Introduction
Sermon #6 in a Series on the Gospel of John
Someone once asked a young woman, “What is the difference between my religion and yours?”
She responded, “They are actually quite close. In fact, only two letters separate our beliefs. Your religion is spelled, ‘D-O; DO.’ Mine is spelled: ‘D-O-N-E; DONE.’”
“How do you spell religion?” That very question confronted and confused Nicodemus. He ought to have known the answer – he was a leader in the church. And not just any leader, either; he was a Pharisee. That title may mean little to us, but it was significant in Jesus’ day. The Pharisees were the ultimate in people committed to their religion.
They had, for example, many rules dictating acceptable behavior on the Sabbath. Because God prohibited work, they carefully measured their food so as to only carry what weighed less than a dried fig. They prohibited a woman from picking grains of wheat and eating them, for that required the “work” of harvesting and “threshing.” Their acts of devotion seem ridiculous to us, but we surely must be impressed by the seriousness with which they practiced their faith.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee; but he was not only a Pharisee; he was also (verse 1): “a ruler of the Jews.” That refers to the Sanhedrin, the 70 men who governed the Jews under the ultimate authority of the Roman Empire. They had “wide-ranging powers in civil, criminal, and religious matters.” As an example, they could both arrest and conduct trials.
So Nicodemus was no fool; he was both educated and sophisticated. Therefore, we are not surprised that Jesus’ conversation with him overflows with subtle reasoning, complex scriptural allusions and deep spiritual truths. For the rest of us, we may feel we fallen into the deep end of a theological pool! But in spite of the depth of the spiritual water, do not despair. There is plenty of plain truth to grab onto while we enjoy splashing around.
As we have seen almost every week in studying John, the main theme is marked clearly by repetition. It is a favorite teaching method of Jesus; and it is a favorite writing tool for John. In this case the main point is: “You must be born again.” Verse 3: “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” He repeats himself verse 7: “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’”
“Born again” – when Jimmy Carter, the President of the United States of America, said that he was “born again,” the evangelicals knew they were in tall cotton. “One of us” was in the big house. Unfortunately, Mr. Carter’s theology and practice turned too often against the Bible, and so began the draining of meaning from the term, “born again” and now, ultimately its defilement. Jim Jones claimed to be born again. In 1980 Forbes magazine described “Born-again Companies.” An LA Times article reported on a football player who made a career comeback, “The Steeler Who Was Born Again.” And even Madonna says that, “When my daughter was born, I was born-again.”
In spite of the misuse and abuse of the phrase, it was first spoken by Jesus, and we will take the risk of seeking to learn from it today. Three truths to observe in this text, all of which tell us why Jesus said, “You must be born again.”
1. We Must Be Born Again Because of the Nature of the Kingdom (John 3.1-3)
Nicodemus is a conflicted fellow. He is not sure what to think about Jesus. He has seen “these signs” (verse 2) and he is clearly impressed. We do not know if he was personally at the wedding (recorded in chapter two), where Jesus changed the water into wine, but he has surely heard of that miracle. And this verse makes it clear that Nicodemus has seen other miracles himself. So he concludes that Jesus must be from God.
Additionally, Nicodemus admits that Jesus is a teacher and he calls him Rabbi. This is a complement; Nicodemus, the older and wiser Rabbi is “graciously” treating Jesus as a peer, as a man to be honored. We would not go so far as to say that Nicodemus is “buttering up” Jesus, but he is certainly speaking of him and to him with some respect.
At the same time, he visits Jesus under cover of night. And he tells Jesus what, “We know….” There is a old saying, “Who is this ‘we’ you keep talking about? Do you have a mouse in your pocket?” Who is the “we” Nic? It’s just you and Jesus speaking.
Good friends who want to be identified with the Rabbi do not come by night. They also need not imply there are others standing behind them, unseen.
