The Lord Jesus opens His heart to a 'ruler of Jews', to a 'Pharisee', to a 'teacher of Israel'. Because most of the discourses recorded in John's gospel are for the most part addressed to the opposing hierarchical, religious controlling body in Jerusalem, who questioned Jesus in an aggressive way, the friendly interview granted Nicodemus, results from the knowledge that the Lord had the heart of a man, showing that even party leaders were welcome when they came in the right spirit.

John 3:2 "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.'"

The timidity of his approach to Christ is marked by the words "came ... by night." Most likely because he feared to lose credibility with his unbelieving colleagues of the Sanhedrin. Behind timidity is fear, and the fear of man does ensnare and hinder open, straightforward, and confident behaviour. From here on, in this gospel, even when Nicodemus does something bold, he is introduced as the one who had come to Jesus at night (John 7:50-51; 19:39 ). A full commitment to Christ, that does all things through Christ who fully strengthens, fully breaks off timidity.

Nicodemus testified that Christ's miracle-working power was evidence of His God-sent Mission. The Lord also claimed this to be so (John 5:38 ). Also, Peter asserted this fact (Acts 10:38 ). It is the teaching that is confirmed by miracle signs. Uplifting Christ Jesus and His claims and Lordship, will be accompanied today with signs following.

Seeing Jesus as a teacher only is to misunderstand who He is - the Son of God, and full revelator. Nicodemus was talking to the one different from all other teachers - THE Teacher. He came to the right person for further and true light, even the words of eternal life. Jesus stands unrivalled as "the truth."

---

To Comprehend And To Participate In Spiritual Truth It Is Necessary To Be Spiritual

John 3:3 "... Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

In answer to Nicodemus's assertion that Jesus is a teacher sent from God, Jesus spoke spiritual truths to him, immediately testing his ability to discern spiritual things. The Lord used the word "see".

"In the Greek it is 'eidon' meaning to 'perceive - understand - experience'." Spiros Zodhiates Th.D. - Lexicon to the New Testament

The emphasis of the word as used here means only the spiritually reborn are able to see, perceive, that is, have knowledge of, and become participators in the kingdom.

1 Corinthians 2:10,14 "But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit ... ¹⁴ But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

That the Lord Jesus used "the kingdom of God" in its application to the body of the born again believers, and the kingdom's manifestation through His Church, finds its support in the fourth gospel being a spiritual gospel. This spiritual aspect of the "kingdom of God" is emphasised in,

Romans 14:17 "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

In the community of believers, kingdom life is experienced as right living, rich relationships, and rapturous joy, all of which are in the Holy Spirit. Unless there is new birth, the spiritual cannot be experienced. Nicodemus, responding in the flesh to spiritual truth asked,

John 3:4 "Nicodemus said to Him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?'"

Giving proof positive that the natural, unspiritual man cannot discern the things of the Spirit of God. New birth is a supernatural creative act of the Holy Spirit.

---

Supernatural Birth Takes Place By The Word And The Holy Spirit

John 3:5 "Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

As in John 3:3, now again in John 3:5, Jesus, with great emphasis insists on the necessity of the new birth. "Most assuredly" cannot "see", not even "enter" the kingdom of God unless born of the Spirit. Both the word of truth and the work of the Holy Spirit are the cause of regeneration. "Born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5 ). Some hold that "water" refers to being born a first time, that is, born of a human mother, and a second time by the Spirit. Dake says, and so do others, that this is not the case.

"Not the natural birth, for Nicodemus already had this birth and he was told he had to be born again of both water and the Spirit." Dake

Again, others teach that "water" here refers to baptism as a requirement for salvation. Ryrie insists with other teachers:

"This would contradict many other New Testament passages (Ephesians 2:8-9 )." Ryrie

The beautiful order of salvation in Christ is, repentance and faith bring birth by the Spirit making us a new creation in Christ Jesus, then water baptism that witnesses to the new birth that has already been experienced through believing. (See this order in Mark 1:14-15; Acts 20:21; Romans 10:9 ). The answer to "born of water" lies in the use this fourth gospel makes of "water" as an emblem for the Word of God, defined for us in,

John 15:3 "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you."

"Since men are cleansed and born again by the Word (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23 ) it is clear that being born of water means being born again by the Word of God." Dake

Regeneration is expressly referred to the Word, and not to baptism. The Word is used by the Holy Spirit when He supernaturally makes us anew. Even if it were possible to be physically reborn it would not be spiritual regeneration.

John 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

Nicodemus is answered. Life of the Spirit can only be imparted by the Spirit. Therefore, being born again of the Holy Spirit is the only entrance into the kingdom of God. The invisible activity of the Holy Spirit is observed by His effect in and upon those who are born again.

John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Every born again person is a living proof of Holy Spirit supernatural work. Sadly, a teacher may have Bible knowledge yet be without spiritual comprehension (John 3:9-12 ). Heavenly things can only be received upon the Word of Christ (John 3:18 ). They are comprehensible in the Person and work of Christ.

---

Christ's Full And Perfect Explanation Of How A Man Can Be Born Again

	By acceptance of the necessity of Christ's death (John 3:14; Hebrews 7:27; 8:3; 9:7,12,22 ).
	By believing in and accepting the immensity of God's love in giving His Son (John 3:16 ).
	By accepting God's love for the world as a personal including of you as the whoever (John 3:15-16 ).
	By believing that there is a terrible end to be avoided, "should not perish" (John 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:10,15; Matthew 25:46 ).
	By believing in and receiving everlasting life. Everlasting in duration and excellence.
	By believing the good news that Jesus came not to condemn but to save (John 3:17-18 ).

Condemnation is already on those who do not believe (John 3:19-21 ). Every man has been given two choices - accept or reject the Lord Jesus Christ.

---

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What was it that Nicodemus could not understand even though he was a teacher? (John 3:3-9 ).
2. What do you think is the meaning of being 'born of water and of the spirit' (John 3:5 KJV ).