“‘How can this be?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘You are Israel’s teacher,’ said Jesus, ‘and you do not understand these things?’”
John 3:9-10
Nicodemus was a devoted Pharisee and member of the religious ruling body, the Sanhedrin. Was he sent to sit down with Jesus to try to make peace? Or was he seeking a conversation with Him away from the crowds? Did he go to Jesus under cover of night to avoid scorn? Or was he clearly seeking Jesus, suspecting He was the long-promised Messiah?
Nicodemus jumped right in to the conversation, admitting “no one could perform the miraculous signs … if God were not with him” (3:2). We read the account of this secret meeting, and we can see the workings in his heart and mind: God is up to something here.
Jesus was telling Nicodemus—the devout, educated teacher—that he still needed something outside of himself to get into God’s kingdom. Nicodemus earnestly considered Jesus’ words. And Jesus did not rebuke him for his slow, secret quest. From Nicodemus’ probing questions, we have perhaps the most well-known and assuring words of all Scripture in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world” has been fixed in the hearts of believers ever since that night.
Nicodemus jumped right in to the conversation, admitting “no one could perform the miraculous signs … if God were not with him” (3:2). We read the account of this secret meeting, and we can see the workings in his heart and mind: God is up to something here.
Jesus was telling Nicodemus—the devout, educated teacher—that he still needed something outside of himself to get into God’s kingdom. Nicodemus earnestly considered Jesus’ words. And Jesus did not rebuke him for his slow, secret quest. From Nicodemus’ probing questions, we have perhaps the most well-known and assuring words of all Scripture in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world” has been fixed in the hearts of believers ever since that night.
Scripture Focus
John 3:1-21
Insight
R.C. Sproul referred to Isaiah 42:3 saying with regard to Nicodemus, “Our Lord refused to put out a faith that, mingled with fear, seems to be a smoldering wick.”
Bible In A Year
- Deuteronomy 11-12
- Psalm 85
- Acts 8
