Scripture Reference: John 3:1-18

The Conversation With Jesus (John 3:2-15)

Note that Nicodemus opened the dialogue with a compliment for Jesus. “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God.” In Nicodemus’ mind he knew that no man could do the signs that Jesus did (John 2:23). The word “know” used in this verse means to have perceptive knowledge. Nicodemus had thought the matter through and had concluded that Jesus was most assuredly from God.

For Nicodemus to call Jesus a rabbi was the supreme compliment among the Jews. Especially, since Jesus was not an accredited teacher among them. Now a question arises to some; did Nicodemus come as a representative of other members of the Sanhedrin, or strictly on his own? When Nicodemus started the conversation with “we,” it certainly opened the possibility of either question. It is possible that John did not record the entire conversation, but, to the benefit of those who read it, he gave the heart of it.

In any case, Jesus took no note of Nicodemus’ compliment. Instead, He used shock treatment on him. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” In John’s Gospel, “Most assuredly” or as some versions, “verily, verily” always introduces a solemn statement by Jesus. Had Jesus said that Gentiles must be born again, Nicodemus would have said, “Amen.” Jews regarded Gentiles as being outside the mercy of God. One rabbi had said they were but fuel for the fires of hell.

But as a Jew, Nicodemus thought that he was already in the kingdom of God. Imagine, therefore, his shock to hear that he must be born again even to see, let alone be in, the kingdom of God! To see means to see with perception. In place of “see” we would use the word perceive: meaning – to see through, to understand the kingdom of God.

Even today some people have strange ideas about what it means to be a Christian.

Many years ago the Southern Baptist Radio and Television Commission made a series of television programs called Christ Is the Answer. It was debated much like the series, The Chosen, is debated in “Christian” circles today. Paul Stevens, one of the creators, insisted that in every film the characters having part in the message were to be Christians.

One day he and the director were selecting people to play these roles. When they had finished, Paul asked, “Are all these people Christians?” The director replied, “Certainly! Every one of them is an American citizen!”

He held the same mistaken notion as Nicodemus. Being an American citizen no more makes a person a Christian than being a Jew makes one a part of God’s kingdom.

In light of Jesus’ words, Nicodemus expressed his surprise. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

Obviously, Jesus was thinking and speaking of a spiritual birth, while Nicodemus thought of a second physical birth. In fact, the Greek word for “again” (anōthen) may mean that, or it can mean “from above.” Apparently, Jesus chose this word for that very reason. He had to lead Nicodemus away from the idea that his natural birth meant he was already in the kingdom. He wanted him to understand that a spiritual birth from above was necessary. For example, being born to Christian parents does not make a child a Christian.

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.