John 3:3-13, Gospel Bridges (Nicodemus, 2)

Let’s follow Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus.  First, pay attention to what Jesus said, and consider it in your own life.  Then, pay attention to how Jesus confronted this seeker who had devoted his life to his religion.

·       Jesus, v3: Unless one is born of God, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

·       Nicodemus, v4: How can this happen?  (He sees from an earthly perspective.)

·       Jesus, v5-8: He gives further explanation.

o   v5: “Water and Spirit” speaks of the two births: human (from the womb, water) and spiritual (by the Spirit of God).  God’s kingdom is a “spiritual” kingdom, thus requiring a spiritual birth (v6).  Therefore, don’t be surprised that you must be born again (v7).

o   v9: Nicodemus’ question was “how.”  So Jesus continued, explaining that the Spirit is sovereign in the new birth.  When we say that, it does not mean that God lacks a plan.  It does say that Nicodemus’ good works had nothing to do with the working of the Holy Spirit.  Regeneration is totally the work of God.

·       Nicodemus, v9: The question in v4 was answered in v5-7.  The question in v9 is brought about by Jesus’ additional teaching in v8.  This goes against everything Nicodemus had been taught about how to have a right standing with God. 

o   Read Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3:4-7 and you will get insight into Nicodemus’ perspective.  The whole point of Pharisaical religion was to “put confidence in the flesh.”  Nicodemus had to come to the point Paul came to, where “what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.”  Many people are like this.  They believe they are well across the “bridge to God” but, in fact, have missed the onramp and are headed into the river.

o   Titus 3:5 addresses Nicodemus’ need: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

o   1 Peter 1:3 also refers to God’s mercy as the motivation behind the Spirit’s sovereign work.  Peter also helps us see that regeneration is the work of the Triune God.  The new birth required and requires the resurrection of Christ.  Our new life is resurrection life: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

·       Jesus, v10-21: We believe that Jesus was still speaking with Nicodemus until v22 says, “after these things.”  In this passage, Jesus gives a clear announcement of the gospel, that there is a way to God through His life, death and resurrection.  It is a message that calls us to faith.  But remember, we must reject the thought that something in our present lives will bring us across the bridge of faith to God.  Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.