Articles
Nicodemus
Nicodemus
In John 3:1-21, we are introduced to a man by the name of Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a religious man. This would seem to be to his credit. Many people think religion is the goal of our spiritual search. Others study religions and select one to follow. Religion has never been the goal. Almost everyone has a religion (Buddhism, Humanism, Hinduism, and any other –isms with may exist). The goal is to become a new person in Christ and not a religious person only.
Nicodemus Was A Curious Man
He was curious about the man Jesus; whether He was the Messiah, whether He was a messenger, or both. He was curious about the teachings of Jesus.
Nicodemus Was A Confused Man
He was confused about what Jesus said. Jesus said one must be born again. Jesus knocked the props out from under Nicodemus because he thought being a son of Abraham was enough. Nicodemus thought being religious was sufficient. Nicodemus was confused about spiritual truths. He tried to understand spiritual truths intellectually. Nevertheless, we must be spiritual minded regarding spiritual things.
Nicodemus Was A Fortunate Man
He received further instruction. Jesus made sure Nicodemus understood the truth about spiritual rebirth. Some are not so fortunate. Listen to your Bible! In Matthew 13:13-15, the Bible reads, “This is the reason that I speak to them in parables: because having the power of seeing, they do not see; and having the power of hearing, they do not hear, nor do they grasp and understand. In them indeed is the process of fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah, which says: You shall indeed hear and hear but never grasp and understand; and you shall indeed look and look but never see and perceive. For this nation’s heart has grown gross (fat and dull), and their ears heavy and difficult of hearing, and their eyes they have tightly closed, lest they see and perceive with their eyes, and hear and comprehend the sense with their ears, and grasp and understand with their heart, and turn and I should heal them.”
Nicodemus Was A Sinner In Need
Jesus reprimanded him because he should have known these things, he doubted the words of Jesus, and his spiritual growth was hindered. So, Jesus preached to him about the incarnation, the atonement, and faith in the Savior.
As Christians, we need to be like Nicodemus and gain a curiosity about Jesus and His word. This curiosity would prompt us to diligently seek Him and study our Bibles to learn more about Him (Hebrews 11:1 & 2 Timothy 2:15). In life, there will be times in which we are confused about some things like Nicodemus was. Nevertheless, we must always recognize where confusion comes from, turn from it, and to God and His word (1 Corinthians 14:33). It is in His word, we receive all things which pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). At times, we may look at our situation and view ourselves as unfortunate, but when we are knowledgeable of truth and living in it, then we need to consider ourselves fortunate God sent Jesus to open our eyes so we may see the glorious light of the gospel (Luke 4:16-19 & 2 Corinthians 4:3-6). We need to be thankful to God for His ability and untiring labor of showing us our condition before Him and at the same time providing the grace we need to be made right before Him (Romans 3:23, James 1:21-25, & Hebrews 4:16).
