But there was a man...

 

Chapter 3   The public reaction to the miracles.

3v1-21    Nicodemus learns of the supreme value of His work

3v22-35 John’s disciples learn of the superior value of His person 

3v1-21   Jesus’ work for the whole world

In both sections the message is the same.  The One who has come is from heaven, and brings a heavenly message.

3v3v7 New Birth is from above

3v12   Jesus spoke of heavenly things

3v13   The Son of man came down from heaven

3v17   God sent His Son

3v19   Light is come into the world

3v27   A man can receive nothing except it be given from above

3v31   He that cometh from above is greater than all

3v34   He whom God hath sent

The message of the whole chapter is the same.  Never had the world ever seen or heard anything like this.  His words. His actions, His presence caused a stir, such that everyone had to take notice. God was walking in their midst upon earth.

We must observe the flow of scripture, which is in evidence from beginning to end, for this adds understanding to the story.  In chapter 2, he ended with Jesus non-committal to those whom He knew were unreal, whose profession of faith was just that, with no reality to it.  Chapter 3 begins with the word “But…”-Newberry margin—“But there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night…”.  In contradistinction to those who were professors only, here is a man who was truly seeking truth.  There was nothing insincere about this man’s approach to Jesus, and the Lord recognised it. 

He was one of the Pharisees, a strong sect within Judaism who were about 6000 strong, and very influential in the nation.  They were like modern day activists who made it their business to enforce conformity to certain core beliefs, and they were feared by many and respected by all.  They were characterised as the guardians of the Jewish scriptures, the whole of scriptures, including the wisdom books and the Prophets; they were fiercely patriotic, opposing the Roman occupation; they were loyal to the traditions of the fathers; they encouraged strict adherence to the law of Moses.  Additionally, Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews which meant he was one of the seventy appointed of the Sanhedrim, to which only a few Pharisees attained, so this was a prominent man in Jewish society.  In addition Jesus called him “…the teacher of Israel”-v10, so he was recognised to be a national seer.  This is probably why he came by night, for Jesus was unpopular amongst his fellows, and he avoided open confrontation by seeking Him in the dark.  The fact that he came by night became an identifying mark, as it is repeated in 7v50 and 19v39.  Because of his high public profile, Nicodemus was a secret disciple, who slowly but surely made public confession of Christ.  This dialogue with Jesus marks the start of his spiritual journey, which culminated in his very public support in donating expensive embalming ointments at the burial.   This narrative underlines the observation of Jesus, that it would be with great difficulty the rich could enter the kingdom of God.