TRUTHS WE LEARN FROM NICODEMUS
"There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ’Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these miracles that You do unless God is with him." John 3:1-2. Expanded text: John 3:1-20.
The account of Nicodemus’ conversion refutes those who say: "I have always been saved, I can’t remember ever being lost!"
I. HE WAS LOST IN SPITE OF HIS SINCERE RELIGIOUS FAITH. Characteristics of the faith of a Pharisee was:
A strong faith in one true and living God.
An unwavering obedience to the Law of the Old Testament.
Uncompromising morals.
A firm belief in the resurrection of the body.
II. HE WAS LOST INSPITE OF HIS HIGH RELIGIOUS OFFICE.
Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the supreme council, and tribunal of the Jews headed by a High Priest. The Sanhedrin had jurisdiction over all religious, civil and criminal matters pertaining to the Jewish citizenry.
III. HE WAS LOST IN SPITE OF HIS SPIRITUAL AWARENESS.
"…we know You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these miracles that You do unless God is with him."
IV. HE LEFT HIS MEETING WITH JESUS "BORN AGAIN" .
Jesus taught Nicodemus of the need of "being born again".
"Jesus answered and said to him, ’Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.
Jesus taught Nicodemus the way to "to be born again".
"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:14-16.
Later events in his life testified to his new birth experience.
"And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury." John 19:39-40.