Nicodemus has not yet made a decision about Jesus. To put his subtle speech and behavior into more clear talk, he is saying: “Jesus, some friends and I have been talking and some of us are impressed with you. We are considering ‘casting our lot’ with you, joining your team, being on your side. We are thinking about choosing you to be the next great leader of Israel. What do you think about that?” Nicodemus has criteria by which he is measuring potential leaders and possible Messiahs, and he is “complementing” Jesus by telling him that he made it through the first round of interviews.
“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” How about that for a cryptic answer? What does that mean?
It is actually pretty straight forward. Here it is: the kingdom of God is not that kind of kingdom.
You know what Nicodemus is thinking about. You see it in the NCAAs. Every coach knows that if she can get the great recruit, the team will go all the way. The coach is qualified; the support staff is ready; the professors have already placed passing grades on the exams. All that is needed is the One.
We even have a name for them related to kingdoms – the one person who makes all of the difference for a team or franchise – the “dynasty maker.” What is a dynasty, but rulers of a kingdom from a certain family who make their influence felt over several generations?
Nicodemus is recruiting!
And Jesus will have none of it! “It is not that kind of kingdom. You ‘see’ princes born of women. My kingdom is not about your choosing me to be your King; it is God choosing you to be his daughter.” Do not ask Jesus if he is ready to be the leader; ask yourself if are you ready for the King? Have you been born again?
After the sermon today, our congregation will ordain and install two new church officers. For all of us in spiritual leadership, Jesus’ firm rebuke of Nicodemus reminds us of the danger of imagining ourselves great members of God’s team. Of course I do not consider myself the dynasty maker – but neither did Nicodemus. Nicodemus could see – he could see the great things that would happen if Jesus were on the throne. But Jesus responds – “What you see is not my kingdom.” The Kingdom of God is not about a great group of men banding together to change the world. It is about a great God sending a savior to redeem the world.
Sometimes in the church people think, “Would it not be great if such-and-such a superstar were to become a committed Christian?” It’s not that kind of Kingdom! It is not about the right people to make a dynasty.
There is one other lesson for church leaders that I ought to mention before we continue – feeble beginnings may turn out fine believers. Nicodemus’ start was not good. He is afraid of his friends and unsure of the Savior. But after this encounter, Nicodemus defends Jesus before the Jewish leaders and he helps prepare Jesus’ body for his burial. He comes to faith and is a committed follower.
J. C. Ryle, “We must not set down a man as having no grace, because his first steps towards God are timid and wavering, and the first movements of his soul are uncertain, hesitating, and stamped with much imperfection…. Like our Lord, let us take inquirers by the hand, and deal with them gently and lovingly. In everything there must be a beginning. It is not those who make the most flaming profession of religion at first who endure the longest and prove the most steadfast.”
2. We Must Be Born Again Because of the Nature of the Flesh (John 3.4-8)
Jesus’ response confuses Nicodemus. So he answers sarcastically: “Am I, a grown man, to reenter my mother’s womb?”
No, of course not, Nicodemus. The answer is more simple and more subtle. “You think only of children born of natural generation. You believe that your relationship with God is based upon your birthright. You were born a Jew and you assume, therefore, that you automatically enter God’s kingdom. But physical descent is not the door. God’s kingdom is entered by a spiritual birth, not by tracing your lineage to Abraham.”
This is an especially critical text for you children whose parents are Christians. Many children grow up in the church assuming they have entered the kingdom of God. Not because they believe, but because they mommy or daddy believes. But that which is born of the flesh is flesh. Having Christian parents and sitting in Christian churches makes many a fine Pharisee; the work of the Spirit is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.
Children, especially you who are teens – do not begin to say to yourselves, “But I was raised in a Christian home and have always attended church.” God can raise up children for Christian parents from those Trinity Hymnals.
Have you been born again? Verse 8 reminds us: we do not know where the wind comes from or where it goes. You need not put a date on your conversion or explain how it happened. You does not matter if you walked the aisle or had a mountaintop experience or none of the above. But know this – the wind can be heard. And if you have been born again, the effect of the Spirit can be discerned.
