Religious but lost
“This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’
“Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he’” (John 3:2-4).
As a premier religious leader and teacher in Israel, Nicodemus visited with Jesus one night to inquire about His teachings. The Apostle John placed this meeting shortly after Jesus cleansed the temple and around the time of the Passover feast in Jerusalem. This eight-day festival drew tens of thousands of pilgrims to the Temple.
During the Passover week, many religious leaders observed Jesus overturning the money changers’ tables in the temple courtyard. In Matthew 21:12-14, the Bible says, “And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple and overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. And He said to them; It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a robbers’ den.’ And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.”
Jesus created excitement and pandemonium in the large crowds as He healed many people during this time. John 2:23-25 states, “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.”
Many people “believed in His name” because of the miracles He performed. In Hebrew, Yeshua, means “God saves.” Were they convinced He was a prophet and a teacher sent from God? Some did proclaim He was the Messiah.
Jesus knew their thoughts and actions. He knew most men and women would soon reject Him. They were not looking for a king that the Roman soldiers would execute on a cross. He knew they could not imagine He would die for their sins and be raised from the dead to bring salvation to many Jews and Gentiles. The Israelites did not want a suffering servant or sacrificial lamb. They wanted a strong, warrior king who would defeat their enemies and reign on earth like King David.
What Nicodemus knew about Jesus
Nicodemus observed Jesus in the synagogue, teaching and performing miracles. Nicodemus realized Jesus was a teacher with exceptional insights and wisdom from God. He was different from all the others. Nicodemus and the other contemporary religious leaders had never performed a “true” miracle.
Unlike the other Pharisees, Nicodemus believed Jesus had to be a teacher or prophet sent by God. He could not overlook the weight of the evidence of Jesus’ healings and His teachings. The other Pharisees, however, tried to explain away Jesus’ miracles. They said He was just another false prophet in the line of many leading people astray.
Nicodemus, however, is convinced that Jesus is on a divine mission since He possesses divine authority by which He speaks and heals.
Though many considered Nicodemus the leading teacher and scripture expert in Israel, he could not explain how Jesus could perform authentic miracles, proclaim the Holy Scriptures like no other, and claim to be equal to God.
Nicodemus sought a private audience
Nicodemus sought a private audience at night with Jesus to ask questions and share his thoughts unhurriedly. Nicodemus did not want others listening in and judging or embarrassing him.
He also feared associating with Jesus during the day. He did not want his friends and enemies to see him talking with Jesus. If the chief priests and elders found him conspiring with Jesus, Nicodemus could lose his position in the Sanhedrin and the community.
The Pharisees and members of the Sanhedrin refused to meet with Jesus. They hated and despised Him because He condemned and rebuked them openly to the crowds.
Empty on the inside
Though the Jewish society valued wealth and equated it with God’s blessings, Nicodemus must have known he was religious on the outside but empty inside. Jesus taught daily in the temple, and one of His messages may have convicted Nicodemus.
His fear, doubt, and apprehension were the real reasons for this meeting. As the teacher of Israel, who does he meet with if he questions his relationship with God? He does not want to expose his sin, lack of faith, doubts, and fears to others. If a religious leader like Nicodemus is not good enough to enter the kingdom of God, then who is able?
While others slept
The Bible says in John 3:2: “This man came to Jesus by night … While others enjoyed the evening or even sleeping, Jesus welcomed Nicodemus to sit down and talk.
Nicodemus made a desperate inquiry and pleaded for the truth. He could not understand why Jesus condemned him and the other Pharisees and Sadducees while healing the people, which was a miracle only God could do.
Nicodemus saw the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers cleansed, the deaf hear; the dead raised, and the poor had the gospel preached to them.
Nicodemus knew the Scriptures. He meditated on them day and night. The Messianic writings of Isaiah must have flooded his mind. Could Jesus be the Messiah?
Isaiah wrote several passages that pointed to Jesus. In Isaiah 29:18-19, the prophet wrote: “On that day the deaf will hear words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the Lord, and the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”
In Isaiah 61:1, the Bible says: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners.”
These Scriptures identified the Messiah as Jesus, because of His unique works and healings. What was astounding? Nicodemus was sitting across from the Messiah at this meeting but did not know it. Though Nicodemus had studied the Torah for decades, prayed hourly, observed Jesus’ miracles, and heard His sermons and teachings, he and the other Pharisees were spiritually blind to Jesus being the Son of God.
Nicodemus and the Pharisees did not understand the truth that Jesus, the Messiah, came as the “Lamb of God” to offer salvation to all men and women. His redemptive work on the cross was about to bring the promised salvation to His people.
Demons knew Jesus was the Holy One of God
Why could not Nicodemus and the other religious leaders of Israel recognize Jesus as the “Holy One of God,” while a demon who possessed a man acknowledged Jesus?
Luke 4: 33- 37, says, “In the synagogue, there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!’But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet and come out of him!’ And when the demon had thrown him down amid the people, he came out of him without harming him. And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking, saying, ‘What is this message? For with authority and power, He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.’ And the report about Him was spreading into every locality in the surrounding district.”
