The Holy Trinity (2023)
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John 3:1-15
John 3:1-15
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This day we celebrate Holy Trinity Sunday! This wonderful mystery that explains so much of the Old Testament, how no one had seen the face of God, and yet man walked with God in the garden, or Moses visited with God face to face on the mountain in one passage and in another was told that no one shall see his face and live. We find finally in the mystery of the Trinity the answer to many of these conundrums of the faith. That we worship the Tri-une God, 3 persons and one essence. A mystery which we do not yet know fully, but will be revealed at Christ’s return.
Last year we looked at the Athanasian Creed, but it has been awhile since we looked at the Gospel lesson so let us see what is happening in this Lesson from the Gospel of John as Jesus reveals to this man Nicodemus wonderful information about the Kingdom of God and being born into it.
A Visit By Night
Nicodemus was a pharisee .
Now this is early off in Jesus’ ministry, but prior to Jesus preaching that the Kingdom of God is near. There was John the Baptist, whom was preaching a baptism of repentance, and condemning the Pharisees. This was confusing for the pharisees because
They were strict about following the laws.
The Pharisees were meticulous in keeping the laws and commands of God. For instance they knew that they were to do no work on the Sabbath, so they determined at what point walking became work, and bought houses within range. It was 3/4 of a mile. When they gave their offerings, they even tithed the dried herbs from their gardens.
Did you notice that Nicodemus comes by night.
There was a some controversy already about Jesus, for he had just driven the money-changers from the temple. For as Strict as the Pharisees were, they still had flaws, and were sinners. But they had also heard his teachings and seen the signs that he was performing and they could not deny them. That He comes by night is important for
Jesus is the true light which enlightens men.
Nicodemus and the Pharisees are shown to be dwelling in darkness. They do not understand the things of God. But now this man stands before the Son of God seeking illumination.
Darkened Minds
Jesus chastises Nicodemus because he was supposed to be a teacher.
As one who handles the word of God on a regular basis, he should be able to understand what Jesus is saying, but He does not. Now as I mentioned last week it is the HOly Spirit that opens our minds to the Word. There is nothing else that can do it.
By all outward accounts, Nicodemus was a godly man.
The text tells us that he was a ruler amongst the jews and respected by them, and if you are respected by a group of people that are that strict on the law, then you aren’t just talking about doing things you are outwardly doing them as well.
God uses earthly things to teach us about heavenly things.
This is where Nicodemus struggles to make the connection for when Jesus says you must be born again, Nicodemus is confused and rebukes Christ saying how can a man be born when He is old? Is he saying that what Jesus proposes is impossible. But Jesus uses this to teach something,
You do not birth yourself.
So being born again is not something you can accomplish, which means it is outside of your power or ability.
Being Born of Flesh
Jesus’ words are a rebuke.
They are a rebuke not just to Nicodemus to everyone in the world, for by saying, you must be born again, Jesus is saying that no one is good enough. He says twice that unless you are born again, that the kingdom of God is cut off from you.
The Pharisees relied on the flesh.
They were masters of obeying the Law of God, but this is why John the Baptist called them a brood of vipers, and why they had such animosity and hatred towards christ, because everything they treasured and prided themselves didn’t grant them entrance to the Kingdom of God.
Today this can be expressed as simply being a good person.
Most folks believe that they will get into heaven because they are a good person, and you will find this thought not only within the church, but out in the world. If you ask most folks whether or not they would be saved, they believe so because they are a good person. What Jesus says here means
All who rely on works won’t make it.
His words here are not only for the pharisees, but for everyone, the Law says that no matter who you are, who were born to, what you have done in this life, it isn’t good enough to enter the Kingdom of God.
Being Born Again
The one who brings new birth is the Holy Spirit.
He brings us into the Kingdom of God, and we receive the spirit of sonship. For as God breathed life into Adam long ago, and that life was good, we receive now a new breath, the Holy Spirit who is at work inside of us and brings us to life.
We cannot control Him, so what is one to do?
There are some who might think that all we have to do is sit there and assume that we just wait for it to happen on its own, but God attaches the Holy Spirit to particular things in order that we might know where He works and where He is found.
Jesus points us to Baptism.
John the Baptist bore witness to the Holy Spirit descending from heaven at the Baptism of Jesus, and Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Spirit. In the Gospel after Jesus is done talking with Nicodemus, He and His disciples go to baptize people.
There we are born from above.
That is why Peter on the day of Pentecost proclaimed that whoever is baptized receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, for it is the new birth, that does not come from flesh and blood, but is the work of the Holy Spirit.
What Good Is a Bit of Water?
Jesus promised that whoever believes, and is baptized shall be saved.
The power is not in the water, but in the promise that Jesus made, for while we cannot control the Holy Spirit that 3rd person of the Trinity, but since Jesus sent the Spirit, He said we will find Him there, and that is where we are born again of water and the spirit.
If you will not trust Jesus, then you are like Nicodemus.
Who look to their own works instead of the works of God for salvation. For baptism is not a work that receives its power from mortal men, but from the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People mocked baptism because of those who abused it.
This caused some tension back in the 1500s when people say, that because those who were baptized fell away into sin and were no longer christian, and they think this is because they were baptized before they made a decision for Christ.
The Scriptures do not say, once baptized, always saved.
Faith is always present, for God gives to us his divine and holy name in baptism which saves us, but just as we can walk away from our earthly family, we can walk away from our heavenly one.
The Spirit must also be present.
That is why we also have God parents who will pray for the children after they are baptized and make sure that they continue to grow in the word and pray for them, for the Spirit is also at work in the Word of God, and if we cut off from the Word, it is like a newborn child that must go without milk. We want to make sure they are fed and prepared that they might come to the Table of the Lord and join us there.
So my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, see the great importance that Christ places upon being Born again of water and the spirit. No matter how great or wonderful your works might be, they are not good enough. Do not also assume that since you were once baptized, once confirmed that you can then be saved without the Spirit. God will let you walk away, but like a Father of the prodigal son, he will be waiting on the hill and joyfully receive you back home. In Jesus name. Amen.