LOC – 019 – Nicodemus Visits With Jesus

Lesson Objectives

Jesus tells us that salvation is being “born again.”

Jesus warns about the “judgment.” Who is, who isn’t and by what criteria are we judged?

Jesus explains some differences between our physical and spiritual beings.

Lesson Commentary

Read John 3:1-21

Jesus has just “cleaned house” in the Temple. His actions and teachings touch a lot of Jews, including a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Already, Jesus is having a serious impact on some people’s lives. It is now after dark on the same day when Nicodemus comes to Jesus to learn more about what Jesus is teaching. Jesus has some very important information regarding our salvation; so let’s listen in as we enjoy “Walking With Jesus.”

Nicodemus Approaches Jesus

Jn 3:1 – Nicodemus is a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews representing the essence of Judaism. He probably is a leader in the Sanhedrin. He represents the best of the nation. It is also likely that, though he comes alone, he is speaking for others beside himself. The Sanhedrin is a council of seventy who are the governing body recognized by the Romans. It is comprised mostly of Sadducees, but there are some Pharisees in it also.

In rabbinic literature the Sanhedrin functions as a court to decide major cases and to interpret disputed points of law. The word “Sanhedrin” is seldom used because it is usually referred to by its Hebrew name, which means court (bet din). The New Testament occasionally uses “Sanhedrin” for local councils of leaders and elders (Matthew 5:22, 10:17; Mark 13:9; Acts 22:5). It is used most for the supreme court of chief priests and elders in Jerusalem that, according to the narratives of the crucifixion, judged Jesus (Matthew 26:59 and parallels). In Acts, the Sanhedrin examined and punished the teaching and activity of Jesus’ early followers (Acts 4-6; 23-24). The word “Sanhedrin” refers to a series of councils and courts spread over several centuries, composed of whoever is powerful and influential at the time and entrusted with variable powers.

Two members of the Sanhedrin who appear in a favorable light in the New Testament are Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38) and the Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 5:34-39; 22:3). The Sanhedrin put Jesus on trial (Luke 22:66). Nicodemus later rebuked the Pharisees for condemning Jesus without hearing Him (John 7:50-51), and he helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus (John 19:39-40).

Jn 3:2 – Seeking a private audience and afraid of the being ostracized by the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus comes to Jesus under cover of darkness. He may have gone to Jesus by night because they were both too busy during the day. He addresses Jesus as “Rabbi” because he has heard some of His teaching and is obviously impressed. He identifies Jesus as a teacher: correct. He acknowledges that Jesus is sent by God, which is again correct. He shows by his comments that he has some recognition as to who Jesus is. He is also open minded and willing to learn. Jesus has only started His ministry. Yet, already, there are those whose minds are open and who are willing to seek after Him because of the things they see happening in Him. There are also those who are fiercely opposed to what they see and hear because it is different than their agenda. It threatens their control or power. Which one are you – trying to control or seeking to be subject to God’s agenda?

A view on the Streets of Jerusalem Photograph courtesy of Glen & Sylvia Copple

Jesus’ First Reply to Nicodemus

Jn 3:3 – Jesus answers the unasked question. By telling him that he must be “born again”, Jesus challenges Nicodemus to ponder a real change. “Again” is also interpreted “from above.” It implies that there is more to life than this life. Being Jewish, a Pharisee, and ruler amounts to nothing when it comes to being forgiven of sin and gaining eternal fellowship with God.

The symbolism of one becoming a Christian is beautifully demonstrated in this terminology. We don’t become mature Christians, but are born into the Family of God and grow to spiritual maturity just like a child grows to adulthood. Being born from above denotes a spiritual birth that is different than our physical birth. Physical birth was done to you. Spiritual birth is something you choose for yourself. You can’t choose it for anyone else, and no one can force it on you. If you are born once, you will die twice. Be born twice and you will only die once.

Nicodemus Questions

Jn 3:4 – Jesus’ reply to his question causes him to inquire for a deeper understanding of this profound comment. Here is a weakness in Nicodemus’ knowledge and theology. He asks questions of Jesus because he doesn’t understand. Is Jesus speaking of a physical rebirth (which is scientifically impossible) or is he speaking of something else? Remember that his Pharisaical philosophy will hinder him being open to the need for change in his life. Pharisees place their religiosity and their holiness on external appearances and actions. Christ places spiritual birth and life on what goes on inside the person.

Jesus’ Discourse

Jesus Talks About Being Born Again

Jn 3:5 – Jesus is speaking of a spiritual birth. There are several views held among denominations regarding the phrase “born of water and the Spirit”: (1) the “water” refers to baptism as an essential part of regeneration. John elaborates on the baptism of John and Jesus in the next section (Cf. verses 22ff.) (2) The “water” refers to the natural birth, and the “Spirit” to the birth from above. (3) The “water” refers to the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26.) (4) The “water” is symbolical of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39.) (5) The “water” refers to the repentance ministry of John the Baptist, and the “Spirit” refers to the application by the Holy Spirit of Christ to an individual. The phrase “water and Spirit” alludes to baptism and the promised indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Most of these views are based on defending theological positions more than they are merely investigating Scripture to see what it says.

