NBBC SS - John 3:1-21

Introduction: Something that I love about this passage is how it invites us to join in the narrative, experiencing the event with Nicodemus. It’s almost as if the Holy Spirit through John’s Gospel wants us to imagine that we’re Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night and asking these same questions. In fact, there’s a way that Nicodemus approaches Jesus that we're prompted to inquire if we approach Him similarly. We're going to notice that the things mentioned about Nicodemus are those that are initially rather important to him but may not be as important in the long run.

John 3:1-3 “1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;

What 3 things do we know so far about this man referenced in v. 1?

He’s a Pharisee

It’s interesting that this is how the description begins.

In other words, the emphasis is on his being identified as a Pharisee.

What does it mean to be a Pharisee?

Well-studied in the Law

So that they personally could obey the Law

Also, as we’ll see for this man, so that he could teach others to do the same

Are Pharisees generally viewed positively?

No

In fact, they’re more known for being hypocrites

This doesn’t mean that we should view this Pharisee negatively

We can say very generally that Pharisees had a knowledge of God’s Word that they sought to obey, regardless of their motivation

His name: Nicodemus

His authority: he’s a ruler of the Jews, member of the Sanhedrin.

The Sanhedrin was a Jewish council that rendered decisions on both political and religious grounds.

Hence, Nicodemus was a man of authority, well-respected among the community.

These 2 things about Nicodemus not only paint the picture of an important man among his people, but also the things that were important to both himself and his people.

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

When is it that Nicodemus sought to meet with Jesus?

At night

Why at night?

The text does not say.

However, what do we know about people who do things at night?

Some undertake their activities at night to hide the illicit nature of what they’re attempting to do.

Others undertake their activity at night because of the urgency involved.

For example, when I initially taught this passage in Good News Club, I had just gotten back from traveling myself.

After Kids’ CLUB on a Sunday night, Carrie and I loaded up Harold and our dog and went to Northern VA.

Once there, I was on a mission to get the tools that I needed in light of just having purchased a house.

I was in a hurry and needed to get the tools promptly.

There was urgency about my visit that could not wait.

For Nicodemus, I believe that this latter view is the case.

How is it that Nicodemus addresses Jesus?

Rabbi

Remember, the significance of this title is more than just calling Jesus a teacher.

Instead, it refers to the recognized authority that Jesus possesses as He teaches.

How is it that Nicodemus determines that Jesus must come from God?

By the signs that Jesus has performed.

What’s a sign?

It’s a special demonstration of authority/power designed to promote belief in Jesus.

So far, this term has been used to refer to Jesus’ creating wine out of water and in questioning Jesus’ authority to clear out the Temple in John 2.

In both Jesus’ act of creation and His response that His resurrection demonstrates His authority, we’re prompted to conclude that only the Word, the Light, the Christ, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the Son of Man could do these things: Jesus.

Notice, though, Nicodemus does not have a confession moment like Jesus’ disciples in the first chapter.

Instead, Nicodemus’ statement stops with calling Jesus Rabbi and focuses on the acts of performing signs that Jesus undertook.

In other words, Nicodemus is seemingly fascinated with what Jesus can do and stops short of seeing the significance of these signs in promoting belief in Who Jesus truly is.

That’s why I believe that Jesus takes the conversation in an entirely different direction in the next verse.

What we have so far is an important man who is interested in Jesus’ work.

Are there people like this today who are important in their respective spheres but only interested in what Jesus has done?

There sure are!

The unfortunate reality is that these kinds of individuals are fascinated by Jesus’ acts but fail to recognize and submit to Jesus’ authority.

In truth, this is the great danger of academic stud.

While you might be thinking me hypocritical for saying this since I'm a student, there are numerous examples of individuals who have pursued only a study of Jesus based on their fascination and in an interest to gain knowled but are still in their sins.

What is it that would keep them blinded to Who Jesus really is?

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

It really is fascinating that Jesus does not take time to affirm Nicodemus’ observations.

Rather, Jesus launches into something that every good Jew is concerned about: the Kingdom of God.

Notice Jesus’ use of the phrase “Truly, truly”.

This phrase is used only by Jesus in the John’s Gospel.

This is Jesus’ way of making an emphatic statement.

We’ll see His use of it again coming up shortly.

Why would Jesus switch gears so abruptly?

Seeing/Entering The Kingdom of God is a priority for Nicodemus, all Jews, and all humanity in general.

Anyone wishing to see/enter God’s Kingdom must be born again, including Nicodemus.

