Untitled Sermon

Introduction

Jesus throughout his earthly ministry confronted the Pharisees and other religious leaders of His day, while the Pharisees were antagonistic and hostile in their interactions with Him. Today we are going to examine the longest conversation Jesus has with a Pharisee. This interaction is far different from the usual harsh corrections Jesus would use to rebuke the Pharisees. This conversation was friendly, while Jesus still was no less blunt than he had been in His other interactions with Pharisees. The difference was Nicodemus desired to learn and know the truth, rather than fullfill the typical pharisaical agenda of self-aggrandizement at Jesus’ expense.

Nicodemus Seeks to Speak with Jesus (John 3:1-21)

Turn with me to John 3:1-3 as we read about the beginning of this intentional encounter with Jesus.

There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus is introduced in verse 1 as a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. We learn here he was not just a Pharisee, but also a member of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the supreme court of ancient Israel, made up of 70 men and the high priest. The Sanhedrin in the New Testament is best recognized as one of the groups responsible for the mock trial of Jesus leading to His crucifixion. This leads us to understand Nicodemus was from an upper class standing in the society.

Jesus Describes the Necessity of the Rebirth (John 3:4-8)

Jesus Shares the Gospel with Nicodemus (John 3:9-21)