The demons or fallen angels knew Jesus to be the Son of God. Before their fall, they were once in His presence in heaven – worshipping Him. The Bible says when God the Father again brings the firstborn into the world, “He says, ‘And let all the angels of God worship Him’” (Hebrews 1:6).
Jesus is more excellent than Nicodemus ever envisioned
At this late-evening meeting with Jesus, Nicodemus opened the conversation and said, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (John 3:2).
Nicodemus called Jesus, “Rabbi,” which exhibits great respect. It is the same title many Jews used to address Nicodemus.
Nicodemus correctly assessed that Jesus is a “teacher comes from God,” and God is “with Him.” It is true that Jesus is a “teacher who comes from God.” He did come down from heaven to earth. And God the Father is “with Him.”
Jesus, however, was much greater than Nicodemus ever envisioned. He is God, the second person, and godhead in the “Trinity.” He is the Messiah. Nicodemus realized He displayed the power of God in His teachings and working of signs.
If other Pharisees had heard Nicodemus’ complimentary statements about Jesus, they would have immediately tried to remove him from the Sanhedrin. Like a few other Israelites, Nicodemus assumed Jesus had to be a teacher and a prophet from God. However, Jesus did not fit into their view of how the coming Messiah would look and act.
Nicodemus and other religious leaders expected the Messiah to be a “Savior and Champion.” He would soon show up on the scene to deliver the Jews from the Romans’ occupation. The Messiah would then establish His kingdom and reign on earth.
Nicodemus saw Jesus alienating most religious leaders and not taking any steps to establish a kingdom on earth. Jesus spoke about God’s love and peace for mankind, and not about fighting and overthrowing the oppressive Roman government. Nicodemus did not know what to think about Jesus.
Isaiah 19:20 states: “It will become a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will deliver them.”
Nicodemus had evaluated the facts and concluded that Jesus was not the deliverer. Since there had not been a prophet in Jerusalem since Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, all of whom lived at the end of the 70-year Babylonian exile in 539 BC, Nicodemus surmised that God had sent Jesus, another great teacher, and prophet. He knew Jesus taught the Mosaic law and truths like no other, and His miracles were not counterfeit.
Nicodemus did not comprehend that Jesus was more than a profit, however. Jesus’ miracles were His credentials as Messiah and the Son of God.
Jesus knew Nicodemus’ thoughts
Nicodemus believed he came that night to learn more about Jesus’ message and His relationship with God. However, in truth, Nicodemus was questioning his relationship with God.
Jesus listened to Nicodemus’ opening statement. He ignored it. He did not even address Nicodemus’ complimentary words. Jesus knew why Nicodemus came. He knew Nicodemus’ heart and thoughts.
How do I get into the kingdom of God?
Jesus addressed the question Nicodemus did not ask: “How do I get into the kingdom of God?” Nicodemus had superficial faith. He was religious but lost. He was dead spiritually.
As a Pharisee, Nicodemus was a legalist. He had reached the high point of Judaism, and he was not in the kingdom of God! Nicodemus knew it, and his heart was probably full of fear. He had no peace. He had no assurance or forgiveness.
He asked in his heart, “What can I do? I’ve done everything I know to do. I’ve kept every traditional Mosaic law and ritual I know to keep. I have done good work. I am better than other people.”
Moreover, Jesus told Nicodemus he could not do anything to enter the kingdom of God. Nobody who is not “born from above” enters the kingdom through a spiritual transformation and regeneration that only the Holy Spirit provides – a new birth.
Nicodemus’ apostate brand of Judaism did not know anything about rebirth. Most leaders like Nicodemus believed to be born a Jew was to be born into the kingdom of God. They believed the Gentiles, however, were born “lost” and destined to eternal punishment and separation from God.
Jesus knew Nicodemus relied on his works and his religious position to presume he was in good standing with God. Nicodemus’ sin and false religious beliefs, however, separated him from God.
Jesus declared to Nicodemus that his system of religion did not and could not save anyone. It led men and women to hell. Jesus told Nicodemus he needed a new spiritual birth, an act of God whereby He gives eternal life to the believer to become a child of God.
God’s plan of salvation
Jesus presented God’s plan of salvation to Nicodemus. “Jesus answered and said to Nicodemus, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’” (John 3:3).
As a master teacher, Jesus spoke in the third person to encourage a spiritual discussion with Nicodemus. Jesus said, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Jesus used an allegory to teach Nicodemus eternal truth. Nicodemus, taking the illustration of the new birth, asked how he could enter his mother’s womb and be born again. Nicodemus’ thoughts reverted to his works-belief system. He was thinking about something he might be able to achieve.
Anōthen
The Greek word “anōthen,” used to decide “born,” can emphasize two distinct meanings – “born again” or literally “born from above.” Both are perfect translations.
