Scripture Reading: John 3:1-17
Message: “The Nightly Visitor”
Text: 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 signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:2).
1. Who was this man who came to Jesus by night?
2. Why did this man come to Jesus by night?
3. What was the unspoken question on the mind of this man?
4. What was Jesus’ response?
5. How did this man accept Jesus’ response?
1. Who was this man who came to Jesus by night?
Scripture says that “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1). At this time in history there were three prominent societies of Judaism. There were the Pharisees, Sadducees and the Essenes. Of these three groups, the Pharisees were the most influential.
Nicodemus was not only a Pharisee, but he was also a member of the ruling council. The ruling council was called the Sanhedrin. The Pharisees were not really fond of Jesus because Jesus often criticized them for being hypocrites. The Pharisees accused Jesus of being under the power of Satan. When Jesus healed the demon-possessed man who was blind and mute (Matthew 12:22), the Pharisees responded by saying, “It is only Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons” (Matthew 12:24).
Jesus responded (Matthew 12:34) by saying, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good” (Matthew 12:34)?
Remember, we said that Nicodemus was a Pharisee. Being a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, might lead us to believe that Nicodemus would follow the dictates of the group. If you and I were members of a group or organization, we would be expected to follow the standards set forth by that organization. We would be expected to back up the views and opinions of the organization.
I believe Nicodemus did follow the thoughts and ideas of the Pharisees, but I also believe he could think deeper and see beyond the superficial vision of the other Pharisees. Nicodemus was an educated man as were the other Pharisees, but Nicodemus had a searching and challenging mind. Nicodemus knew that Jesus was very special because he said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (v. 2).
The other Pharisees had a closed mind toward Jesus. Nicodemus had an open mind that was anxious to be filled with knowledge about the kingdom of God. Since Jesus was different, Nicodemus knew that if he went to Jesus, Jesus could provide the answer to the question he had in mind.
2. Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus by night?
Nicodemus was an educated man, but he also had common sense. Nicodemus had to be cautious because his fellow Pharisee friends did not share his views. Perhaps he was afraid of what his friends would think of his visit to Jesus. Maybe Nicodemus’ friends would think he was betraying them. Nicodemus was a member of the Pharisees, but he was also an individualist. He wanted to do a first-hand investigation. Nicodemus was not interested in what other people thought or what the other Pharisees were saying, he wanted to find out for himself. He realized that God was still teaching men and God’s voice could still be heard if men would just listen.
Many times we are like the Pharisees. We have thoughts and opinions because of what others have told us. We tend to have closed minds when we are faced with new ideas and conveniences. We are afraid to open our mouths and voice our opinions. We are hesitant to talk to people we meet about our Lord and Savior. We lose many opportunities to witness because of fear what others might think about us. Our thoughts and our ideas are kept within us. When God speaks to our hearts we often ignore his voice. We tend to forget who is really in control of our lives.
Nicodemus was ready to get his question answered first-hand, so he approached Jesus at night. This was his opportunity to meet Jesus face to face. His question would be answered from the most reliable source. Nicodemus personally went to Jesus with an open mind and an open heart.
We, too, must personally go to Jesus with an open mind and open heart. We can be educated or uneducated. We can be rich or poor. We can be white or non-white. We can live in a big house or a shack. We can be employed or unemployed. We can have many material possessions or no material possessions. We can approach him in the day or in the night. It does not make any difference to Jesus. The important thing is that we personally go to him and let him teach us about the truth of God the Father. We can be assured that he will accept us with open arms.
When Nicodemus went to Jesus and said, “Rabbi,” Jesus already knew what Nicodemus was going to ask. Nicodemus knew something about the kingdom of God, but he didn’t know everything. Nicodemus knew that the kingdom would be ruled by God. He also knew the kingdom would be on earth and would include God’s people. When Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (v. 3), Jesus indicated that the kingdom of God would be made available to all people and not only the Jews. Jesus also indicated that unless one is personally born again, one would not be a part of the kingdom.
3. What was the unspoken question?
The unspoken question was, “What must I do to be a part of the kingdom of God?” Since Jesus already knew the question, Nicodemus was beating around the bush, Jesus said, “…no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (v.3).
Jesus’ response posed a problem for Nicodemus because Nicodemus was thinking on the human level. Nicodemus asked this question: “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born” (v.4)? This question indicates that Nicodemus was surprised at the answer Jesus gave. Nicodemus misunderstood what Jesus was saying.
Many people in the world today know the answer Jesus gave Nicodemus, have heard the Scripture preached or have read the Scripture and still do not understand. How many times have you heard people say they are a Christian because they were raised in a Christian home or their parents are Christians? Some people respond to the question; “Are you a Christian?” by saying they try to live a good life. Some people say, “I don’t think you have to be a Christian, but I think you have to believe in something.” Some say, “I believe there is a God somewhere, but I don’t know where.” Others say, “God is whatever you believe.” I heard one person say, “Jesus is a character in the story book written by man.” If anyone believes as many people do, regarding Jesus, that person is like the Pharisees.
