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| Ask, “What does Moses have to do with this passage in verse 14. What is Jesus referring to?” Ask students to look up Numbers 21:4-9 and read it aloud. Ask: What is the reference Jesus is making here as he speaks to Nicodemus? How does this relate to our story? (Jesus tells him that just as people in Moses’ day looked to the serpent as it was being lifted up, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so people may have eternal life. Also, stress that it is not the object that saves, but the Person.) Say, “In this story, Jesus makes some profound observations, incorporating words that are opposite in meaning. Let’s make a list of the opposite words that appear in this passage. (Your list will include physical, spiritual, darkness, light, condemned, saved, born, old, flesh, Spirit, earthly, heavenly, perish, eternal life, evil, true.) Ask: What is going on here? Why do you think Jesus used this type of language? Was he trying to confuse Nicodemus even further? Was He trying to make it difficult for Nicodemus to receive eternal life? Why do you think Nicodemus sought Jesus out?” Say: Nicodemus observed the miracles Jesus had performed. He knew that he couldn’t hold a candle to Jesus. Nicodemus recognized the failure of Pharisaism. He saw that there was something more to life. Nicodemus didn’t come to talk about himself or about Pharisaism. He came to find out about Jesus, his message, and his relationship to God. Jesus told him what that was. No amount of “doing” was enough to receive eternal life. Nicodemus had been “doing” most of his life. Jesus explained a new identity.” Ask, “What does Jesus tell Nicodemus is necessary for this new identity to take place? What does Nicodemus have to do? Continued... |
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