- The Explore the Bible lesson for Jan. 1 focuses on John 3:4-18.
Jesus knew what was in the heart of every man. Chapter 2 of John’s Gospel ends with this statement. Immediately following this declaration, Nicodemus is introduced. We learn a few important points about the person of Nicodemus from these first two verses.
First, Nicodemus is a Pharisee trained in the Law of Moses and devout in his practice of the ancient ways. He is designated as a ruler of the Jews and apparently a member of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was an elite class of religious rulers dominated by Sadducees with a few Pharisees included in the number.
Second, the condition of his heart is also subtly revealed in these introductory verses as seen in the note that, “this man came to Jesus by night.” (3:2) While Nicodemus was a great man of power, learning and social status in Judaism, he came seeking answers at night. John employs this language not only to reveal the time of the conversation, but also the spiritual temperature of the participant. Darkness was clouding Nicodemus’ mind and heart as he sought out a man who exhibited strange inconsistency of miraculous signs, obscurity and power not given by men but from God.
Jesus and Nicodemus’ conversation is an example of the magnificent mind Christ wielded as a man. Jesus knows the heart and mind of Nicodemus. This encounter reveals how Jesus meets Nicodemus intellectually and brings him from “darkness” into the light.
Born Again
The first statement of Nicodemus (3:2) is best read not as a question, but an intellectual exercise in stating the observable facts that Nicodemus has reflected upon. Jesus’ miraculous signs point to his proximity to the one true God. The Pharisee struggles to see the meaning and implications of his observations. He proposes this causal statement and Jesus answers the underlying heart problem behind it.
Jesus responds strongly “True, True!” followed by an insightful statement that speaks to the issue tormenting Nicodemus’s mind. He cannot fully see the truth. Jesus states, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”(3:3) No man can see clearly until he is born again. The kingdom of God is not something one can see with clarity through an intellectual pursuit alone.
How?
Nicodemus responds with unsatisfaction to Jesus’ insinuation. The crowd at Pentecost who upon hearing the gospel were cut to the heart and cried, “What must we do?” (Acts 2:37). In contrast, Nicodemus engages in more intellectual sparring: “How can a man be born if he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (John 3:4)
Nicodemus’ question is not a faith-filled one. It stands in contrast to the faith-filled “how” question that Mary’s asked when she received unexpected news (Luke 2:34). As noted in John 2, Jesus sees the heart of every question and thus deep into Nicodemus’ motives. By comically proposing Jesus is suggesting that grown men return to the womb, Nicodemus deflects from Jesus’ true teaching—this learned Pharisee lacks something in order to see the kingdom of God.
Flesh and Spirit
Jesus brings the conversation back to the nature of God’s kingdom. It will not be based on flesh or human birthright; it will entail a spiritual birth given by the Spirit. The ramification of this declaration is not missed by Nicodemus. Jesus is declaring a new kingdom accessible to all who are born of the Spirit. He responds in shock: “How can this be?” (3:9)
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Heavenly Things
The kingdom of God is going to come with many unexpected realities. Jesus lovingly but firmly confronts Nicodemus on this point. “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?” (3:10) Jesus points out Nicodemus is struggling to comprehend earthly realities when there are so many more heavenly ones to be revealed. But Jesus does not chastise him to leave him behind. He sees Nicodemus and patiently ushers him into the light of truth.
Into the Light
The final verses of this nighttime encounter are no longer conversational. Jesus steps into the role of master teacher and Nicodemus the quiet learner. Jesus’ discourse on salvation employs the language Nicodemus is most comfortable with: sacred Scripture. Jesus references the serpent who was lifted up in Numbers 21. (3:14)
Jesus divinely interprets this passage to point to his ultimate lifting up on the cross and giving of life to all those who will look up and believe. Those who look up will not perish but receive everlasting life. Twice this eternal life is promised to those who believe (3:15, 3:16).
In Jesus, the Son of Man, condemnation is given way to revealing light. Only those who refuse to come into the light and stay in darkness will be condemned. “He who believes in him is not condemned” (John 3:18).
Possibly as the early morning sun broke the darkness of the night, Jesus’ words to Nicodemus pierced the heart of the teacher of Israel. Jesus calls Nicodemus to himself: the Light of the world who would reveal all truth to those who would step into the light. John’s readers will certainly remember how many will respond to the light from John 1: 9-11 and must decide for themselves if they will “receive him” (John 1:12).
Matt Baird is assistant professor of Christian ministry and director of the graduate program in the School of Christian Studies at East Texas Baptist University.
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