John 3:1-5

Nicodemus’ Humble Curiosity and Jesus’ Challenging Patience

Nicodemus’ Humble Curiosity and Jesus’ Challenging Patience

1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 

2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 

4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 

Nicodemus has always been an interesting person to me personally. He was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews. He had power in His position. He had status in the community. What interests and impresses me most about him is his humble curiosity about Jesus. Here is this high-ranking religious official who is curious about this carpenter’s son from Nazareth. Do you ever wonder why Nicodemus came to Jesus at night? I believe him coming at night shows a sincerity within him that I hadn’t thought about before. He sincerely wanted to know more about Jesus. He proclaimed his belief in Jesus by what he said in verse 2 beginning with “Rabbi”. Rabbi was used to address teachers, and was a term of honor and respect. He doesn’t ask Jesus a question, but simply makes a statement. He said “we know you are from God because only someone from God could do the things you are doing”. “We” know you are from God….as if he is speaking for the group. But I don’t think he actually is speaking for anyone but himself. The fact that he comes at night means that he is not trying to trap Jesus or trip him up in his words like the other Pharisees always did. Nicodemus did not want an audience at his discussion with Jesus. He wanted time alone with Jesus to form his own opinion, separate from his fellow Pharisees. His coming at night could have also been driven by fear. What would the other Pharisees and leaders think if they heard him say that he thought Jesus came from God? It could be dangerous for him if the others actually thought he believed in who Jesus was. Jesus saw into Nicodemus’ heart and challenged him. Paraphrasing, in my own words, He said, “if you aren’t born again, you won’t see the kingdom of God”. I’m sure this hit Nicodemus like a ton of bricks….mouth dropped open…..stunned. I can just imagine what Nicodemus is thinking….wait what?….I’m not going to be in the kingdom of God! I’m a Pharisee…..ruler of the Jews! I’ve followed the law all of my life! Do I have to start all over, and live my life again? He doesn’t understand what Jesus means by “born again”. He is thinking about physical birth. (vs 4) The phrase “be born again” in Greek means “born from above or from heaven/God”. The word “again” is used in John 3:31 and John 19:11 and is translated the same way as it is here in John 3:3. Jesus meant a spiritual rebirth. It’s cool how Jesus agrees with Nicodemus in verse 5 after he questions Jesus’ “born again” statement. Jesus calmly says, “most certainly” as if to say, “I get what you are saying, Nicodemus”. Then comes the part that Nicodemus would probably somewhat understand. Jesus then says that you have to be born of the water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. Now this is something Nicodemus might have been familiar with from the Old Testament. Ezekiel 36:25-26 talks about a spiritual renewal where God will cleanse His people with water and a new spirit. I love this conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. We know that Nicodemus was sincere because of what we witness him do later in regards to Jesus’ burial (John 19:38-42). I love how Jesus was so patient with Nicodemus when he didn’t understand all the while gently challenging him at the same time. Now you see the reason for the title of the post. We can pattern after Jesus when we are trying to help someone understand the gospel. We are to be patient, kind, and compassionate with others who have not been taught, as we speak the truth in love. The truth always naturally challenges a person and makes a person think about what they have been taught. They begin to compare the truth to what they thought was truth. And when it doesn’t line up properly, they may, like Nicodemus, not understand. But, we stay patient. They may even become argumentative, and not want to accept it. But, we stay patient…..always. 

Jesus did not mince His words or beat around the bush with Nicodemus. He plainly said, “If you aren’t born again, of water and the spirit, then you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” This was just what Nicodemus needed to hear to get him thinking. Of course, we can’t read a person’s thoughts like Jesus could, so it makes us feel inadequate to share the gospel, doesn’t it? We feel like we don’t know enough to teach someone else. We don’t want to make anyone mad. It is a struggle. But, if we have obeyed the gospel of Christ according to the scriptures that I have listed below, then we know enough to show someone how to be saved, Sisters. And that is the most important information that we can give someone. The problem that I face a lot is this…..how do I bring the subject up to someone? How do I start the conversation? Well…..maybe I could invite them to come to church with me. Or if someone asks me how my weekend was, instead of talking about the movie or show I watched, why don’t I tell them about the wonderful sermon that I heard at worship on Sunday morning, or the interesting bible class that we had Sunday morning? And by the way, I’m asking myself “why” because I need to do this! I need to talk about spiritual things in my everyday life more often. This is me writing myself into a corner. Now I’ve gotta do it! I wasn’t expecting this post to take me here, but now…..new spiritual goals for me!

Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? If you aren’t, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are…..believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan that God has set forth in His Word, for humankind to receive His grace that leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)

Then, we remain faithful in our commitment to Christ until death. (Revelation 2:10, 2 Peter 2:20-22)