#4 – Knowing God Better – John 2 & 3

We’re going to skip chapter 2, except for one verse toward the end. John 2:23 says:

23 “Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him.”

One of those people was Nicodemus.

But he had a problem. Nicodemus held a prestigious position in the community. He was a religious leader. A *Pharisee*. Have you ever heard that term, “Pharisee?”

These are the only people we ever see Jesus criticizing. And he was tough on them.

For two reasons:

1. They were proud, ostentatious religious leaders who lived for the praise of others. Had to have the best seats at banquets. Be noticed. Though the Pharisees were the religious leaders, Jesus said they were far from God, having no sincere heart for God.

2. They concocted crazy, impossible religious regulations that they demanded others follow. None of these rules had anything to do with knowing God or being in relationship with him.

Not only were they prideful and legalistic. The Pharisees were the worst kind of hypocrites. That’s where we get the word, “Pharisaical.”

Ok, so one of these Pharisees named Nicodemus had a problem. He has realized that Jesus is from God. So he comes to Jesus, at night, when none of his buddies will see him.

John, chapter 3, starting with verse 2:

“After dark one evening, he [Nicodemus] came to speak with Jesus.
‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.'”

What do you suppose Jesus did? In 1Peter 5:5 it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Jesus responds to Nicodemus with truth and kindness.

3 “Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

Q – Why do you think Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to start over, and be born again?
A –

Nicodemus was confused:

4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus explains that he’s referring to a spiritual birth.

Q – According to verse 6, who gave birth to your relationship with God?
A –

6 “Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”

And this is the issue. The Pharisees focused on their rituals, strict doctrines, external do-gooding. They expected God to honor them for their effort.

But we don’t come to God with our credentials. God accepts us when we come to him for new life. When we put our faith in him, we are “born again” by the Holy Spirit.

Here is Jesus clear message to Nicodemus. Nicodemus needed to stop believing in himself. And instead believe in Jesus, because:

15 everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

Q – Do you believe in Jesus? According to Jesus, what do you have?
A –

Next study, we’re going to jump to verses 16-18. These are some of the most important sentences in all of Scripture. Stay tuned!

By the way, if you have any questions, please send an email to: www.everystudent.com/contact.php Someone will personally reply to you.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Adamson
director of EveryStudent.com
and StartingwithGod.com