4. What was Jesus’ response to Nicodemus’ question?
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (v. 5).
What does it mean to be born “of water and the Spirit?”
If we go to Ezekiel 36:25, 26 we find these words: “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
This was a prophecy for the renewal of Israel. This was God’s promise that he would restore Israel physically and spiritually. The people of Israel would worship the one true God and not many gods. Their heart of stone would be replaced by a tender heart of flesh. This work could only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit. This is God’s work, but the people must be willing to turn from their sinful life.
This is true for us today. When we repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit will guide us and lead us down a new path.
“Born of the Spirit” refers to the inward or spiritual change that takes place when we accept Jesus.
“Born of water” represent the cleansing action of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3: says, “…He saved us, through the washing of regeneration (rebirth) and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” God saved us by his mercy through Jesus Christ our Savior and not by our own righteousness.
Then Jesus went on to say to Nicodemus, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (v.6). Jesus was explaining the importance of being born again spiritually. He wanted people to know that you cannot enter the kingdom of God by just living a good life. Spiritual rebirth is mandatory.
Jesus goes on to say, “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again’” (v.7).
Nicodemus’ main concern here is the kingdom of God.
If you stop and think for a moment about gaining citizenship in another country, there are certain steps that must be taken. For example, if you were a citizen born in England and you wanted to become a citizen of the United States, you would have to go through a process. You would have to comply with the naturalization laws of the United States. How does one become a citizen in the kingdom of God? The kingdom of God naturalization law is that you must be born of water and the Spirit. The new birth may be a mystery to us, but then on the other hand, physical birth is also a mystery to us. We may not understand, but we know what is required.
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (v. 8).
Jesus uses the wind as a tool to help Nicodemus understand the function of the Holy Spirit. The wind moves in a mysterious manner. The Spirit moves in a mysterious manner also. You cannot control the wind and you cannot control the work of the Holy Spirit. By the same token, Nicodemus, you did not control your physical birth and you cannot control your spiritual birth.
How many of you remember the 9 months you floated around in that pool of water? Do you remember moving down the birth canal heading for the wide open spaces? Do you remember when some individual grabbed you by the head and helped you enter the great unknown?
We, like Nicodemus, did not have control over our physical birth and neither did we have any control over our spiritual birth. Our spiritual birth is a gift from God the Father through the Holy Spirit.
Verse 9 indicates that Nicodemus is still having a problem understanding what Jesus is saying. So he asks Jesus, “How can these things be?
Jesus responds to Nicodemus with a question. Jesus says, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things” (v. 10)?
At this time Jerusalem had been hearing the voice of John the Baptist preaching that as Israel had fallen into unworthiness all Israel must repent and be baptized, thus turning from darkness to the faith and beginning a new life. The Pharisees said this was untrue and did not believe John.
Nicodemus knew the Old Testament but did not understand the words concerning the Messiah. Nicodemus had a great amount of knowledge and we can have a great amount of knowledge, but this will not save us. We can know the words in the Bible from cover to cover, but we must know God’s plan of salvation for us.
Jesus said, “We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness” (v. 11). We can be sure that the things Jesus spoke are truthful and faithful sayings. However, there are still many people today who do not believe. If we do not understand earthly things concerning the kingdom of God on earth, like the new birth, we will not understand heavenly things.
Jesus went on to say, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven” (v. 13). Only Jesus can reveal to us God’s will for our salvation. God’s will for mankind is that no one should perish. God’s plan was to redeem mankind through the Cross. “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 3:16).
Verse 17 says, “God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Our God is not a self-centered God. His love reaches out for each one of his children. His love is so great that he gave his Son as punishment for our sins. Would we be willing to take punishment for someone because of our love for them?
Jesus said, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (v. 18). When Jesus speaks of unbelievers, he is talking about people who openly reject or ignore his offer completely.
Fearful people will often put their faith in some material possession, like business, money, real estate or entertainment instead of putting their faith in Jesus. God the Son is the only one who can save us from our fears and the biggest fear being condemnation. We, as believers, have a place reserved for us in the kingdom of God. We will spend eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
5. Did Nicodemus accept Jesus’ response?
Nicodemus became a secret follower of Jesus. The other Pharisees hated Jesus and wanted to kill him. When the religious leaders attempted to arrest Jesus, Nicodemus spoke up in defense of Jesus.
John 7:50, 51
Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?”
Nicodemus risked his reputation and position when he spoke these words. Nicodemus brought to light the fact the Pharisees did not keep their own laws. Pride crept in and now they were even more determined to get rid of Jesus. What was right according to their law no longer was an issue.
The next and last time we hear of Nicodemus is when he and Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Scripture says, “Joseph of Arimathea was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night” (John 19:39). Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were both secret followers of Jesus.
Conclusion:
Nicodemus came to Jesus by night because he feared of what the other Pharisees would say or think. Jesus answered his unspoken question by saying, “…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (v. 3). He was puzzled at first, but later became a faithful disciple of Christ.
Amen.
