Jesus’ Nighttime Interview
John 3:1-21
John 3 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It contains one of the most loved verses (3:16). [It is a personal favorite of mine since God used the verses of our text to change my life in December, 1967.] It deals with man’s greatest spiritual need—The need to be “born again.” Without being “born again” no one can enter the Kingdom of God.
CONTEXT: Jesus recently cleansed the Temple. It must have been the “talk of the town.” Perhaps Nicodemus was there when it happened. He witnessed some of the miracles Christ did (2:23). He saw something in Jesus he had never seen before. He wanted to know more, and came to Jesus at night seeking a private interview.
Why did he came at night? Was he afraid of what other Pharisees might think? Was he embarrassed? Or, was it because it was the only time he could fit the meeting into his busy schedule? Whatever the reason, the most important thing is He came to the right person and that HE CAME AT ALL! Some will not come to Jesus no matter what time it is!
The interview can be divided into three parts as it develops: I. Jesus and Nicodemus–FACE to FACE (vs 1-3).
A. The CHARACTER of Nicodemus.
1. His position—A Pharisee. The religious elite.
- “Pharisee” = “separated.” Ultra-separatist.
- •Strict observance of the Law
- •Prayed, fasted twice a week, and tithed (Luke 18:10-12)
- Outwardly righteous (Mt. 5:20).
II. Jesus and Nicodemus–MIND to MIND (vs. 4-8).
- Understanding the meaning of the new birth
A. Nicodemus’ CONFUSION (v.4).
- Nicodemus is thinking in terms of “the natural man” (cf.1 Cor. 2:14)
- Thinking only in the physical realm—
B. Jesus’ CLARIFICATION (vs. 5-8).
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