To the Point!
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· 5 viewsWhen Jesus is confronted and given a compliment He doesn't mess around or get side tracked. He gets right to the point of telling Nicodemus what is vital.
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1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.
Pharisee - largest and most influential religious/political party during NT times.
Nicodumes
Big shot - part of the Who’s who.
a Pharisee
part of the Sanhedrin which is kind of the Jewish Supreme Court.
2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
We are not completely sure why Nicodemus came to Jesus at night.
Privacy and alone time?
Fear of being associated with Jesus?
Many scholars believe that John was being symbolic w/ night. Meaning that Nicodemus was in a state of unbelief or doubt.
Calling Jesus “Rabbi” does show respect. But I don’t believe that Nicodemus fully understood who he was talking to.
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
“born again” = anōthen - again or from above
Very truly - truly, truly
Does it mean that Jesus wasn’t telling the truth or the whole story to this point? NO!
Jesus is making sure that we know what He is about to say is of utmost importance.
Jesus seems to almost abruptly interrupt him and just blurt this statement out. Jesus didn’t ask him, “What was your favorite miracle?…Yes, that was a good one but did you see…?”
No small talk. No side issues. Not even any religious issues(Oh my goodness are we good at this in the church.) Just get to the point of what is most important.
Remember who Nicodemus was...
He was very religious. He knew the law inside and out.
Remember that Nicodemus called Jesus Rabbi? That would have put them on the same level. Jesus isn’t on the same level as Nicodemus.
“born again” = anōthen - again or from above
To be born again or born from above (as Christ) rips us out of the kingdom of darkness and lovingly places us into the Kingdom of God.
I saw a pastor post this week
Waiting to have your life straightened out before you come to the Lord is like waiting to go to the ER after your broken leg heals. JUST DOESN’T MAKE ANY SENSE!
Come to Christ as you are! Come to Christ now!