Nicodemus

Jesus used Pharisees as examples of what we should NOT be. If we were looking at career types likely to follow Him, fisherman would be in a much higher percentage than Pharisee.

The first recorded comments Jesus made to them would not be endearing, much less inviting.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [Matthew 3:7 KJV]

Yet Christ accepted their invitations.

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. [Luke 7:36 KJV]

Why?

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. [Luke 19:10 KJV]

It was one of these Pharisees who first heard the words that have circled the globe as the center of the gospel. As most of us do, he came with questions, but he first made a profound commitment and understanding of Jesus’ source.

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. [John 3:1-2 KJV]

We know Nicodemus believed in God, that’s in a Pharisee’s job description. We know he believed God was powerful. What he acknowledged here is that Jesus could not do miracles without God. Yet, Christ had much more for Nicodemus to learn. A lesson that is often too difficult for men to accept, even today.

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [John 3:5 KJV]

Many today deride the term “born again Christian.” They do not understand the concept that is a lead-in as to why Jesus was on the earth.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [John 3:7 KJV]

There it is, again. Ye must be born again, or not enter into the kingdom of God. A statement, not a question. A fact given, not an answer.

Too many people repeat Nicodemus’ incredulity.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? [John 3:9 KJV]

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? [John 3:11-12 KJV]

How do we answer His question? Believe the things He taught here on earth? If not, how can we believe what He said of heaven?