John 3:7,8 The Lord Jesus Teaches a Religious Leader
the Necessity of Being Born Again
Beloved Congregation. Last Lord’s Day we saw how that the Lord Jesus taught His followers the necessity of building one’s spiritual house upon a solid foundation by the telling of the parable of the two builders. Both houses of these individuals were very similar as far as the externals were concerned that meet the eye. The true difference between the two was only to be seen when the storms came upon these two houses. Then it became apparent that there was a vast difference between the house of the first builder and the second. The house of the foolish builder did not last but collapsed because it had not been built upon a solid foundation. The wise man’s house however stood firm, because it was founded upon solid rock. From this short, but very telling parable we are taught that our spiritual house, our real and only hope for eternity must rest, beloved, upon a solid foundation as well.
Well now, let us consider these things from the well known words of our text under the following theme, THE LORD JESUS TEACHES A RELIGIOUS LEADER THE NECESSITY OF BEING BORN AGAIN. In the first place let us consider A Self Assured Inquirer. Secondly, let us regard An Inquisitive Inquirer. In the third place let us examine A Divinely Instructed Inquirer.
In the first place let us consider A Self Assured Inquirer. Congregation, the life of the Pharisee Nicodemus has a certain amount of mystique about it doesn’t it? The reason for this is because, for one thing, here was a Pharisee that did not seem to set out to openly challenge the Lord Jesus in His teachings and claims. But rather, here was a man who was so intrigued by all that he had seen and heard concerning this traveling preacher that he sought to meet with the Lord under the cover of darkness, at night. To add to the mystery surrounding this individual is the fact that he, who was a teacher in Israel, showed so much ignorance when it came to understanding anything about the Kingdom of Heaven the Lord Jesus had come to bring. Really, when you think about it, congregation, this Master in Israel, as the Lord Jesus called him later on, was building his spiritual house upon a false foundation. Let us then seek to understand how the Lord Jesus sought to bring this well educated man to knowledge of the truth as he needed to know it for the well being of his soul.
Who was this man, Nicodemus? Verse 1 tells us that he was a man of the Pharisees, a ruler of the Jews. This means then that Nicodemus was one of the educated members of society, learned in many respects so that he also became a ruler over a synagogue. We would say that he was the chief teacher of a religious Jewish order. This means that the members of a synagogue recognized leadership qualities in this man as well as aptness to teach others. And so it is no wonder that the Lord also refers to him as a Master in Israel, although it was in a negative way due to his lack of true spiritual insight.
Now, this man went out to meet with the Lord Jesus in the evening hours of the day. Not a few Biblical scholars say that he did this to avoid slander upon his character as well as to prevent open controversy with respect to the Lord Jesus’ ministry. Whether this is true or not we cannot be sure of. For this interview took place early on in Christ’s ministry. But one thing is sure. Nicodemus wanted the opportunity to speak with the Lord Jesus alone so that he might come to clearer insights as to what he ought to make of him. As verse 23 of Chapter 2 points out, many in Jerusalem began to believe in Christ’s name because of the many miracles which He performed. On that basis, Nicodemus would investigate Christ’s teaching and testimony for himself. That cannot be done in a better way than by a one on one interview.
Just listen to how he starts, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God, for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him. In the first place, Nicodemus calls the Lord Jesus “rabbi”. While this may sound quite honoring in our ears, by this term he is giving the Lord the position of a travelling preacher with a following and nothing more. While this is totally unheard of in our day, this was not an uncommon thing in the Biblical era. And so Nicodemus regarded the Lord as nothing more than a travelling preacher with his own particular brand of teaching. But just listen again how this ruler in Israel states this, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God. Yes, congregation, Nicodemus associates himself with the prevailing thought of his own kind, the sect of the Pharisees. They have come to the conclusion that, well, this new travelling preacher is from God. Why? Because of His insight and wisdom? No. But only because of the demonstration of His power, because of His miracles.
No, Nicodemus nor the other Pharisees know anything about true religion. Really, Nicodemus does not know what he is talking about. He thinks he has to agree that well, yes, the Lord Jesus experiences the favor of God for otherwise He would not be able to perform the miracles He does. But in this confession he is no different from the people at large as we saw from Chapter 2:23. And, moreover he seeks to hide himself in the communal understanding of the sect of which he is a part. He does not dare to lay open and bare the thought of his own heart at this time. He seeks to shield himself behind the thoughts of his own kind. It is much safer that way you see. Human nature is easily frightened and intimidated to set forth their own personal views, especially when it is before some authority. It is more difficult to stand upon your own personal observations and beliefs. It is far easier is to put forth the ideas of a group and to agree with a communal thought. But Christ saw through Nicodemus’ life; He saw that it was full of thorns and thistles that were choking the good seed of the Gospel in his heart, leaving no room for it.
We know, Nicodemus said. By these words this inquirer makes two mistakes. Firstly, he tries to camouflage his own thoughts concerning the Lord’s ministry. It is much easier to hide behind the thoughts of the majority way of thinking. That way a person can mask his or her own thoughts and no one can charge them with anything. In the second place, when Nicodemus declares We know, he is speaking beyond the real meaning of these words. Oh yes, the Lord Jesus’ miracles, or signs, as the original reads, definitely point to something unusual, no doubt about that. But, that they were really from God, no, the Pharisees were not really willing to admit that. Nicodemus is hiding behind a general truth of which he really is not convinced, but through which he would seek to find out from the Lord how things really stand. No, Nicodemus cannot be regarded as a sincere inquirer at this point.
