START HERE
(Table leaders: choose 1–2)
- What stood out to you from tonight?
- What was your gut reaction when you heard Nicodemus's question about re-entering his mother's womb?
- Where have you seen someone try really hard to earn something that turned out to be a gift instead?
- What's something from this passage you'd want to know more about?
GO DEEPER
(Table leaders: choose 1–2 if time allows)
- Why do you think Jesus went straight past Nicodemus's compliment instead of engaging it?
- What do you make of Jesus comparing the Spirit to wind — something you can't control but can see the effects of?
- "Born again" is a phrase a lot of people have a strong reaction to, positive or negative. What comes to mind for you when you hear it — and where do you think that reaction comes from?
- What's the difference between trying to become a better version of yourself and actually being made new?
- Has there ever been a time you tried to fix something in your life through sheer effort, and it just didn't work?
- What about this passage is easy for you to believe... and what's harder?
- Jesus tells Nicodemus, "God didn't send the Son to condemn the world, but to save it." Does that match how you've pictured God — or does it surprise you?
NEXT STEP
(Table leaders: choose 1 before you end)
- What's one thing you've been trying to fix yourself that you could actually hand over this week?
- Is there something you've assumed disqualifies you that you're willing to name — even just to yourself?
- Is there anything from tonight you want to keep thinking about this week?
Optional: "Before you leave, is there anything your table can pray with you about?"l: "Before you leave, is there anything your table can pray with you about — even something that feels small?"
