Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
Jesus Explains the New Birth to Nicodemus
1There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2This man came to Him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher†, for no one could perform these signs You do unless God were with him.”
3Jesus replied, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4“But how can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked Him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”
5Jesus answered: “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. 8The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
9“How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus.
10“Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied. 11“I assure you: We speak what We know and We testify to what We have seen, but you do not accept Our testimony. 12If I have told you about things that happen on earth and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about things of heaven? 13No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. 14Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up†, 15so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.
16“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18Anyone who believes in Him is not judged, but anyone who does not believe is already judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
19“This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness† rather than the light, because their deeds were evil. 20For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”1
1 Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 38–39). Holman Bible Publishers.
#People =
#Time =
#Place =
#Obedient faith =
#Sin =
#Key Idea =
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
- Harmony of the Gospels on Founder's Passion
- Parallel Gospels = Luke's Explanation of His Own Research
- Harmony of the Four Gospels on Step Bible (After going to the site, click on resources on the top menu. Then click on Harmony of the Gospels to locate the section you want.
- Harmony of the Gospels on BlueLetterBible.org
Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.
Review and retell the story.
- What were you first told about where babies came from? How old were you when you learned the real story?
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- What can you find out about Nicodemus in verses 1-2? What is significant about his coming to Jesus? Why at night (see vv. 19-20)? Why was Jesus so direct with him?
- What two ideas about birth are Jesus and Nicodemus thinking of? What point is Jesus making by comparing spiritual birth to the wind? How does Jesus account for Nicodemus' lack of understanding?
- What does Jesus claim about himself in verses 13-15?
- From verses 16-18. what stands out to you about God? About what he wants to do? About how a person is condemned? How will belief show itself (vv. 15-21)?
- How is Jesus' use of the words "born again" similar to and different from the way it is used today? How would you define "born again" in your own words?
- What first aroused your interest in Jesus? Why?
- Where are you right now in the birthing process of spiritual life: Not yet conceived? Developing, but not so anyone could tell? Heavy with child and waiting? Kicking and screaming like an infant? Growing daily? Explain.
- When did you begin to see God as saving you, rather than condemning you?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- What transformative move needs to be made?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Take Away Challenges
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
PRAYER: In the Name of Jesus.
Other Resources:
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Articles
Devotions
- Links
John 3:1-21
Jesus Explains
the New Birth to Nicodemus
1There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the
Jews. 2This man came to Him at
night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher†, for no one could perform these
signs You do unless God were with him.”
3Jesus replied, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4“But how can anyone be born
when he is old?” Nicodemus asked Him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a
second time and be born?”
5Jesus answered: “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the
Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6Whatever is born of the
flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Do
not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. 8The wind blows where it pleases, and
you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is
going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
9“How can these things be?”
asked Nicodemus.
10“Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus
replied. 11“I assure you: We speak what We know and We testify to
what We have seen, but you do not accept Our testimony. 12If I have
told you about things that happen on earth and you don’t believe, how will you
believe if I tell you about things of
heaven? 13No one has ascended into heaven except the One who
descended from heaven—the Son of Man. 14Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up†,
15so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.
16“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His only Son, so that
everyone who believes in Him will not
perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send His Son
into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved
through Him. 18Anyone who believes
in Him is not judged, but anyone who does not believe is already judged,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
19“This, then, is the judgment:
the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness† rather than the light, because their deeds
were evil. 20For everyone who practices wicked things hates the
light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21But
anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be
shown to be accomplished by God.”
[1]
Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp.
38–39). Holman Bible Publishers.
Nicodemus: An Open-Minded Pharisee
Throughout His ministry Jesus clashed with the Pharisees because of their legalism, hypocrisy, and inflexible approach to religion. But Nicodemus was different. Although he was a Pharisee (John 3:1), probably a member of the Sanhedrin (“a ruler of the Jews,” John 3:1), and most certainly a respected Jewish teacher (John 3:10), he was interested in what Jesus had to say. He was open to Jesus’ teachings about the new birth and life in the Spirit.
Nicodemus never made an open declaration of faith in Jesus, as far as we know. But he did come to Jesus’ defense on one occasion (John 7:50). Along with Joseph of Arimathea, he claimed Jesus’ body after His crucifixion and helped prepare it for burial (John 19:39; see segment 205, “Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb,” p. 240). He may have been an undeclared or “secret” follower of Jesus.
https://youtu.be/qOz18_GwYJI
Take my Son John 3:1-21
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.
When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.
He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"
There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."
But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?"
Another voice angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandt's. Get on with the real bids!"
But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
"We have $10, who will bid $20?"
"Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters."
"$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?"
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"
A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."
"What about the paintings?"
"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!"
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?"
Because you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVES, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Born Again // Christ Brings Life June 12, 2022 Anthony Walker
Series: Be Different “Making
Transformative Moves” Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of
this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind.
Title: Different Mindset
Bookmark: Click Here
Opening
Thoughts: Rather than
embrace privilege, Jesus leveraged his status and privilege for the sake of
others. Being different demands that we redirect privilege and power to those
who are underprivileged and vulnerable.
v Jesus called us to be different.
o 2
Peter “alien sojourners”
v Privilege
o Financially,
racial, educated, blessed people.
o It
can make us blind
v Plan
flights
o 1st
Class
o Privilege
can be blind at times.
v John
3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his
one Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal
life.
o Neighborhood
of John 3
|
Nicodemus |
Samaritan |
|
Man |
Woman |
|
Named |
Nameless |
|
Teacher |
Dropout |
|
Pharisaic
Jew |
Sinful
Samaritan |
|
Night |
Noon |
|
Confidence |
Questions |
===============================================================
Text: John
3-4
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
3 Now there was a
Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling
council. 2 He
came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a
teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are
doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus
replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless
they are born again.[a]”
4 “How
can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot
enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus
answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God
unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh
gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You
should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The
wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where
it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]
9 “How
can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You
are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these
things? 11 Very
truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have
seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I
have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you
believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No
one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son
of Man.[e] 14 Just
as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be
lifted up,[f] 15 that
everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[g]
16 For
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
………….
Jesus Talks With a Samaritan
Woman
4 Now Jesus learned that
the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than
John— 2 although
in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So
he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4 Now
he had to go through Samaria. 5 So
he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had
given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s
well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the
well. It was about noon.
7 When
a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me
a drink?” 8 (His
disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
===============================================================
Summarize the main
story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.
v Review and
retell the story.
Reflections
for applications:
v
Privilege
gets you nowhere
o
You must be born
again. Romans 1 vs. Romans 2
v
Lack
of privilege does not disqualify
v
God wants to make a new you.
o
John
3:5 No one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of water and
the Spirit.
o
Galatians
3:27-29 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with
Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there
male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to
Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
v
Privilege
Brings Responsibility
Digging
Questions:
·
How
will you respond in generosity?
·
What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
·
What is God calling us to do?
Take Away
Challenges
·
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in
this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
·
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
·
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What
beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?
Hash tags #Give #Generosity
Sunday sermon link
https://youtu.be/qOz18_GwYJI
Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources: Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes
Comments and
resources with some more resources:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A1-11&version=NIV
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