Well now, how is that with us, congregation, with you and me? For example, Why have you come to the house of God this morning? What is the real object of your being here? Is it to just meet family, friends and relations? Are some in church because they hope to hear something novel and entirely new? Or, are you here because it is the thing to do and even must do because of your parents? This is a serious question that you and I must seek to answer before the Lord. Are there any in our midst who have come up to the house of God with the prayer, O Lord remember me in grace, Let me salvation see; The grace Thou showest to Thy saints, That grace reveal to me. Oh, if there is one thing which the Lord does when He begins to work in a sinner’s heart it is to make him or her honest before the Lord. And that is what the Lord also does in the life of Nicodemus as we shall see. Which brings us to our second point, An Inquisitive Inquirer.
In verse 3 we are given the Lord’s answer to Nicodemus’ inquiry to Him. While it is not my object to focus directly on the answer the Lord gives to him we will of course deal with it when we come to the actual words of our text. But first of all notice how the Lord begins His answer. He says, Verily, verily I say unto you. Now, when the Lord uses such strong terms, that means He is really in earnest about something. It is of utmost importance. A direct translation of the Greek original is, Amen, Amen, meaning so be it, so be it. And what is it that is so important and really true? Well, precisely those well known words, Ye must be born again. In Revelation 3:14 the Lord Jesus Himself is called the “Amen”. By Him all things exist; through Him everything has its being. Well now, here the Lord Jesus speaks to a Master in Israel of the need to be re-created, to born again.
Well now, how will Nicodemus react to these unique words? Will he just dismiss them and continue with his own thoughts? No, Nicodemus does not. But, his curiosity has been raised. Yes, congregation, drawn by God the Father, his interest has been stirred and with a new desire he wishes to know more about this whole new idea concerning the new birth. Maybe some of you children know how Nicodemus answered the Lord Jesus. He said, must a man enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born? No, this Pharisee did not know anything at all about what the Lord Jesus was speaking about. A man cannot become a small baby and be born again into this world, can he? That’s just impossible. Nicodemus expects a negative answer to his question. And in one sense he is right. A man cannot re-enter his mother’s womb so that he can be born again. And yet, He must be born again! He must be made a new creature. For that which is born of the flesh, is flesh. That means that the natural life of mankind is of this earth and as such has no place in God’s Kingdom.
You see, all that is of this earth is earthy. That which is sinful will beget a sinful posterity. And no unrighteous person will be given an entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. And therefore except a man be born again, he can in no wise receive admittance into God’s Kingdom. That’s an impossibility. And therefore the Lord goes on to say, That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. A man cannot enter the Kingdom except he be born from above. Now, we can imagine puzzled Nicodemus’ face filled with amazement as he hears these words. No he does not understand a thing about it. And as the Lord Jesus speaks he sees that this travelling Rabbi is in earnest and means every word that He says. And so the Lord Jesus, knowing his thoughts continues, Marvel not that I said unto you that you must be born again.
Yes, congregation, as learned as he was, Nicodemus understood nothing of what the Lord Jesus spake to him. He is just filled with amazement at Christ’s words. Don’t forget, congregation, he is regarded as one of the spiritual elite. If there would be anyone who would be given entrance into God’s Kingdom, then it must be he and his counter parts, at least, that’s what he thought. But now the Lord breaks the bubble in his way of thinking. That’s not true at all. You see, the Pharisees thought that because Israel was a nation favored by God, the Lord would promote His Kingdom through her. Wouldn’t the promised Messiah ascend the throne of His father David? But the spiritual deficiencies of the nation were preventing the blossoming of that empire. Now, if the religious influence of the Pharisees could only be spread all over the land, then surely the Kingdom of God would make its appearance among them. The nation needs to improve herself morally so that she may receive her king. But that is all they thought would be necessary. A little bit of outward reformation would be sufficient. Yes then Israel would be ready to meet her King. Then she could throw off the yoke of the Romans.
And so it is no wonder that Nicodemus is filled with amazement. For the Lord Jesus speaks of the revelation of God’s Kingdom in such different terms than he is accustomed to speak of it. Only a select few would be given an entrance in this Kingdom according to Christ. Moreover it is neither a seen or unseen realm but is spiritual in nature. Yes the Kingdom of Christ would be entirely different from any which had appeared upon the earth. Did this Kingdom then mean the end of Israel? Would the people called after God’s name not have a part in it? Or even worse, would this mean the end of Israel’s special place in the world? Oh, so many questions which need to be answered for Nicodemus. The Lord Jesus’ talk concerning His Kingdom was on such a different plain that Nicodemus is intrigued by it all and filled with holy wonder. How can these things be? Must a man enter the second time in his mother’s womb? No, this demand to be born again, to be given a new heart, yes a whole new principle in one’s life is just beyond the Pharisee’s understanding; he cannot come to grips with it. Turning over a new leaf is not sufficient but mankind must become an entirely new creature. That was beyond Nicodemus’ ability to understand.
But the question remains, congregation, do we understand it, who know it so well, intellectually speaking? Concerning Nicodemus, the Lord Jesus says, Marvel not! Do not be amazed. Well now, have we ever been filled with holy wonder that the Lord is willing to have dealings with any sinners as we are? Realize well, that to be given entrance into God’s Kingdom, all things have to be made new in your life. The Lord must also make a new beginning with you, no matter how refined you may be. For He must change that stony heart of yours into a heart of flesh, really. For that natural heart of yours is dead, dead in trespasses and sins and therefore needs to be made alive by which you are made into a new creature. Has this truth ever intrigued you, my friend? Has it ever weighed heavily upon your heart? Has the Lord ever created in your life a longing, a need for something different so that you became dissatisfied with the outward shell of religion. You see, while you may be brought up in the church and be taught some basic truths from the Bible concerning sin and grace, that is not true religion! Nicodemus had much Biblical knowledge. But he did not know the power of God in his heart and life. And so he lacked everything and still remained outside of God’s Kingdom. And so do you, my friend, except you are born from above.