Jn 3:6 – Like produces like. Physical birth cannot produce spiritual birth. Only the divine intervention of God can do that. However, the physical man must make an intellectual choice in order for God to grant him a spiritual birth. The physical only produces a resemblance of life. The spiritual birth produces real life that lasts forever. Only the Spirit of God coming into the life of the individual who accepts God’s offer can do this.

Jn 3:7 – Nicodemus is challenged to break away from his old thinking into a new realm. “Color outside the lines.” Jesus challenges him to step outside of current theological thought and explore what He has to say. He is introducing a new concept. He is not expanding or modifying an old one. God has to use physical words to describe spiritual concepts. We are challenged to think in spiritual tones rather than in physical words.

Jn 3:8 – The words, “breath,” “spirit,” and “wind” come from the Greek word “pneumos.” Neither is visible, but their presence can be felt or made known in their effects. We don’t know God’s source or destination, but we can see and feel the effects of His presence.

Nicodemus Asks for Further Explanation

Jn 3:9 – Nicodemus still doesn’t understand what Jesus is telling him. He doesn’t doubt the results. He only questions the method. Like most people today, he is thinking in physical terms about a spiritual thing that Jesus is describing. Jesus is using physical terms to communicate the spiritual concept because we do not understand in any other way. Sometimes we are so physically minded that we are of no spiritual good.

Jesus’ Explains Further

Jn 3:10 – Jesus challenges his great learning. Nicodemus is a teacher and a Pharisee. Both should qualify him as one who is very knowledgeable of the Law and the Prophets. Jesus challenges him at his lack of understanding. As a teacher of the ways of God, he should know and teach more than ceremony and ritual. Part of the purpose of this study of Jesus is to help us learn how He loves us and how we can live more like Him.

Jn 3:11 – Nicodemus is a representative of all of Israel. Jesus speaks on behalf of Himself and all Christianity. Nicodemus did not understand the spiritual implications of what Jesus is saying. Jesus is prophesying of divine matters. Spiritual birth is not something that can occur physically. However, it is expressed in our physical behavior. “Testimony” is also translated “witness.” The Greek word is “martyrian.” This word is used often in John’s Gospel.

Jn 3:12 – If Jesus speaks to him of earthly things and he doesn’t understand, what is he going to think about heaven, and other spiritual things? Even today, most people cannot begin to comprehend heaven and the nature of our spiritual bodies. We still want to confine spiritual things to physical limitations. This is the biggest problem that the people will have with Jesus. They are so physical that the spiritual just goes right over their heads. Unless they are really seeking God, they will not understand what Jesus is saying. If they are seeking God, then all the parables and teachings will make perfect sense to them. How is your spiritual relationship with God?

Jn 3:13 – Jesus states that He came from God. He is the Son of Man. He is the only one who has experienced both heaven and earth. He is the ladder between heaven and earth. He “descended” in His Incarnation and He “ascended” in His Ascension.

Jn 3:14 – Here is a reference from Moses. Sin is like the fiery serpent. Christ is like the brazen serpent on the pole. As Moses lifted the serpent on the pole so that those who looked upon it would not die if bitten by the serpent, so we can look to Jesus to save us from spiritual death (see Numbers 21:4-9.) As Moses lifted the serpent on the pole as a cure for the punishment of disobedience, Jesus will be lifted up on the cross as a cure for the punishment of our sins. The serpent had no power. It is the faith and obedience of the people to God’s commands that saved them. So it is with being born again. Our baptism has no power, but the faith in what it symbolizes and obedience in baptism has great power. We need to only look to Jesus and obey His instructions for salvation. Nicodemus does not seem to be in the picture now. In fact, it is uncertain as to whether Jesus is speaking or whether this is additional commentary inserted by the Apostle John.

Jn 3:15 – Jesus gives us the key to salvation. We must believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Faith with obedience saves. Obedience is not a “work” that earns something, but a thought or action that demonstrates one’s faith in that which they are responding to. God's gift of salvation is like opening a Christmas present because you believe that it is intended for you. Until you open it, it is not completely yours.

Jn 3:16 – Here is the entire message of God to all mankind in one sentence. God’s motivation is love, not for just some people, but for everyone. “One and only” comes from the Greek “monogeneu” which means “one genes” or “only begotten”. God has no other seed, child, etc. but Jesus. This eternal life is not something that man can earn or accomplish without God’s help. It is only a gift that God offers to those who will receive it on His terms. Eternal life is not something we will receive when we die, but is something that everyone who has accepted Jesus already has. As we continue “Getting To Know Jesus,” we will look deeper at sin and it’s seriousness. Over time, we will gain a much more awesome understanding of what it means; “God gave His Only Son...”

Jn 3:17 – Salvation is through Jesus Christ only! All others are lost. That is the reason that He has come, not to judge, but to save. The purpose of the “light” is to “illuminate,” not cast “shadows.”

Jn. 3:18 – We all have a choice. The one who chooses not to believe has a problem! (He has already passed judgment upon himself unless he decides to repent and accept Jesus into his life.) We have all sinned and are judged guilty of sin. The only way out is Jesus.

