Born Again

Introduction

As we return to Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, we should give some thought to time and truth.

Note Jn. 3:7 and Jn. 3:10.

With time, darkness or blindness about the teaching of the scriptures obfuscated the truth.

Jesus did not come to compete with Moses/Law but to fulfill.

God’s truth does not get lost, but it can be obscured by:

Prevalent, false ideas that are assumed true.

Cultural trends.

Lack of time for deep thought.

Abuse/Misinterpretation of the Word of God.

Human beings are not neutral participants in a cosmic struggle. We are willing participants who are under the authority of darkness by nature.

See Colossians 1:13.

The world, meaning humanity, is not in darkness by accident.

In this message, we will explore consistent biblical teaching on the Kingdom of God, eternal life, and we will see how Jesus’ own teaching to Nicodemus fits with that consistent teaching.

Kingdom Language

Jn. 3:3, 5 are the only two occurrences of the phrase “Kingdom of God” in all the Gospel of John.

By Jn. 3:14-16, what is in view is eternal life. So then, possessing eternal life, as opposed to eternal death, is the same thing as seeing or entering the “kingdom of God.”

Colossians 1:13 = “Kingdom of the son of His love”

Nicodemus might have anticipated liberation from Rome or the appearance of Messiah to establish an independent Jewish kingdom.

This was a foregone conclusion, but the only question that remained was if the Jews would properly keep the law in order to bring it about.

Jesus has challenged any assumptions with his statement.

Above/Again Language

Jesus’ language intentionally mirrors or parrots that of Nicodemus.

Notice the conditional (negative) “unless”.

We will explore this below.

The gospel writer presents a “question” through the choice of terms.

How are we supposed to understand the term “again”?

Titus 3:5-7. (παλιγγενεσίας)

1 Peter 1:3. (ἀναγεννήσας)

Nicodemus’ responses to Jesus’ initial statement help us to see the conflict inherent in Nicodemus.

We cannot see or enter the kingdom of God apart from a second birth.

Jn. 1:12-13.

Exclusionary Language

Jesus teaches Nicodemus through negative conditions.

“Unless.”

He repeats this in Jn. 3:5.

The most emphatic language occurs in Jn. 3:7 where Jesus says “it is necessary that you all be born from above.”

The first birth is inadequate for entrance into the kingdom of God or having eternal life.

Jn. 1:12-13.

Not only does this confirm that our first birth cannot convey eternal life, but it also leads to the conclusion that our first birth plus being religious or keeping law is inadequate.

Part 2: Introduction

We need to explore a few key points in this message.

Nicodemus’ objections to Jesus’ teaching.

Jesus’ responses to Nicodemus, especially in Jn. 3:8.

Jesus’ explanation of his origins to Nicodemus and the implications therefrom.

Nicodemus seems to be a believer because he helps a secret disciple, Joseph of Arimethea remove the body of Jesus after the crucifixion. (Jn 19:39).

Yet, Jesus will teach him in this conversation of the future complications for the Pharisees and him.

They will not believe.

Nicodemus’ Initial Objection

He responded to Jesus by asking:

How is a person being old to be born a second time.

He does not understand the logistics of a second birth.

In part two of his question, he asks a question that expects Jesus to answer “no.”

Jesus’ Reply

Jesus dominates the conversation for the next few “big ideas.”

It is significant that Nicodemus is not able to contribute to the conversations.

This is not an exchange of ideas between equals.

Jesus associates seeing and entering the kingdom of God with a spiritual birth.

We may also be invited to consider that any conversation about salvation includes a discussion of the trinity.

A birth from God is a birth from the Spirit.

Jesus gives life.

We trust in him for this spiritual birth from the Father.

Note also the “coming alive” language of Eph. 2:1ff.

Jesus also stresses, yet again, the non-physical nature of this birth.

We should pay attention to the point of comparison in Jn. 3:8.

Those having been born from the spirit are likened to the blowing of the wind.

Perhaps Jesus means that those with the spiritual birth leave indications that the work of the spirit has occurred in their lives.

Thus, the internal work of the Spirit manifests itself outwardly. It is not a physical identity.

Nicodemus’ Second Reaction

He wants to know (Jn. 5:9) “how these things are able to come to be.”

He either wishes to know how the spiritual birth comes about.

He may express incredulity that Jesus’ teaching could be correct.

This seems to be what Jesus understood him to mean.

Jesus Presents the Growing Difficulty of Unbelief

Nicodemus is a high authority on theological matters, but he does not know these things.

Jesus knows what he is talking about. He is able to speak as an authority.

He speaks “what we know,” and he witnesses, “what we have seen.”

The failure isn’t with Jesus’ information.

It is with unbelief on the part of his audience, especially the leadership.

Instruction on eternal life is basic, so how can Jesus get into more complex, heavenly matters?

Note Jn. 5:39-40.

Finally, Jesus confronts Nicodemus with His origins as the emphasizes that he came from heaven as the Son of Man.

Jn. 6:33-40.