Nicodemus' Encounter with Jesus Christ
16 Grade 9 Religious Education (CRE) questions on Nicodemus' Encounter with Jesus Christ, with worked marking schemes. 16 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
1 markLater in John's Gospel, Nicodemus again showed his changed attitude towards Jesus by:
A. Betraying Jesus to the soldiers
B. Leading the crowd to crucify Jesus
C. Helping to prepare Jesus' body for burial
D. Denying that he ever knew Jesus
(1 mark)
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1 markA learner read about a Pharisee who visited Jesus secretly at night to ask spiritual questions. According to John 3:1-2, who was this man?
A. Joseph of Arimathea
B. Zacchaeus the tax collector
C. Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council
D. Simon the Pharisee
(1 mark)
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1 markNicodemus, who came to Jesus by night, belonged to which Jewish religious group?
A. The Pharisees
B. The Zealots
C. The Samaritans
D. The Sadducees
(1 mark)
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6 marksExplain three qualities of Nicodemus that Christians should emulate.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Any 3 (2 mks each): Humility/willingness to learn - though a leader he sought teaching from Jesus; open-mindedness/curiosity - he asked questions to understand; courage - he later defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin and helped bury Him; sincerity in seeking the truth; respect - he addressed Jesus as 'Rabbi'/teacher.
Question 5
1 markThe most famous verse from Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus states that 'God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.' This verse emphasises God's:
A. Promise of material wealth to believers
B. Anger against sinful nations
C. Command to observe the Sabbath
D. Love and the gift of eternal life through faith
(1 mark)
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1 markDuring their conversation, Jesus told Nicodemus that unless a person is born again, he cannot:
A. Enter the city of Jerusalem
B. Read the law of Moses
C. Become a member of the Sanhedrin
D. See the kingdom of God
(1 mark)
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1 markNicodemus came to Jesus at night. One likely reason he chose the night was that he:
A. Feared being seen by his fellow Jewish leaders
B. Was too busy with temple duties during the day
C. Could only travel safely after dark
D. Wanted the crowds to witness the meeting
(1 mark)
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1 markNicodemus misunderstood Jesus and asked how a man can be born when he is old. Jesus explained that to be born again means being born of:
A. Blood and flesh
B. Fire and wind
C. Water and the Spirit
D. Bread and wine
(1 mark)
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1 markA new believer says that since accepting Christ, he has changed his old sinful ways and now lives a fresh life led by the Holy Spirit. This experience best illustrates the teaching of Jesus to Nicodemus about:
A. Being born again
B. Keeping the food laws
C. Paying the temple tax
D. Observing the Passover
(1 mark)
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6 marksA church youth group discussed the night meeting between Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, and Jesus Christ.
(a) Explain the teaching of Jesus to Nicodemus on being 'born again'. (4 marks)
(b) State two reasons why a person needs to be born again according to this account. (2 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Jesus' teaching on being born again (John 3:1-21, 4 marks): - Jesus told Nicodemus that unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). - Nicodemus misunderstood, asking how a man could be born when he is old, surely he cannot enter his mother's womb a second time (John 3:4). - Jesus explained that one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). - Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit (John 3:6); being born again is a spiritual rebirth, not physical. - The work of the Spirit is compared to the wind, which blows wherever it pleases; you hear its sound but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes (John 3:8). (b) Reasons one needs to be born again (any two, 2 marks): - To see/enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3,5). - To receive eternal life through faith in Jesus (John 3:15-16). - To be transformed spiritually / become a new creation and live a new life in the Spirit.
Question 11
6 marksOutline six teachings of Jesus during His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21).
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Any 6 (1 mk each): No one can see/enter the kingdom of God unless born again; one must be born of water and the Spirit; that which is born of the flesh is flesh and that born of the Spirit is spirit; the Spirit is like the wind, unseen but real; the Son of Man must be lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness; God so loved the world that He gave His only Son; whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life; God sent His Son to save, not to condemn, the world; those who do evil love darkness while those who do truth come to the light.
Question 12
4 marksUsing the teaching of Jesus to Nicodemus, explain what it means for a Christian today to be 'born again'.
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
Any 4 (1 mk each): Turning away from sin/repentance; accepting Jesus Christ as personal Saviour; receiving/being led by the Holy Spirit; undergoing baptism (born of water and Spirit); living a transformed/new life; receiving the gift of eternal life through faith.
Question 13
1 markA Christian read John chapter 3 about a Pharisee who visited Jesus at night. What central teaching did Jesus give Nicodemus about entering the Kingdom of God?
A. One must be circumcised as an adult
B. One must be born again of water and the Spirit
C. One must give all possessions to the poor
D. One must keep all the laws of Moses perfectly
(1 mark)
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1 markNicodemus began his conversation by calling Jesus 'Rabbi' and acknowledging that no one could do the signs Jesus did unless God was with him. This shows that Nicodemus:
A. Recognised Jesus as a teacher sent by God
B. Wanted to have Jesus arrested that night
C. Came to challenge Jesus to a debate
D. Was a disciple who had followed Jesus for years
(1 mark)
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1 markJesus told Nicodemus, 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.' This statement was a reference to Jesus':
A. Crucifixion and its saving purpose
B. Baptism in the River Jordan
C. Transfiguration on the mountain
D. Ascension into heaven
(1 mark)
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1 markDuring a Bible study, a learner asked what Jesus told Nicodemus was necessary to see the kingdom of God. According to John 3:3-5, what did Jesus say?
A. One must be born again of water and the Spirit
B. One must keep the law perfectly
C. One must be circumcised
D. One must give all his wealth to the poor
(1 mark)
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