John 3:1-2 (WEL) There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 The same came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we can know that you have come from God as a teacher because no one can do these miracles that you do unless God is with him.”
Chapter summary:
Joseph Benson:
“In this chapter we have,
(1) Our Lord’s conference with Nicodemus, in the former part of which he states the nature and necessity of regeneration, John 3:1-10; and in the latter part shows the design of his coming into the world, and the absolute necessity of faith in him, John 3:11-21.
(2) John the Baptist’s discourse with his disciples concerning Christ, in which is contained his last testimony to him, occasioned by a dispute about his baptism, and that administered by Christ, John 3:22-36.”
V1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.
In chapter 3, we note how people respond to information. Probably news about Jesus was spreading quickly, particularly from His first miracle and other things Jesus did and taught.
Nicodemus wondered about Him and wanted more information. He was willing to seek and understand.
Most either enjoyed the show (miracles), enjoyed the food (feeding the 5,000 etc.), or Jesus’s teaching. These for the greater part never investigated or sought the truth about Jesus, the Messiah.
The Pharisees were a religious group of tradesmen, businessmen, etc., with some having much money. They were interested in obeying Mosaic Law as closely as possible. They had more of a spiritual mindset than the Sadducees, who were rich, influential, and the majority of Israel’s highest court—the Sanhedrin.
A leader of the Jews refers to Nicodemus’s position of learning, influence, and wealth as a member of the Sanhedrin.
V2 The same came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we can know that you have come from God as a teacher because no one can do these miracles that you do unless God is with him.”
Why at night? Perhaps timid, perhaps afraid of peer pressure or mocking, business and official responsibilities, or Jesus might have not had time until now. Obviously, he had asked the Lord Jesus for some time for him.
Rabbit is a term of respect for a religious teacher.
Nicodemus acknowledges:
- Jesus is a teacher
- Sent by God
- Did miracles
- Knew that God was with Jesus.
We learn:
- That Jesus takes time for people, interested in them to answer questions, preach the Gospel, and have that person trust in Jesus in faith.
- Nicodemus was aware of Jesus and sought for more information.
Questions:
- Who do you think Jesus is?
- Would you seek for more information?