“Fans often confuse their admiration for devotion. They mistake their knowledge of
Jesus for intimacy with Jesus.”

“The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually
interested in following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.”

1. Read John 3:1-21. Describe what some of the cost would be if Nicodemus chose
 Jesus over his religious status?
· What was the measurement that Christ used to reveal whether Nicodemus was
following?
· Can one really make a decision without commitment attached? Explain.
2. Read John 7: 40-53. What does this public conversation reveal about Nicodemus?
 How will we be treated by the religious community if we truly follow Christ? Why?
3. Read John 19:38-42. Describe the physical and emotional cost associated with
 Nicodemus’ public declaration as a follower of Christ. Do you imagine any regret?

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”

1. His first visit at night – John 3:1-21
Why do you think Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night? The text does not tell us explicitly but it is impliedii
.
Describe Nicodemus’ concern; what does he want to know about Jesus during this first visit?
Jesus seems to bypass the concern as Nicodemus stated it and goes right to the real issue; how would you
summarize Jesus’ answer in verse 3 and the interaction that follows in verses 4-10?iii
What does the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus tell us can be true even of important spiritual
leaders?
How does John 3:16-18 “shed light” on this discussion for us? Try to see John 3:16 in its context and not as a
standalone verse.
Using verses 3:19-21 how would you define what it means to “believe in himiv…” from verse 16?
Who knows that you are a Christ follower?
2. His defense of Jesus – John 7:45-52
The background context for these verses are that in John 7 Jesus’ identity is being challenged, some are
saying he is a good man (v. 12), while others are wanting him dead (v. 19). They try to seize him but are not
successful (v. 30). Finally, the leaders of the Jews (chief priests and Pharisees) sent temple guards to arrest
Jesus. They return in verse 45 without arresting him and are asked, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” The
answer of the temple guard is interesting in verse 46 – “No one ever spoke the way this man does!”
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This is when the Pharisees weigh in and set the stage for Nicodemus to step up and defend Jesus. What do
they say in verse 47?
In verse 48, if Nicodemus already believes in Jesus what can we conclude about him at this point?
How does his statement in verse 51 begin to show us whether he is becoming a follower or not?
In the book NAF Kyle writes this about Nicodemus, “Though he stops short of saying what he believes, he
does risk his career and reputation and publicly speaks up on behalf of Jesus. This is no longer a private
conversation about what he believes. He allows what he believes to interfere with his work, his relationships,
and his financial future. In that moment he stops being just a fan, and begins the journey of following.”(pages
36-37)
How has what you say you believe affected your career or reputation? Does your relationship with Jesus
interfere with your work, your relationships or your finances?
3. His care for Jesus’ body after the crucifixion – John 19:38-42
How does Nicodemus show that he is a follower of Jesus in his death?
What does it cost Nicodemus?
What time of day is this taking place? Where is it taking place?
Why don’t you think John the gospel writer ever says something like, “Nicodemus, the man who earlier had
visited Jesus at night, now a born-again believer…” or something like that?v
From the Journal…
About the journal - in this study the journal is a tool for your own personal use. It is included to seek to bring
the whole study home to a very practical place. As a small group member you are invited to share from it
what you feel led to share and keep private what you choose not to share. (see endnote i for more
information about the journal).
Note to leaders: Use the journal as a tool to personalize what you have just studied from the Bible passages.
What follows is to help you do this. You are free to adapt it or use the sections that best suit how God is
leading you as a group. If your small group does not want to discuss their journal entries, that is fine; you are
still encouraged to make it very practical and identify specific applications.
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WEEK ONE: fan or follower? (Pages 8-30) You can rewrite your answers here or simply mark your answers in
the journal and then share the details you want to share.
From page 9 how did you define your relationship with Jesus? What needs to change?
From page 13 what have you learned about yourself and your willingness to let Jesus interfere in your daily
life?
From page 17 who or what do you find competing with your love for Jesus?