The Life and Ministry of Jesus
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 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.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:1–3
He comes with a genuine compliment. He’s no hypocrite. He says that we Pharisees have agreed that You are a teacher come from God. I think that he came to talk about the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees wanted to establish the kingdom and throw off the yoke of Rome, but they had no way of doing it. So Nicodemus comes, acknowledging that Jesus is a teacher come from God. The proof that he points to is the miracles Jesus performed. He had to recognize the miracles. Please notice that no one doubted the miracles of our Lord—not in that day! You’ve got to be a professor in a seminary today, removed by two thousand years and several thousand miles from the land where it all took place, and then you can doubt the miracles. But you will not find that either the friends of Jesus or His enemies ever doubted His miracles. 1
Personal Encouragement
What is it that draws you to Jesus? Is it His miracles, or is it just Him?
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4
It is only after being born again that your eyes are open to His kingdom.
A Prayer
Lord, teach me to keep seeking You, even more fervently through the hard times.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 1-10) (electronic ed., Vol. 38). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
