John 2:23-3:21 – Jesus and Nicodemus
(Joe Stehle)
John 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Today we read a short section that includes one of the most recognizable verses in the Bible. John 3:16 is widely referenced in both evangelistic tracts and sporting event signs – and even reading this it may well be coming to your mind – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” That familiarity is a good thing, but let’s pause to review the context.
This passage is very early in the public ministry of Jesus but already people are beginning to see signs and believe. Nicodemus, a respected ruler of the Jews, comes to Jesus at night (avoiding the crowds?) and Jesus quickly presents a challenge – unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus responds as we might – “How can these things be?” The rest of the passage speaks of believing in the Son of God and how that belief is central to salvation.
Today we can prayerfully consider if our belief in Jesus is an intellectual assent or a belief that transforms us and draws us into the light. Pray that we can become more like Jesus, individually and as a church.
Weekly Prayer Focus: Design Process and Zoning
Daily Prayer Request: “The Design Process.” Please pray that the Design Committee, the architects and engineers, and all of us providing input to the building design would be guided by the Holy Spirit so that the design and ultimately the building would give Glory to God. Please also ask God to let it be a base for our ministry work for years to come.