenge you? Be specific. What steps is God prompting you to take?
Read: John 3:1-8, Ephesians 2:1-5
Given the religious background of Nicodemus, why was it necessary for him to be spiritually born again?
What does this highlight about Nicodemus’ approach to following God? How does the truth of Eph. 2:1-5 apply?
How do you see the same approach happening today? (i.e., being good, legalism, etc.) How does this help you?
Read: John 3:1-5, 9-12, Exodus 19:3-6, Romans 9:4-5
What does it mean that Nicodemus was a “Pharisee” and also a “ruler of the Jews”? (i.e., His religious background)
Why is this important when it comes to understanding Nicodemus’ Old Testament perspective? (i.e., born a Jew)
Why would humility need to be part of Nicodemus ever becoming a believer? How does this relate to non-believers today?
Read: John 2:23-25, Matthew 13:1-8, 18-23
Why did Jesus not believe those who considered themselves to be believers? (i.e., talk vs heart)
In what way does the Parable of the Sower illustrate the same truth? How have you seen this take place?
Take some time to reflect on your own faith asking God for clarity. Journal what He reveals to you.
Read: John 2:23-25, Matthew 21:13-14, 15:1-9, 7:21-23, Jeremiah 17:9-10
What “signs” did Jesus provide while cleansing the temple? How did the crowd respond? How did Jesus respond?
Why? In what way can this same thing happen today? Give an example. Why is this important to recognize?
What does this highlight about truly knowing yourself and saving faith? How does this warning help you?
Read: John 2:12-22, Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48
Compare and contrast the four different accounts of Jesus cleansing the temple. What is similar and different?
What does this highlight about each author’s purpose for describing this event? What was John’s purpose?
How does this also help explain why John places this event early in his Gospel? Be specific.