The New International Version reads: “In reply, Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
When the word “anōthen” concerns position, it means from above.” For example, John 3:31 reads: “The one who comes from above is above all…” John 19:11 says: “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” James 1:17 says: “Every good and perfect gift is from above…”
Jesus used the word with both meanings: “born again” or “born from above,” to make Nicodemus realize he needed a new spiritual birth from God above.
Complete regeneration – a work of God only
Jesus used the analogy of birth to show those seeking to enter the kingdom of God and receive salvation and eternal life, must be born from above first. It is a work of regeneration by God only. Being “born from above” is the doctrine of regeneration. It is the heart of understanding salvation.
Regeneration ensues when the Holy Spirit draws a person to Himself and gives a new heart and new spirit to that person. It enables the “spiritually dead” person to believe, repent, and come to Christ in faith.
When Jesus interrupted Nicodemus with the phrase, “You must be born again,” he had to be disarmed and disoriented. Can you imagine Nicodemus’ reaction to Jesus telling him that he was not in the kingdom of God?
Jesus declared the kingdom of heaven’s doors are open to those who abandon all human effort as a means of salvation and stop trying to earn their way into the kingdom. Those elected are born from above by God’s power and will.
The kingdom of God is a state of salvation. God’s people have eternal life and are on their way to heaven.
Being “born from above” is not something that Nicodemus could do to be spiritually reborn. He also did not have anything to do with his physical birth. Both were out of his control.
Jesus told Nicodemus that his birth as a Jew would not save him. Satan had deceived Nicodemus. He thought he and his fellow Pharisees held the keys to the kingdom. They saw themselves as the guardians of the Law of Moses. They believed they were the faithful remnant of Judaism. They were the “gatekeepers” of the kingdom, governing it by the rules. Jesus destroyed those lies.
Being “born from above” is an act of recreation by God. This new birth brings about a new nature and a new life. It is a work of God, a miracle that comes down from heaven.
It is impossible
Nicodemus understood Jesus was referring to both natural childbirth and spiritual rebirth. Therefore, he concluded it was impossible for a man to enter the womb again and to be born again.
“Born again” would lead to that conclusion. What does it mean to be regenerated? And who prompts the regeneration – God or man?
Nicodemus answered in the third person, “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus used Jesus’ analogy. “He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he” (John 3:4)?
Nicodemus did not immediately ask why Jesus brought up the topic of being born again. He knows Jesus just read his mind. He understands that Jesus plainly said, “You can’t get in the kingdom by your works, just as you cannot bring about your birth.”
As a great educator and leading Rabbi, Nicodemus used many analogies, illustrations, and parables in his teachings, too. He recognized Jesus was not speaking of literal rebirth. Nicodemus presses the impossible meaning of the words to try to draw forth the actual message. He wanted to know how he could start all over and go back to the beginning.
Jesus said the new birth was something Nicodemus could not do anything about and control. So, Nicodemus decided it was humanly impossible. Jesus’ choice of words forced Nicodemus in that direction.
Jesus did not tell Nicodemus how to be born again. Jesus did not tell Nicodemus what to do since he could do nothing to earn salvation.
Jesus provided the word of God to Nicodemus. But how would the word of God change his religious views and faith? In Romans 10:16, the Apostle Paul wrote, “However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
Nicodemus thought there were several pathways to salvation, including religion, ceremony, ritual, morality, and human goodness. That’s why Jesus told him he must be born from above. God must do the work of the new creation in Nicodemus’ heart and soul.
Nicodemus understood God created every child in the womb, and He has a plan for every life. King David wrote in Psalm 139: 13-17: “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will thank You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!”
Starting all over again
Jesus told Nicodemus that entrance to God’s kingdom was not a matter of adding something to all his efforts, not doing another religious devotion, but starting all over again by the power of God.
Jesus highlighted the Holy Spirit’s act – born from above — awakening the spiritually dead to spiritual, everlasting life. God’s work gives men and women the spiritual ability to respond to God and faith.
God regenerates men and women when they respond to His call with faith and repentance. Regeneration is a spiritual work, a secret, hidden work of the Holy Spirit in the spirits of men and women that results in saving faith. It is the first work of God within a person. Christians are elected, regenerated, and converted by God.
Regeneration of the individual is required to enter the kingdom. God rules the people in His kingdom. They have eternal life, and they are on their way to heaven. The only way to enter the kingdom of God is by being born again. Apart from that, no one comes into the kingdom of God.
Unlike others, Nicodemus sought Jesus to find the truth. He is an example of someone who humbled himself to seek God’s truth, and he had an encounter with God, Jesus Christ.
In Titus 3:5, the scripture says, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”
God gives eternal life. A person cannot live in His kingdom unless he or she is a partaker of God’s divine nature and a new creation in Christ. The analogy is a new birth.
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is opened only to those who experience the divine miracle of regeneration. Many “religious” people will populate hell. Why? They have trusted their religion to save them, rather than believing and having faith in Jesus Christ alone.
(E-Book: Born from Above; Introduction; Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9; Chapter 10; Chapter 11; Chapter 12; Epilogue)