Nicodemus – A Question Answered

Spiritual Treasure from John's Gospel

Nicodemus – A Question Answered

John 3:14-21

 

Nicodemus was told that he needed a new nature in order to be a part of God's kingdom. That naturally leads him to ask this question; "How does this come about?" (vs9)  Jesus didn't lecture Nicodemus about changing his distorted religious practices, nor did He speak of specific sins. He addressed the larger matter of the sin nature – the fallen nature that compels a man to cover himself with a fig leaf and run for the bushes when God comes calling. It is this nature that causes a man to love darkness because the light exposes the wilderness that exists in his heart. Still, Jesus doesn't force Nicodemus into the light, He invites him in. Nicodemus will be inclined to walk into the light if he understands that Jesus came to express the Father's love and to bring eternal life.

 

Jesus does mention condemnation and its result (man will perish) – but He focuses on what the Son has done so that man will not experience judgment (3:16-18). At the cross we see the awful wrath of God toward our sin at the very same moment we see His mercy and love, for "God so loved, that He gave. . ."   The Father sent His beloved Son to be lifted up on the cross so that the sinner will be lifted out of the corruption of his fleshly nature.  Jesus invites us into the light, for that is where we see our need for a savior and the gift of life He offers. Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

We live in a world that is estranged from God, but we can participate in the things of God as we habitually live in the light and practice the truth. As we do, the world will see that our deeds are rooted in dependence upon God (3:21) . . .

And His glory will be seen on earth!