There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
The verse introduces Nicodemus as a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, a member of the Sanhedrin and appointed teacher of the people who was learned, influential, rich and respected. Having searched the prophecies and become convinced by His miracles and teaching that Jesus was sent from God, he sought a private interview and came to Him by night in secret for fear of scorn, denunciation and loss of place among the rulers. He addressed Jesus as Rabbi, declaring that no one could do such works unless God was with Him, and Jesus discerned his open and receptive heart. The interview begun here sets out in clear lines what must be done to be saved, that no one can see or enter the kingdom without a decided change and new birth of water and of the Spirit, received not by personal righteousness but by humble dependence on Christ and His righteousness. The teaching took root in him and grew from hidden conviction into open discipleship, so that he defended Jesus in the council, recognized Him as the Redeemer at the cross, helped bury Him, and afterward supported the infant church with his wealth.
Nicodemus Identity and Status
The man named was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. He belonged to the Sanhedrin and the national council, holding place there as an appointed teacher of the people. He is also reckoned as a rabbi and a chief ruler among his people.
He stood in a high position of trust and honor in the nation. He was learned in the law, talented, respected, influential, and powerful among the rulers. His seat in the national council gave him honor and weight with the leaders.
He was rich and wealthy, prominent and cultured in standing. He was benevolent, known for generous offerings and for support of the temple and its services. His liberality and public spirit marked him among the prominent men of the council.
For all his learning, position, and moral standing, he had no true conception of what a teacher in Israel should be. He still needed to learn the alphabet and first principles of divine life, conversion, and true Christian experience.
Visit by Night
After seeing Jesus cleanse the temple, heal the sick, perform miracles, and teach with wisdom, and after searching the prophecies concerning the Messiah, Nicodemus became convinced that Jesus was sent by God and was the promised One. He had witnessed the works and shared the leaders' concern lest they wrongly oppose one sent by God, and he urged caution and moderation rather than rejection. His conviction grew from both what he saw and what he found in prophecy, leaving him believing yet still hesitant to act openly on the truth.
He greatly desired a personal, private interview to investigate Jesus' mission and claims, to find evidence, to learn more, and to learn the way of life. Though wealthy, educated, respected, and entrusted with high position and influence, he was drawn by the teaching he had heard and wanted further instruction. His visit was a deliberate personal inquiry into who Jesus was and what He required.
Reluctant to approach openly, he learned by special inquiry where Jesus retired on the Mount of Olives, waited until the city was hushed in slumber, and then came by night for a secret interview. He did not seek Him openly but resolved on secrecy and sought Him only after the city slept. The interview that followed brought light that powerfully influenced the world, and the truths taught that night remain vital for all people.
He came secretly because open sympathy would bring the scorn and denunciation of the Sanhedrin, and he feared the jealousy of other leaders. It would have been humiliating to acknowledge sympathy with a teacher as yet so little known and with the despised Nazarene, and aiding Jesus threatened loss of place and influence. Pride in his Jewish faith led him to conceal curiosity and timidity beneath a composed and dignified manner, approaching with an appearance of dignity. He excused the secrecy by saying that going openly might lead others to follow his example.
He addressed Jesus as Rabbi, declaring they knew He was a teacher come from God because no one could do such miracles unless God was with Him. He began with praise of Jesus' insight and speaking ability and gifts. Though he came feeling agitated and timid, Jesus discerned in him an open and receptive heart and recognized the purpose of his visit. Because of that receptivity Jesus gave him personal, private instruction as an honored rabbi, stirring his heart even as pride sought to conceal curiosity.
Lesson on New Birth
The interview that begins here lays out in definite terms the way to heaven, what conversion is, and what must be done to be saved. The teaching given in John 3:1-16 sets out the terms of salvation in clear lines as instruction on the quality of faith and as a guide for every soul. Becoming a child of God calls for a decided change, not a surface religion that leaves the heart unchanged. The new birth means reconversion, a transformation of character, and a man must be born again of water and of the Spirit in order to see and enter the kingdom, without which no one can see the kingdom of heaven.
When truth finds a place in the heart it exerts sanctifying power upon life and character and appears in fruits of righteousness that testify of learning Christ. The lesson teaches the living connection of the soul with God and the living faith essential for salvation, a faith that lays hold upon the merits of the blood of the crucified and risen Saviour, upon Christ our righteousness. That Saviour was to be lifted up, as the hope of Israel hung upon the cross.