While Nicodemus is Jesus’ immediate addressee, how does Jesus generalize the need to be born again?

He says “unless one”.

Hence, being born again is not just for Jews.

Being born again is something that all people need.

Nicodemus’ next questions prompt us to inquire with Nicodemus, what does it mean to be born again?

John 3:4-8 “4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?”

What is Nicodemus getting at with his 2 questions?

“How does being born again work?

However, he’s only thinking in primarily physical terms.

Otherwise, his questions not only indicate puzzlement but also impossibility.

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

How does Jesus say that being born again works?

One must be born of water and the Spirit.

You know, a lot has been said about what it means to be born of “water”.

While we can speculate about what it means, I’d like to share with you what I believe that it means.

Water is referenced 19 verses in John’s Gospel.

All but 7 of these references are associated with Jesus in some way.

Significantly, Jesus’ first miracle recorded in John’s Gospel is associated with water.

Jesus’ next significant discussion will relate to water in John 4 and the woman at the well where Jesus will refer to Himself as the Living Water.

I’m inclined to believe that Jesus is referring to both His and the Spirit’s work in the born again process.

Jesus’ sacrifice makes being born again possible.

The Spirit’s role makes being born again reality.

6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Notice how Jesus emphasizes the nature of being born again.

It’s not a physical process.

Instead, it’s spiritual in nature and must be accomplished through God’s Holy Spirit.

7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

It’s not wonder that Jesus makes this exclamation!

Notice also how Jesus personalizes it for Nicodemus by stating, “You must be born again!”

8 “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.””

Jesus is using an interesting illustration to refer to being born of the Spirit.

It’s actually a wordplay for the same word translated as Spirit can also be translated as “wind” or even “breath”.

Just like we cannot control the wind either in it’s source or it’s ultimate end, so also is being born again entirely outside of our ability.

In other words, being born again is not only entirely spiritual but entirely a work that the Holy Spirit completes.

Let’s summarize what we have considered about being born again so far.

It is necessary for anyone to enter/see God’s Kingdom.

All must be born again.

It’s accomplished through Jesus and the Spirit.

It’s entirely spiritual in nature.

It’s outside of any human effort/control.

John 3:9-15 “9 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?”

I wonder if Nicodemus might be a little frustrated at this point.

The nature of his question changes.

His question is nowhere near as specific as his initial questions.

10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?

Jesus’ question in response to Nicodemus suggests at least three things.

Nicodemus was a teacher of Israel - indicating that Nicodemus wanted others to know God and His Word.

What does this suggest about Nicodemus as a person?

He’s a good person interested in others’ obedience to God's Word.

Is this interest plus his importance before his people enough to get him into heaven?

No!

This is why Jesus addresses with him about being born again.

Notice, Jesus has yet to address with Nicodemu why he, his people, and all people must be born again.

But Jesus will momentarily.

Nicodemus could have understood the things being shared with him.

If Nicodemus could have understood these things, why didn't he?

However, something is impeding Nicodemus’ ability to understand these things.

This then prompts us to inquire, “why didn’t Nicodemus understand these things?”

This is where the next several verses come into play

Also, keep in mind that we do not hear from Nicodemus again in this chapter.

11 “Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. 12 “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

Did you notice Jesus’ use of “we” here?

Who are the ones that John’s Gospel records up to this point who are doing the testifying at this time?

Jesus and John the Baptist.

What does Jesus indicate is Nicodemus’ action towards this testimony?

It has not been accepted by Nicodemus.

Jesus also employs a plural “you” here to indicate that the problem is greater than just Nicodemus.

What does this suggest?

Nicodemus, at this point, is only representative of the problem at hand.

The problem is prevalent among his people and, by implication, the whole of humanity.

In addition to not accepting Jesus’ and John the Baptist’s testimony, what is the other problem referenced in v. 12?

They did not believe Jesus’ Words.

Jesus is suggesting that both of these actions are entirely the choice of Nicodemus and others who respond as such.

13 “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.

Notice how the serious charge that this verse makes.

The truthful, authoritative witness that the Son of Man offers is rejected.

How has this circumstance come about where Jesus’ authoritative witness is neither accepted nor believed?

This is where Jesus is going to answer our outstanding questions about the blindness Nicodemus is experiencing as representative of his people and humanity in general.

14 “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;

It’s interesting that Jesus appeals to an OT narrative here, way back in Numbers 21.

What happened in this OT Narrative?

