Remember the Gospel

What does the Text Say

vs. 1-4 — Nicodemus was one of the smartest men of the Bible and still didn’t get what Jesus was saying.

In vs. 1 and 2 we see Nicodemus confess to Jesus he believes he is special.

Whether he actually believes Jesus or he thinks he is a prophet isn’t clear but Nicodemus knows Jesus is not just any man.

In verse 3 Jesus answers Nicodemus’ questioning by saying people of the world won’t get it. You must be born again to see the Kingdom.

John uses the phrase “Kingdom of God” twice and both times they are right here in Ch 3 with Jesus and Nic.

The Kingdom of God is here and now, not just in heaven. Jesus says many times “the Kingdom of God has come near” and when He does he’s talking about Himself and the disciples. The church family is the kingdom of God.

Well Nicodemus is confused. He says “Jesus, what in the world does that mean?”

Imagery of a confused kid.

How can I be born again?

vs. 5-8 — Jesus answer Nicodemus’ questioning.

Now we get Jesus’ answer here in vs. 5

What does he say?

He says to be born again you must be born of water so be baptized and the Spirit so accept the holy Spirit to dwell in us.

Importance of water - Water was scarce but Jews knew both in the Bible and in life it was essential to living.

Importance of Spirit - The other things that was life giving was the Spirit. We see many times in the OT the breath of God or the Spirit giving life.

Think the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel. God said his breath would enter them and give them life.

Now just to clear things up here we don’t believe baptism saves us right but it is clear Jesus commands it here as a part of our spiritual rebirth.

vs. 9 Nicodemus still questions Jesus.

Nicodemus still doesn’t get it.

He has devoted his life to understanding how to get into Heaven and this ain’t it.

Jesus answers him with a bit of attitude right.

Kinda like surely you know your one of the

vs. 10-13 — Jesus explains his message is one that is playing out before Nicodemus’ own eyes. It isn’t a mystery of heaven.

vs. 14-18 — Jesus tells Nicodemus why he is here and in doing so tells him what the gospel will be.

vs. 19-21 — Jesus explains how people have recieved him in the world.