December 3 - Divine Teacher

December 3 – Divine Teacher

In John 3:2-21, Jesus teaches Nicodemus about being born again.  This is such an incredible passage and though we know John 3:16 quite well, another pivotal moment for Nicodemus occurs in John 3:10-13. 

Nicodemus was a Pharisee.  John identifies him as one of the leaders of the Jews.  In the NIV, we read that Nicodemus was a ‘ruler of the Jewish council,’ (Jn 3:1) but the Greek word calls him specifically a leader.  A direct translation would read “Now there was a man of the Pharisees, Nicodemus his name, leader of the Jews.”

He showed up to see Jesus at night.  This was more than likely not to hide from the other Pharisees, the community was too small for that, but to actually get a chance to talk quietly with Jesus without the crowds that generally surrounded him.

Now, Nicodemus knew that Jesus was something special.  He tells Him right away that He recognizes that Jesus has come from God.  No one could do those signs if God weren’t present.

Jesus needs to teach Nicodemus about the relationship that a common man can have with God, but it isn’t something easy for this Pharisee to swallow.  It simply doesn’t make sense.  He isn’t able to comprehend the words that Jesus uses in His description of this activity.  When Jesus describes a birth, He uses a common word that has everything to do with human sexuality and reproduction and nothing to do with spirituality.  Why would it occur to Nicodemus to make that leap?

But, Jesus seems astounded Nicodemus doesn’t and calls him to task.  Nicodemus is Israel’s teacher!  If he doesn’t understand these things – how will the people of Israel over comprehend the reality of Jesus?  (John 3:10-11)

Jesus says to Nicodemus that He has tried to describe this re-birth in earthly terms and it makes no sense to him, now how in the world is Jesus supposed to describe the things of heaven to Nicodemus?

But He really tries.  Jesus explains that the Son of Man must be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him can have eternal life (John 3:15).  Do you think Nicodemus understands yet?  Probably not.  No one is going to understand until Jesus actually does what it is He has come to earth to do.  When He is crucified and then lives again, ascends into heaven … that is when the full understanding will come.

Nicodemus is being given the words of truth.  Jesus is the light of the world.  He has come so that He can save the world from its sin. God sent Him … His Son to save the world through Himself. 

You must be born of water … humanity and the spirit … God.  You must believe in the name of God’s one and only Son.  You must live by the truth and come into the light.  Jesus has come to save the world. 

Poor Nicodemus was being exposed to truth he had never before heard.  We don’t yet know what his response was.  But, what is yours?