Today’s text tells us of a man named Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee. A Pharisee was a member of a Jewish sect that strictly followed both the written Torah and traditional oral laws. They were considered experts in religious matters. Nicodemus was also a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of ancient Israel. Read verses 1-8 of today’s text.
Nicodemus had come to speak with Jesus under cover of night. Jesus was not in favor with the religious leaders of that time and Nicodemus wanted to keep his visit private. He was aware of the things Jesus had been doing and was wanting to learn more but didn’t want his visit to be known. He told Jesus that he believed that God was with Him.
In response to Nicodemus' statement, Jesus told him that no one could see the Kingdom of God unless they had been born again. This is a concept that had not been taught before, and Nicodemus did not understand the metaphor. He asked Jesus how a man could enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be reborn.
In verse 5, Jesus told Nicodemus that a man could not enter the Kingdom of God unless he was born of water and of the spirit. Many people today believe that, in this verse, Jesus was speaking of water baptism and of receiving the Holy Spirit. This interpretation cannot be correct. First of all, baptism is not part of our salvation (Eph 2:4-5 John 5:24, 6:29, 40). It occurs after our salvation as a testimony to others of our having placed our faith in Jesus and having been cleansed from our sins (Acts 8:12-13, 18:8). Second, we receive the Holy Spirit as a result of our salvation, not as a prerequisite to it (John 7:39). The Bible tells us clearly that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
So, what did Jesus mean in verse 5? First, he speaks of being born of water. Have you ever heard the expression ‘her water broke’ before a woman gives birth? Jesus is referring, here, to physical childbirth where a person becomes part of their earthly family. Next, he speaks of being born of the spirit. This refers to spiritual birth, or salvation, where a person becomes part of God’s family (John 1:12-13). This interpretation is validated in verse 6 where the word ‘water’ has now been replaced by the word ‘flesh’ (I Cor 15:50). Then, in verse 8, Jesus began talking about the wind blowing where it will, which refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of all those who are born into God’s family. When we have placed our faith in Jesus, He sends the Holy Spirit to indwell us, who moves among humanity without being confined by mankind’s religious rules and boundaries (Titus 3:5-7).
Read verses 9-21. Nicodemus still does not understand, and Jesus reminded him that, even though he is Israel’s teacher, or a Rabbi, he doesn’t understand. If people don’t believe when they are told of earthly things, how will they believe when they are told of heavenly things? Jesus was the only one among them who has been in Heaven and has seen Heavenly things (John 1:18).
In verses 14-15, Jesus told Nicodemus that, just like Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, the Son of Man must be lifted up so that those who believe can have eternal life in Him. This is a reference to the bronze snake in Numbers 21:8-9 which the people had to look up at in order to be healed from the poisonous snake bites they were getting in the desert. Jesus is alluding here to His own death on the cross where He paid the penalty for man’s sin so that those who look to Him might receive eternal life (John 12:32-33).
Verses 16-18 are then some of the most famous words of the Bible where we are told that God loved us so much that He gave His only Son so that we might have eternal life (Rom 5:8). It is through our belief in Him that we are saved. But we are condemned through nonbelief (I John 5:12). God’s plan is so simple. And it was done for ALL men… not just a select few or just the Jews.
Verses 19-21 speaks of the Light. Who is the Light (John 1:9-14)? The Light came into the world and yet the people loved the darkness more than the Light. There is a struggle. The Light can expose the deeds of man. Some will avoid the Light so that their deeds will not be exposed and some will see the truth and put their faith in the Light (Eph 5:11-13).
After spending this time with Jesus, does Nicodemus ever come to a saving faith in Jesus? The Bible never tells us. But we do know that Nicodemus was quite moved by Jesus. Later, when some Pharisees tried to have Jesus arrested, Nicodemus came to His defense (John 7:50-52). And also, after Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and Nicodemus came and helped Joseph to bury our Lord (John 19:38-42). Jesus made a difference in the life of Nicodemus and He can make a difference in ours if we let Him in.
Record John 3:16 in your journal.
Responding to God: Praise God for the simplicity of His plan of salvation. Ask Him for a clearer understanding of the new birth. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you to understand any spiritual matters you are struggling with. Ask for opportunities to share His love with others.
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