John 3: 1-21
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It’s not always easy to explain what Jesus is all about. Sometimes we talk about Jesus as the Saviour of the world. That only makes sense if you think the world is in danger. Jesus can only be your rescuer if you think you need rescuing.
That was a little bit the problem that Nicodemus had. Now I’m going to generalize a little. I don’t know many Pharisees really well. There’s only one Pharisee whose writing I’ve read much. That’s the Apostle Paul. In some of his letters Paul lists things he used to be proud of: ancestry, education, his efforts to keep God’s instructions faultlessly.
You think we can generalize?
From what I read in the Bible about Pharisees, it seems that most Pharisees were overly confident in their own abilities to please God. Some of us are wired the same way: determined to impress everyone – including God – with how good we can do everything on our own. Some people are pretty proud of being good. It makes it hard to see the need for a Saviour.
So when Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, Jesus demonstrates that seeing the kingdom of God is complicated than Nicodemus thinks. Jesus pushes Nicodemus a little; stretches his imagination. What does it really look like to see the Kingdom of God and enjoying eternal life?
Maybe there was something sneaky about Nicodemus approaching Jesus while it was night. I’ve heard people suggest that Nicodemus was hiding something. I’m not sure. It’s not until later in John’s gospel that the Jewish leaders get really suspicious of Jesus and those who follow him.
Maybe the cool of the evening, after the day’s work was done was a good time for Nicodemus to seek a private conversation with Jesus. I think it’s also intriguing that the conversation with Jesus – introduced to us as the light of mankind – happened while Nicodemus was in the darkness.
Nicodemus is one Pharisee who has respect for Jesus. He calls him “Rabbi” – term of respect for a teacher. He acknowledges that Jesus is a teacher that comes from God. The signs of making water into wine and his offer to raise the temple in 3 days if the Jews destroy it have garnered Nicodemus’ attention.
After his friendly and respectful greeting, Jesus throws him a curveball. Jesus’ statement baffles Nicodemus.
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
John 3:3 (NIV)
Born again?
Snakes in the wilderness