Some astute sisters and brothers will say to me, “Ah, Pastor, you did it now. You have proven that children of believers should not be baptized until they profess the faith. For what allows a soul to enter the kingdom is the new birth.” I’m glad you noticed. But not so fast.
For on that theory, we must say this: Jesus, if what you say is true, then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? You know Nicodemus is thinking that. Fortunately that very question is answered in Romans 3. We have not the time to study it today, but simply to note that God says there is much advantage in every way.
And so I say to you, children, whose parents are Christians. You have much advantage in every way. You are here to hear the Word of Jesus, to see his sacraments, to sing his praise and join in the prayers. You have parents who pray for you, who read to you the Bible, and who teach you the great truths of the Christian faith. You have every blessing, including a great and special sign of the covenant. Do not despise the privileges given you, for they are wonderful. And know this – to enter the kingdom of God, you must be born again.
3. We Must Be Born Again Because of the Nature of the Savior (John 3.9-15)
It has been said that the history of religion is the account of mankind’s attempts to climb back to God. At one time we were close to him. After God made the first two people, they walked in fellowship together and God delighted in his children just as they delighted in him.
But then something went terribly wrong. We call it “The Fall,” because we fell away from God. Where love once reigned, there was now animosity. Fear drove out trust. Rebellion replaced obedience. No longer was mankind innocent; we had “fallen” from that high and lofty place into the muck and mire of sin. Our hearts were now set against God. We no longer enjoyed having God tell us what to do; we want to do it our way.
So religion attempts to answer the question, “How does one get back to God?”
Some sacrifice themselves in a holy war. Others strive to obey the law. Some fast and take vows of poverty. Others pray specific prayers or attend the right church or eat and drink the holy sacrament.
Nicodemus understands the problem. He is part of a religion that has based everything on being better than someone else. He has spent his entire life climbing a ladder in an effort to get back to God. He is near the top – he just needs the final rung to be supplied by the Messiah. “I have done everything to please God; all I need to know is what is that one last good thing I must do to reach the Kingdom?”
And Jesus says, “Your ladder is leaning on the wall of hell. No one ascends to heaven; I have come down. Remember when Israel was plagued by a swarm of biting serpents and they were dying by the thousands? How were they saved? Moses made a bronze image of the serpent, lifted it on a pole and all who looked up were healed.”
Now you know why that strange event occurred in the life of Israel. It taught of a Savior who would be made into a sinful serpent and be lifted on the cross, that all who look to him might for salvation might be born again.
4. Conclusion
An Arabian Chicken Little story tells of a young Arab who was traveling along a road on his donkey when he came upon a small, fuzzy object lying in the road. He dismounted to look more closely and found a sparrow lying on its back with its scrawny legs thrust skyward. At first he thought it was dead, but closer investigation proved the bird to be very much alive. The young man asked the sparrow if he was all right. The sparrow replied, “Yes.”
“Then what are you doing on your back with your legs pointed up toward the sky?”
The sparrow responded that he had heard a rumor that the sky was falling, so he was holding his legs up to support it. The Arab replied: “You surely don’t think you are going to hold it up with those two scrawny legs, do you?”
The sparrow, after a very solemn look, replied: “One does the best he can.”
Jesus is saying to the Nicodemus in everyone of us, “You don’t think you are going to climb the ladder to heaven on those two scrawny legs, do you?” “I’m doing the best I can,” is not the answer.
Instead, climb down from the ladder of your own efforts, and look to the God who has come down that we might be lifted up. All other religions are spelled D-O; DO. Jesus alone offers one that is: “D-O-N-E; DONE.”
How can these things be? That was Nicodemus’ question. They can be – they must be, because the Savior who came down has been lifted up. It is not your work to do; it is his which has been done. You must be born again.