Jn. 3:19 –Those whose deeds are “evil,” “wicked,” (the Greek “pomenra”) love the darkness because it is harder for others to see them. Their consciences judge that what they are doing is wrong. Could there be any relationship to this and Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night?

Jn. 3:20 – John states natural human actions and reactions. Those who love darkness will reject the light. Jesus is the Light of the World that shines on all and exposes their wickedness. Light and darkness cannot mix! You have one or the other. Can you examine your own life honestly and openly to confess and repent of anything that is keeping you in the dark?

Jn. 3:21 – Those who accept Jesus will live in the Light of God’s Truth. They have nothing to hide or fear. The Light of Jesus is inviting, not threatening. It exposes, whereas darkness hides.

Read Luke 3:19-20; John 3:22-36

[As we go through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we will see that there are two ordinances* in the church that are undisputed among all Christians: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In John 6, Jesus will foreshadow the Lord’s Supper. Here in John 3, He foreshadows part of the symbolism in one being immersed (the actual meaning of the word “baptism”) into Christ.

Further research on the purpose and use of baptism in the New Testament will substantiate that it is an important part and symbol in the process of salvation. However, baptism by itself does not equal being saved. It is important to emphasize that immersion that is not preceded by faith, repentance and confession is merely a dunking (or sprinkling in some denominations). Our desire is to encourage you to seek to understand what John is writing here with an open mind. Before forming an opinion, we would encourage a word study on every Scripture where baptize and baptism is mentioned.]

“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Commentary

LOC – 019 JESUS GIVES US THE ANSWER!
How to Start a New Life!

St. Peter at Heaven’s door. “Let me in!” Surprised to see Dave. What’s worse is he was surprised to see me!

One day, we are all going to have to stand before the judgment throne of God and give an answer for the life that we have lived on this earth. What is the question? What is your answer?

Have you ever been afraid that someone would kill or torture you because of your Christian faith? Sometimes we let fear of ridicule hinder our standing up for Jesus. In John 3:1-21, Nicodemus was afraid at first, but he became more dedicated at the end.

Seek the One who Knows! – John 3:1-3

Nicodemus is a respected Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin (Council of 70, the Jewish governing body that is recognized by the Romans – Kind of the Jewish “Supreme Court”. Other members who factor in New Testament history are Joseph of Arimathea –John 19:38 and Gamaliel – Acts 5:34-39).

Nicodemus seeks a private audience with Jesus for fear of being discovered as a follower of Jesus. He will later defend Jesus and will help Joseph of Arimathea in burying Jesus. He recognizes Jesus as a teacher who is sent by God,

Be Born Again! – John 3:3-4

Jesus answer’s Nicodemus’ unasked question – “what must I do to have eternal life?”

“Born” – we start out as baby Christians, not mature “adult” believers.

“Again” – Physical birth is temporary. Eternal birth is for eternity!

Listen to Your Teacher! – John 3:5-13

Nicodemus doesn’t understand Jesus’ figurative language and asks for clarification.

Born of Water (immersion/baptism) and spirit. Some who fear baptism as a “work”, reference physical birth. Jesus will say more about this later.

Born of Spirit is the Holy Spirit coming into the penitent believer.

Nicodemus still doesn’t understand, so Jesus elaborates some more. First, He challenges Nicodemus’ credentials as a “teacher” who is supposed to be well versed in the Old Testament.(Sometimes we are so physical minded that we are no spiritual good!)

Nicodemus is a representative of all of Israel.

Jesus states, in essence, that He came from God. He compares His mission to that of the serpent that Moses lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9).It was faith looking at the symbol of the snake and obedience that saved the Jews who had been bitten. Likewise, faith in Jesus and obedience to His will save us who have been bitten by the snake of sin.(Likewise, immersion has no power, except in the act of obedience and faith in what it symbolizes.)

The key to salvation is in believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. God’s gift of salvation is like opening a Christmas present because you believe that it is intended for you. However, until you open it, it is not completely yours!(Immersion is the symbol of opening the present and putting it on!)

Believe in Jesus as Your Savior! – John 3:14-21

The entire message of God and the Bible in one sentence! God loves you! Jesus is God’s only SON. He came and died physically so that you and I might live forever with Him eternally. Eternal life begins when we are born again, not when we die.(Dual citizenship – life!)

God’s love wants to save you, not judge you, but you have the freedom to accept Him or reject Him. You make your choice and He determines your eternal future according to your choice.

Evildoers like the dark because they think no one sees. This proves that they know what they are doing is evil.

Is there anything in your life that you don’t want others to “see”! How can you walk in the light of Jesus if you are still trying to keep parts of your life “in the dark”?

CONCLUSION

What is your choice? Most of you are taking this Bible study because you have already chosen to believe in Jesus and want to know how you can be more like Him. How strongly are you committed to accept God’s love and salvation and live your life for Jesus?

The question at Heaven’s door is “Who is Jesus?” The answer to the question on the final exam is “Jesus Christ is my Lord who died for my sins, the SON of God!”

Next week: We are going to hear John the Baptist’s last words. What will he have to say?