John 3:1-21
Q.1. What kind of man was Nicodemus? What spiritual dimension did Jesus tell Nicodemus that he lacked? – (Jn.3:1-11)
Nicodemus was acknowledged by Jesus to be the Chief Rabbi, and – ‘the teacher of Israel’ (Jn.3:10). Yet for all his status, he was humble enough to inquire of Jesus early in His ministry … albeit under cloak of darkness (Jn.3:2). Nicodemus would prove his courage later, by defending Jesus (Jn.7:50-51), and by assisting Joseph of Arimathea in giving Him an honourable burial (Jn.19:38-41). Sadly, like most of his academic colleagues, Nicodemus was blind to the need for the new birth. How kind Jesus was in the way He deflected his philosophical objections and directed his attention to the necessity of being born again – Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (Jn.3:5 c.f. Jn.3:3). Spiritual reality is found in the spiritual, not in the natural realm.
Q.2. How did Jesus apply the truth of the serpent in the wilderness to Himself? What makes faith in Jesus so crucial? – (Jn.3:12-18)
Israel had quickly turned against Moses and God, when the going got tough. God then sent poisonous snakes that bit and killed many of the grumblers. In distress, the people asked Moses to intercede for them. God instructed Moses to make a bronze replica of a serpent – so that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live (Num.21:8-9). Why did Jesus relate this well-known story to Nicodemus? He told him, that even as that cursed serpent was lifted up to bring life to the dying Israelites, so He, the Son of Man would be lifted up – so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life (Jn.3:15). John used this truth to sum up the Gospel – FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM, SHALL NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE (Jn.3:16). Paul alluded to this same truth, when he portrayed Jesus as the One Who became a curse for us while hanging on the Cross (Gal.3:13-14). We either believe in the only Saviour, or not. In sending His Son, God brought hope and salvation.
Q.3. Why are people under God’s condemnation? How does God expect us to respond to the Light? – (Jn.3:18-21)
Adam and Eve’s original sin has spread to us all. Our sin brings us under the curse of death and condemnation – He who does not believe has been judged already (Jn.3:18 c.f. Rom.5:12, 18, 21). John stated that the Light enlightens every man [For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them – (Rom.1:18-19 c.f. Jn.1:9]. Some follow and practice the truth … whereas most love the darkness rather than Light (Jn.3:19-21).