Nicodemus (John 3)

Nicodemus (John 3)

Author: Our Daily Bread Ministries May 24, 2026 Duration: 1:05:53
Discover the Word Podcast
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityChristianityCultureSocietySociety & CultureSpirituality

What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus that he must be “born again”? Join us as we explore Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Discover why the concept was so difficult for Nicodemus to grasp and why we also sometimes struggle with the truth that is so central to the Christian faith.


Receive 

Jesus often said things that unsettled the very people who thought they understood God best. When He told Nicodemus he must be “born again,” it didn’t fit his framework—and he struggled to receive it. 


Where might the same be true for you? 


Is there anything—assumptions, expectations, past experiences—that could be shaping how you hear Jesus’ words today? Ask God to gently reveal and release anything that’s getting in the way. 


Nicodemus didn’t understand everything at first, but he kept moving toward Jesus—stepping out of the shadows, speaking up, and showing up when it mattered most. 


What might your next step toward Jesus look like? 


Reflect  

  • Read John 3. As you reflect on the chapter, what stands out to you?   
  • Why do you think Nicodemus struggled to understand the meaning of being “born again” that Jesus mentioned in John 3:1–4? 
  • According to John 3:5–15, why must Jesus’ followers be “born again”? 
  • Based on  John 7:50–51 and John 19:38–42, do you think Nicodemus eventually understood what it meant to be “born again” and became a follower of Jesus? 
  • How does John 3:16–17 encourage you as you read about God’s immense love for you? 


Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that by Your Holy Spirit I can be born into Your kingdom. Thank You for renewing and cleansing me. Help me overcome any baggage that may be hindering me from completely receiving Your gift of eternal life through Your Son Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. Help me as I seek to live for You.”      


Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Listen: 

Read: 

Watch: 


Each week on Discover the Word Podcast, a small group from Our Daily Bread Ministries gathers around the microphone for a conversation that feels more like a thoughtful coffee shop discussion than a formal lecture. The focus is on opening up the Bible together, taking a single passage or theme and turning it over to see all its facets. You’ll hear the hosts-and occasionally a guest-ask honest questions, share personal reflections, and connect ancient texts to the complexities of modern life in culture and society. This isn't about quick answers, but about cultivating a deeper, more practical spirituality through patient exploration. The rhythm of this weekly podcast provides a consistent space to pause and consider how these timeless words speak into our relationships, challenges, and everyday moments. It’s an invitation to move beyond a surface reading and to truly discover the layers of meaning, wisdom, and guidance waiting within Scripture. Join this accessible, conversational Bible study to find fresh perspective and meaningful application for your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
instagramyoutubesoundcloudspotifyapple_music
Discover the Word Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Paul, the Runner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:06
The apostle Paul often used the theme of running in his letters. Discover what he might have been trying to tell us through his running metaphor. Receive The apostle Paul often used the metaphor of running a race to remi…
In God's Presence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:09
In a sense, you could say that the entire Bible is about God’s desire to dwell with his people. Immanuel—God with us. Experiencing God’s presence is what we were created for. And we are promised in Scripture that if we s…
What's with All the Trees? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:26
The word “trees” shows up more than 200 times in the Bible. Discover why it may not just be “the heavens that declare the glory of God” but also trees.Receive The Bible mentions trees more than 200 times throughout the O…
Tables in the Story of God - Week 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:02
The Bible is filled with feasts and tables set for God’s people. Discover the significance of these meals and gatherings and why they still matter today.Receive God delights in setting a table for His people. From the la…
Tables in the Story of God - Week 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:43
Whether it’s in the Garden of Eden, Egypt, the wilderness, or a mountainside near the Sea of Galilee, God knows how to provide for His people. Let’s learn about the tables and meals in Scripture.Receive How lovely that t…
The Apocrypha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:02
Discover the Jewish writings between the Testaments, known as the Apocrypha, and why they still matter for Christians today. Receive The books in the Apocrypha may be a mystery to us, but when we consider that they playe…
More Than Conquerors - Week 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:42
What are you conquering—or being conquered by? Explore how God’s surprising plan for His people to both conquer and be conquered is revealed throughout the Bible! Receive The word “conqueror” may make you feel uncomforta…
More Than Conquerors - Week 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:09
Conquerors can be scary—but God’s power is different. Discover from Genesis to Revelation how He makes us more than conquerors!Receive The word “conqueror” can stir up many mixed feelings and rightfully so. But the idea…
Of First Importance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:24
Overwhelmed by life’s headlines? 1 Corinthians 15 points to the news that truly matters: Jesus is risen! Receive Even though we live in an information-saturated world, we don’t have to be overwhelmed and distracted by al…
Cross Stations - Week 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:45
Come along with us as we continue tracing Jesus’ final steps in Scripture toward the crucifixion. Remember what He did for you by exploring where He stopped to speak with women and criminals, where He cared for His mothe…

12345...10»