A Man of the Pharisees Named Nicodemus
April/10/2008 Filed in: Daily Walk
Series
• New
Testament Reading: John 3:1-36
• Old Testament Passage: Psalm 22
• Points to Ponder
“A Man of the Pharisees Named Nicodemus”
One of the arguments employed by those who rejected and opposed Jesus and the early Christians
was that no one of the Jewish leaders believed him. In other words, the only people Jesus was able to
scam were those who were unschooled and ordinary. Those with education and knowledge of the
scriptures saw through the lies and cheap tricks. So, John introduces us to Nicodemus, “a man of the
Pharisees...a member of the Jewish ruling council, who at this point may not have been convinced
but was certainly interested enough to check him out. We will meet Nicodemus later when he is
obviously no longer hiding in the shadows of the night.
The content of Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus cannot afford to be overlooked, but there is not
time in this kind of study to discuss it in detail. Suffice it to say that Jesus taught Nicodemus that
one cannot slip into the kingdom of God but rather must experience a rebirth -- only those who are
born again of water and the spirit will see or enter the kingdom of God! This is a clear reference to
the experience of baptism (see Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-4; etc.). If people are not saved, it isn’t because
of God’s lack of effort, but rather because people refuse to come into the light. They don’t want
their deeds exposed.
We then see John the Baptist back on the stand testifying in Jesus behalf (vv. 22-36). He makes clear
that there are eternal implications to accepting or rejecting Jesus. Accept that Jesus is “the one who
comes from above...whom God has sent” and you have eternal life. Reject him and “God’s wrath
remains on” you. Salvation or condemnation; heaven or hell; grace or judgment - there is no middle
ground - if Jesus is the Son of God, then who you decide he is will live for eternity!
• Questions to Consider: In the book of Acts, Luke emphasizes a number of politically, socially,
and religiously influential people who became Christians. What argument or objection do such
examples try to counter and why is this important, even in today’s world? Do you really believe
that those who accept Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, are saved and that those who don’t
are lost? Explain your answer.
• Old Testament Passage: Psalm 22
• Points to Ponder
“A Man of the Pharisees Named Nicodemus”
One of the arguments employed by those who rejected and opposed Jesus and the early Christians
was that no one of the Jewish leaders believed him. In other words, the only people Jesus was able to
scam were those who were unschooled and ordinary. Those with education and knowledge of the
scriptures saw through the lies and cheap tricks. So, John introduces us to Nicodemus, “a man of the
Pharisees...a member of the Jewish ruling council, who at this point may not have been convinced
but was certainly interested enough to check him out. We will meet Nicodemus later when he is
obviously no longer hiding in the shadows of the night.
The content of Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus cannot afford to be overlooked, but there is not
time in this kind of study to discuss it in detail. Suffice it to say that Jesus taught Nicodemus that
one cannot slip into the kingdom of God but rather must experience a rebirth -- only those who are
born again of water and the spirit will see or enter the kingdom of God! This is a clear reference to
the experience of baptism (see Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-4; etc.). If people are not saved, it isn’t because
of God’s lack of effort, but rather because people refuse to come into the light. They don’t want
their deeds exposed.
We then see John the Baptist back on the stand testifying in Jesus behalf (vv. 22-36). He makes clear
that there are eternal implications to accepting or rejecting Jesus. Accept that Jesus is “the one who
comes from above...whom God has sent” and you have eternal life. Reject him and “God’s wrath
remains on” you. Salvation or condemnation; heaven or hell; grace or judgment - there is no middle
ground - if Jesus is the Son of God, then who you decide he is will live for eternity!
• Questions to Consider: In the book of Acts, Luke emphasizes a number of politically, socially,
and religiously influential people who became Christians. What argument or objection do such
examples try to counter and why is this important, even in today’s world? Do you really believe
that those who accept Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, are saved and that those who don’t
are lost? Explain your answer.