The Israelites complained against God’s provision and the Lord punished their complaining by sending poisonous snakes.

Moses appealed to the Lord and the Lord directed Moses to fashion a snake, set it on a pole, and whoever believed God’s Word by looking to the image would be healed and delivered.

What is it that the Lord punishes?

Sin

Therefore, what does that make complaining?

Sin

Is it only the Israelites who are guilty of complaining?

No.

We’re all guilty of complaining.

You see, Jesus is directly linking the choice to not accept and not believe Jesus’ testimony/Words to sin itself.

When anyone chooses to not accept or believe Jesus, it’s not because He is an insufficient witness.

Jesus is the witness Who came from Heaven.

Whatever Jesus speaks, He does so authoritatively!

Instead, when anyone chooses not to accept or believe Jesus it’s because of their own sin.

This is why everyone needs to be born again because we’re all sinners and sin affects every part of us, even our response to God's generosity.

In referencing the need to be “lifted up”, what is Jesus referring to?

That He would be lifted up on a cross to die for our sins.

What would be the result of Jesus being lifted up?

15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”

This eternal life is predicated on believing in Jesus.

As we read this, we might be tempted to think, “Jesus has painted an impossible scenario!”

How can someone believe in Jesus if they are born in sin and their sin then prompts them to not accept or believe Jesus?

John 3:16-21 “16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

This requires intervention to bring about the new spiritual life that Jesus has been speaking to Nicodemus about.

Notice the relationship between God’s love and what He gave.

Love is the motivation for God giving.

This term “gave” factors significantly across John’s Gospel, surfacing in some 63 verses.

Of these 63 verses, 38 refer specifically to God the Father or Jesus in some way.

In sum, while it can refer to specific tasks and circumstances that the Lord has called one to, it overwhelmingly refers to the Lord’s abundant generosity.

In other words, we are meant to come away thinking that this kind of generosity can only come from One who loves us.

Notice that this reception of the Father’s gift of love in the Son to receive eternal life is predicated on belief; hence, we have the Father’s provision balanced with human responsibility in believing.

17 “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

What is it that God the Father did not send His Son to do?

To judge the world

Keep in mind that this pertains only to Jesus’ first coming

John 5:22 identifies that the Father has given judgment to the Son.

Therefore, the Son will be the judge at His second coming

During this first coming, what is it that the Father sent the Son to do?

To save the world

18 “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.

What is it that men loved rather than light?

Darkness.

As we have considered before, darkness throughout John’s Gospel primarily refers to sin, in a spiritual sense.

This is a great tragedy!

As you might recall, while the darkness of sin may be attractive, it is certainly no friend of those ensnared by it (cf. John 12:35).

Even more so, the True Light, Jesus, has come and continues to be rejected.

This suggests something about the desire to sin: it is such a snare that one cannot deliver themselves from it’s death grip.

Instead, we need the intervention of God’s Love, through Jesus, wrought by the Spirit to bring about new spiritual life.

20 “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

What is it that the one practising evil is most concerned about?

That their evil deeds would be exposed.

In other words, they want to protect their actions.

These individuals are so given to their evil desires that they do not want anything to interrupt their activity.

Do people still attempt to protect their ability to practice evil?

They sure do!

What does that suggest about their condition?

They’re still in their sin and need to be born again by God’s Spirit.

21 “But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.””

What does this suggest about God’s activity in those who have come to the Light, that is, believe in Jesus?

God is at work in them.

What we have in these verses is an expression of clear responsibility.

If one has chosen to not believe in Jesus, they’re demonstrating they’re already in a condemned condition.

Such a condemned condition demonstrates itself in actions also - evil actions motivated by an evil heart.

However, if anyone has believed in Jesus, God is clearly at work in their lives.

Such a clear work is evidenced through one’s transformed behavior also.

Hence, Jesus is pointing not only to individual responsibility but the need for God to transform one’s life.

Without God, one is hopelessly lost in their sinful condition.

We need the Lord to rescue us from our sinful condition.

Conclusion: What we have seen today is a seemingly good and important man approach Jesus based on Jesus’ actions whose real need was exposed: to be born again if one is going to enter God’s Kingdom, heaven. All of us here need this same new birth for we demonstrate our sinful condition through such sins as complaining. If we’re going to be born of the Spirit, it’s not something that we can accomplish. Instead, it’s entirely accomplished through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When one is born of the Spirit, God’s gracious working is evident in them through transformed behavior.