JESUS and NICODEMUS John 3:1-9
This post discusses lessons learned from what Jesus told Nicodemus.
Jesus observed that many people believed on Him due to His miracles.
However, Jesus refused to accept Nicodemus and these people as disciples. Jesus knew their hearts and rejected those who only believed because of His miracles.
At this point, two facts emerge:
1.Jesus’ omniscient character comes out because He knew what was in the people’s hearts or minds.
2.Belief on Jesus alone, even if based on His miracles, did not make one a disciple.
The people saw the miracles and believed. But belief alone did not give them entrance into the kingdom of God.
However, Nicodemus distinguished himself from most people. He wanted more information. So, he came at night to talk to Jesus and expressed his belief, John 3:1-2:
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”
Note, in Nicodemus’ profession of faith, he did not ask Jesus a question. But Jesus knew the question in his heart. Nicodemus wanted to obtain salvation and get into God’s kingdom.
So, Jesus explained what Nicodemus lacked, “…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Then, an obviously confused Nicodemus asked, “How can a man be born when he is old?”
Jesus explained further, “… unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Jesus defines completed conversion—being born again—to Nicodemus. This single act involves man’s part—subjecting oneself to water baptism—and the Spirit’s part, salvation and entrance into the kingdom of God.
This salvation and entrance into the kingdom of God finally became available to all people after Jesus returned to heaven. Peter told those guilty of murdering Jesus how to gain remission of sins and be saved, Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
What do we learn from these scriptures?
1.Jesus rejects disciples based on belief alone, even if based on His miracles.
2.Acceptance by Jesus requires a rebirth, namely, baptism.
3.A rebirth in baptism adds one to the kingdom of God.
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