Correct moral character does not remove the need for that change, for even one whose life is upright and whose character is morally correct must humble the heart before God like an ordinary sinner. Despite moral standing and position as a Jewish ruler, Nicodemus needed the same humble entrance into life as the worst sinner. No one can rely on personal righteousness, but all must renounce it, depend wholly on Christ, and receive His righteousness by grace through imputation, acknowledging that all comes from divine grace.
His encounter turned him from arguing religious theories to seeking life, and as he submitted to the Holy Spirit he began to understand the kingdom of heaven. When the Holy Spirit molds and fashions the heart daily there is divine insight to perceive the character of the kingdom of God, which he gained by searching the Scriptures to receive life for his soul. Having the Word of God is no excuse for ignorance, for understanding comes through diligent searching and humility. Christ laid before him the first principles of divine life and the basic truths of conversion, the very alphabet of true Christian experience, which despite his honored place as a learned teacher in Israel he had not yet learned and had no true conception of.
Growth Into Open Discipleship
The night visit planted truth that took root and penetrated the heart, for he was receptive to the plan of salvation and to the inward heart-work needed to inherit heaven. Yet for a time he kept that truth hidden, remaining cautious and questioning and not yet openly identifying himself with Christ. The teaching enlightened him and stayed with him, and the faith begun in that secret meeting slowly grew toward openness.
That hidden conviction first spoke in the council, where he urged moderation and defended the right to hear Jesus before judging Him. He insisted the law does not judge a man before hearing him, opposing measures for compassing Christ's death. For this he received the scornful reply charging him with being of Galilee. With Joseph he had challenged the grounds for condemnation and protested the arrest, but both were excluded from the secret council that secured it.
After seeing Jesus lifted on the cross he reflected on and remembered the night conversation. The events of the crucifixion made those words clear to him and settled his faith. He then recognized Jesus as the world's Redeemer. That recognition led him to regret that he had not openly connected himself with Jesus while He lived.
At Jesus' death he came forward with Joseph of Arimathea to care for and bury the body. He boldly showed his allegiance by bringing burial spices. In doing so he identified himself with Christ in His shame and death.
The faith begun in that secret night conference grew into open support of the infant church. When the followers were scattered and discouraged, he supported the infant church with his wealth and encouraged the disciples. He remained firm and faithful despite persecution, impoverishment, and poverty, and despite danger. The truths taught him that night remain vital for all people, and the interview brought light that powerfully influenced the world.
Relevance for Others Today
The secret interview with the Pharisee ruler corresponds to and is almost the counterpart of the testimony of John the Baptist, for both affirm Christ's heavenly origin and superiority and that belief in the Son brings everlasting life. The account shows Christ worked not only for the poor and outcast but also for the rich, educated, cultured, and influential and for those bearing responsibilities who would hear His word. He deliberately studied to reach such wealthy and cultured men even while ministering to the poor, seeking their company and acquaintance, accepting their invitations, attending their feasts, and making Himself familiar with their interests and occupations. He did this to gain access to their hearts, to reveal to them imperishable spiritual riches, and to bring them to use their abilities in service.
His lack warns learned teachers, physicians, and ministers of the gospel holding honorable and responsible positions who have neglected the most essential part of their education for dealing with human minds in a Christlike manner, since though honored he had no true conception of what a teacher in Israel should be and had not learned the alphabet and first principles of the divine life and true Christian experience. He is the type of very precise and methodical religious leaders who calculate how religious exercises should be conducted and diffuse light and grace methodically yet have little of the Holy Spirit. Such men meddle with the experience of those who have received the Spirit in large abundance, and the testimony given to him is much needed by them. His lesson sets out the terms of salvation in clear lines as a guide for every soul, and it is especially important for counselors and others who deal with human minds. Having the Word of God is no reason to claim ignorance, for understanding comes through diligent searching and humility.
The verse introduces Nicodemus as a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, a member of the Sanhedrin and appointed teacher of the people who was learned, influential, rich and respected. Having searched the prophecies and become convinced by His miracles and teaching that Jesus was sent from God, he sought a private interview and came to Him by night in secret for fear of scorn, denunciation and loss of place among the rulers. He addressed Jesus as Rabbi, declaring that no one could do such works unless God was with Him, and Jesus discerned his open and receptive heart. The interview begun here sets out in clear lines what must be done to be saved, that no one can see or enter the kingdom without a decided change and new birth of water and of the Spirit, received not by personal righteousness but by humble dependence on Christ and His righteousness. The teaching took root in him and grew from hidden conviction into open discipleship, so that he defended Jesus in the council, recognized Him as the Redeemer at the cross, helped bury Him, and afterward supported the infant church with his wealth.
