Jesus and Nicodemus Lesson 2.6

Nicodemus

Who was Nicodemus? Nicodemus is mentioned 3 times in the Bible. John 3; 7:50-52; 19:39 He was a “ruler of the Jews.” This means “member of the Sanhedrin” (special council/court of 70 people that was the highest level of Jewish government). A “master” of Old Testament scriptures (John 3:10). Yet he was spiritually ignorant just like other Pharisees.

Sanhedrin

Nicodemus the Coward Nicodemus was clearly fearful of meeting with Jesus publicly. How do we know this? He came to Jesus by night (3:2) Why did he need to be afraid? He risked losing prestige, power, and position if he was found out. Sympathizers with Jesus in this time were often persecuted by the Pharisees (legally and secretly).

Nicodemus the Courageous While he showed cowardice, he also showed courage by going to Jesus in the first place. He shows courage in John 7 and 19. Nicodemus goes from secretly asking questions to openly associating himself with Christ. These 2 personalities illustrate the difference in a man before and after he is saved. There is no room in Christianity for cowards (1 Tim. 1:7).

Importance of New Birth Jesus taught Nicodemus that he “must be born again.” We know this teaching was important to Jesus for 3 main reasons: 1. It was the first subject Jesus publicly taught. 2. He uses verbal emphasis (“truly truly”) 3. He says its is the ONLY way to get into Heaven.

The Nature of New Birth Christ says we must be born “of water and the Spirit.” “must”: it is a command; not an option. “of water”: physical birth The New Birth is NOT physical; it IS spiritual. “you must be born AGAIN”: the word for ‘again’ in Greek means ‘renewed’ or ‘from above.’ Therefore, Jesus is arguing that the New Birth is not from below, but from above. Being “born again” is a refocusing of our desires and affections by the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel