106. Nicodemus, Jesus and
106. Nicodemus, Jesus and
106 JESUS AND NICODEMUS
INTRODUCTION Too much confusion about this; "born anew," "born from above, " "born again," or "born of the water and the Spirit ·~" all mean the same thing.
I. WHO WAS NICODEMUS?
1. A Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews ;· member of the Sanhedrin.
2. "Came by night, " Why? (Difference between faith and opinion .) 3. Believed Christ was the Son of God; yet he had to be born again.
4. It takes more than faith only.
5. Took Jesus’ part (John 7:50) ; helped to bury him. (John 19:39.) II. OBJECTIONS ANSWERED 1. One theory: "born of the water"-natural birth. (This makes two births and is against God’s word.)
2. Another "born of the water" -baptism and "born of the Spirit"-(When raised from the dead) this makes two also.
3. John 3:8 has reference to "the one" and not the process of birth. lll . NICODEMUS’ CONDITION 1. Jesus knew his heart (John 2:25); hence anticipated him and answered his heart.
2. Nicodemus wanted to enter the kingdom and that by Jewish or fleshly birth.
3. Jesus answered "except one be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom."
4. "Except ," this is the only way to enter the kingdom.
5. John the Baptist taught the same. (Matthew 3:9-12.) 6. There is such a radical change that it is called a birth.