John 3:1-2
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “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.”
Did Nicodemus have a question he was going to ask? Was he wanting to know what must he do to get to Heaven? I would think he thought he had it figured out. Just wanting to know more about the visit.
jason
Famine in the Land. Stop wandering! :-)
6 hours ago
4 comments:
hey jason,
my question is what else had happened in regard to the jewish rulers. do we know of any discourse between the jews and Jesus before this? was Nicodemus trying to justify himslef? The response makes sense if this was the case. does this help?
jason
This is what the Baker Bible Encyclopedia states about Nicodemus:
"Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin mentioned only in John’s Gospel (20:30, 31). Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, acknowledging him as a teacher sent by God (3:2). He was convinced that Jesus could not perform such things if God were not with him. Following an interchange concerning the need to be born again (v 3), Jesus asked how Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish religious court, could fail to understand such things (v 10). At that time he evidently made no profession of faith, but later did defend Jesus before the Sanhedrin (7:50–52). After Jesus’ death, Nicodemus openly assisted Joseph of Arimathea with the burial of his body (19:39–42).
Some scholars suggest that Nicodemus was one of the Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus, but did not confess him openly for fear of excommunication (12:42). Tradition subsequently held that he belonged to the household of faith, as one persuaded to believe through the word and deeds of Jesus, but intimidated by the religious establishment."
As it states, we do not know to much about Nicodemus other than the fact that he was a Jewish leader and was among the Pharisees. Based solely on the text I would say that there was definitely something drawing him (the Holy Spirit) to the truth of who Jesus was.
As far as him coming with a question....... I would say that he did have a question and it was revealed in his subtle approach.
“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.”
He is basically wanting Jesus to proclaim Himself to be the Messiah or a prophet. Jesus makes it clear that He is the Messiah by explaining the new birth in vs 5-8 and the Sonship and light statements in vs.16-21.
As far as discourses with other Jewish leaders prior to this...... I would say most definitely. For Nicodemus to come and seek out Jesus is evidence that there was talk among the Sanhedrin. Specific conversations I am not sure about but I think we can rest assured that some of the Pharisees were unhappy about Jesus' ministry and instruction and Nicodemus was more interested in the truth than customs and traditions.
Hope this helps...
Until He Returns,
good stuff, pastorj. If Flame does not have a song about Nicodemus, I think I've got one started...
Well a Pharisee came to our Messiah at night
He was lookin for the truth, he wasn't looking for a fight
This bro' was Nicodemus and he was of the Jewish council
And the Savior that redeemed us was about to give him counsel
Christ said I assure that you must be born again
If you hope to see God's kingdom, 'cause else He will not let you in
Nic' says 'how's an old man s'pose to be born when he's old?
Surely he can't enter twice into his mother's womb!'
Christ said 'I speak the truth, you must be born of water and Spirit,
'Cause like the wind that you don't see, it blowz and you just hear it!'
'Demus, he was still confused, he did not understand
So Jesus Christ elaborated revealing God's great plan
He talked a bit 'bout Moses 'cause he knew Nic' could relate
Remindin' him of how the prophet lifted up the snake
In this way, the Son of Man would also soon be lifted
'Cause God He loved the world so much that Christ His Son He gifted
Now if you will believe in Him, you'll have eternal life,
But if your pref' is darkness, then that means you hate the light
But if you live by truth, then you will come into that light
Giving glory to our Father through His Son, Jesus Christ!
(chorus:)
Nic! Nic! Nic-o-de-mus!
Christ came to re-deem us!
Nic! Nic! Nic-o-de-mus!
Christ came to re-deem us!
More to come...Contribute if you like.
j out
Rock On!! Oh wait.... I mean Rap On!
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