Scripture Reference: John 3:1-21

The wind (verses 8-13). It is likely that the evening wind was blowing just then as Nicodemus and Jesus sat on the housetop conversing. The word “wind” in both Hebrew and Greek can also be translated “spirit.” One of the symbols of the Spirit of God in the Bible is the wind or breath (Job 33:4; John 20:22; Acts 2:2). Like the wind, the Spirit is invisible but powerful; and you cannot explain or predict the movements of the wind.

When Jesus used this symbol, Nicodemus should have readily remembered Ezekiel 37:1-14. The prophet saw a valley full of dead bones; but when he prophesied to the wind, the Spirit came and gave the bones life. Again, it was the combination of the Spirit of God and the Word of God that gave life. The nation of Israel (including Nicodemus and his fellow council members) was dead and hopeless; but in spite of the morality and religion of the people, they needed the life of the Spirit.

The new birth from above is a necessity (“You must be born again”), but it is also a mystery. Everyone who is born of the Spirit is like the wind: you cannot fully explain or predict either the wind or the child of God! For that matter, human birth is still a mystery, in spite of all that we know about anatomy and physiology. Each new life is exciting and different.

Nicodemus came “by night,” and he was still in the dark! He could not understand the new birth even after Jesus had explained it to him. Our Lord stated clearly that Nicodemus’ knowledge of the Old Testament should have given him the light he needed. Alas, “the teacher of the Jews” knew the facts recorded in the Scriptures, but he could not understand the truths.

What was the problem? For one thing, the religious leaders would not submit to the authority of Christ’s witness. You can see this “authority conflict” increase if you continue studies in John. The religious leaders claimed to believe Moses, yet they could not believe Jesus (John 5:37-47). The Pharisees were more concerned about the praise of men than the praise of God (John 12:37-50).

Jesus stated to Nicodemus, “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?”

The serpent on the pole (verses 14-18). The story in Numbers 21:4-9 was certainly familiar to Nicodemus. It is a story of sin, for the nation rebelled against God and had to be punished. God sent fiery serpents that bit the people so that many died. It is also a story of grace, for Moses interceded for the people and God provided a remedy. He told Moses to make a brass serpent and lift it up on a pole for all to see. Any stricken person who looked at the serpent would immediately be healed. So, it is also a story of faith: when the people looked by faith, they were saved.

The verb lifted up has a dual meaning: to be crucified (John 8:28; 12:32-34) and to be glorified and exalted. In his Gospel, John points out that our Lord’s crucifixion was actually the means of His glorification (John 12:23-33). The cross was not the end of His glory; it was the means of His glory (Acts 2:33).

To Be Continued

Adapted and modified excerpts from Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary Volume 1.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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