Grow Guide | February 15, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, February 15, 2026
Series Theme: Together In Christ
Reading: John 3:1-17
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
Who is someone that you love? How has that love changed over time?
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy God, you meet us in our questions and invite us into new life by your Spirit. As you welcomed Nicodemus in the quiet of night, open our hearts today to be born anew in your grace. Let your transforming love guide us, renew us, and send us into the world as people shaped by your light. Amen.
CONTEXT
To grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ, that is the mission of Easter Lutheran Church. Since its beginning in April 1974 Easter has strived to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our congregation, community, and with our partners in the world. Today we begin another transitional stage, Together In Christ, as we come together as one unified congregation, fulfilling long-held vision. How will our shared faith in Jesus and his transformative power bring us together? How will you participate in our transformation? Here are some ideas:
I will attend worship weekly, whether onsite or online
I will volunteer at worship at least once a month as a greeter, usher, communion server, or wherever needed
I will spend at least three minutes talking to someone I don’t know every Sunday
I will ensure that I am a gracious, welcoming presence to everyone I meet on Sunday
I will do at least one thing every Sunday that makes worship more hospitable and accessible for someone else
I will make a giving plan to financially support our vibrant worship
I will study on the Grow Guide and/or listen to the Carry On Cast to get ready for worship every week
I will spend at least 15 minutes in prayer each week for everyone who serves at or attends worship at Easter
From Dr Karoline Lewis at EntertheBible.org:
John 3:16 is probably one of the most well-known verses of the Bible, if not the most famous. We often see it on posters at sports events when it is meant to be an ultimatum, that if you do not believe in Jesus your future is destined for hell and damnation. Taken out of context, it has become a statement about God’s judgment when the very next verse states the opposite, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him” (3:17).
For John, judgment (or condemnation as it is also translated) does not mean that God judges the unbeliever, nor should we, but is a moment of decision as to how a person will respond to God’s offer of love in Jesus, “And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil” (3:19). John’s Gospel indeed puts the decision before us all but that does not automatically mean that God brings God’s judgment upon you if you decline the invitation. The reason for the language of judgment is to underscore the mutuality of what God desires in sending Jesus as the embodiment of God’s love. Relationship is defined by reciprocity.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
What do we know about Nicodemus from John 3?
Why does it often seem like “leaders” or “Teachers” struggle to know who Jesus is?
How do you see Nicodemus compared to the “Woman at the Well” in chapter four that we have been studying the last few weeks? How does her faith stand out?
In verses 3 and 5, Jesus begins with a word formula that is like the prophets in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). What is the formula? Why would John want Jesus to be seen as a prophet?
What is Nicodemus’s question in verse 9? Do you find his question comforting or challenging?
Notice how Jesus’s entire discussion buils up to the punchline of John 3:16-17. What was a time you remember hearing these verses?
Why should we include verse 17 with verse 16?
Sing what you know of the hymn “Beautiful Savior.” Google the lyrics for verse four. What is the title given to God in verse four? How does that connect with John 3:16-17?
In what ways can Easter live out verses 16-17—this week?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
Invite someone to read the book “Stranger God” by Richard Beck with you this Lent! We start reading on Ash Wednesday, February 18th!
Sending Prayer
Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.