Nicodemus Identity and Status
The man named was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. He belonged to the Sanhedrin and the national council, holding place there as an appointed teacher of the people. He is also reckoned as a rabbi and a chief ruler among his people.
He stood in a high position of trust and honor in the nation. He was learned in the law, talented, respected, influential, and powerful among the rulers. His seat in the national council gave him honor and weight with the leaders.
He was rich and wealthy, prominent and cultured in standing. He was benevolent, known for generous offerings and for support of the temple and its services. His liberality and public spirit marked him among the prominent men of the council.
For all his learning, position, and moral standing, he had no true conception of what a teacher in Israel should be. He still needed to learn the alphabet and first principles of divine life, conversion, and true Christian experience.
Visit by Night
After seeing Jesus cleanse the temple, heal the sick, perform miracles, and teach with wisdom, and after searching the prophecies concerning the Messiah, Nicodemus became convinced that Jesus was sent by God and was the promised One. He had witnessed the works and shared the leaders' concern lest they wrongly oppose one sent by God, and he urged caution and moderation rather than rejection. His conviction grew from both what he saw and what he found in prophecy, leaving him believing yet still hesitant to act openly on the truth.
He greatly desired a personal, private interview to investigate Jesus' mission and claims, to find evidence, to learn more, and to learn the way of life. Though wealthy, educated, respected, and entrusted with high position and influence, he was drawn by the teaching he had heard and wanted further instruction. His visit was a deliberate personal inquiry into who Jesus was and what He required.
Reluctant to approach openly, he learned by special inquiry where Jesus retired on the Mount of Olives, waited until the city was hushed in slumber, and then came by night for a secret interview. He did not seek Him openly but resolved on secrecy and sought Him only after the city slept. The interview that followed brought light that powerfully influenced the world, and the truths taught that night remain vital for all people.
He came secretly because open sympathy would bring the scorn and denunciation of the Sanhedrin, and he feared the jealousy of other leaders. It would have been humiliating to acknowledge sympathy with a teacher as yet so little known and with the despised Nazarene, and aiding Jesus threatened loss of place and influence. Pride in his Jewish faith led him to conceal curiosity and timidity beneath a composed and dignified manner, approaching with an appearance of dignity. He excused the secrecy by saying that going openly might lead others to follow his example.
He addressed Jesus as Rabbi, declaring they knew He was a teacher come from God because no one could do such miracles unless God was with Him. He began with praise of Jesus' insight and speaking ability and gifts. Though he came feeling agitated and timid, Jesus discerned in him an open and receptive heart and recognized the purpose of his visit. Because of that receptivity Jesus gave him personal, private instruction as an honored rabbi, stirring his heart even as pride sought to conceal curiosity.
Lesson on New Birth
The interview that begins here lays out in definite terms the way to heaven, what conversion is, and what must be done to be saved. The teaching given in John 3:1-16 sets out the terms of salvation in clear lines as instruction on the quality of faith and as a guide for every soul. Becoming a child of God calls for a decided change, not a surface religion that leaves the heart unchanged. The new birth means reconversion, a transformation of character, and a man must be born again of water and of the Spirit in order to see and enter the kingdom, without which no one can see the kingdom of heaven.
When truth finds a place in the heart it exerts sanctifying power upon life and character and appears in fruits of righteousness that testify of learning Christ. The lesson teaches the living connection of the soul with God and the living faith essential for salvation, a faith that lays hold upon the merits of the blood of the crucified and risen Saviour, upon Christ our righteousness. That Saviour was to be lifted up, as the hope of Israel hung upon the cross.
Correct moral character does not remove the need for that change, for even one whose life is upright and whose character is morally correct must humble the heart before God like an ordinary sinner. Despite moral standing and position as a Jewish ruler, Nicodemus needed the same humble entrance into life as the worst sinner. No one can rely on personal righteousness, but all must renounce it, depend wholly on Christ, and receive His righteousness by grace through imputation, acknowledging that all comes from divine grace.
His encounter turned him from arguing religious theories to seeking life, and as he submitted to the Holy Spirit he began to understand the kingdom of heaven. When the Holy Spirit molds and fashions the heart daily there is divine insight to perceive the character of the kingdom of God, which he gained by searching the Scriptures to receive life for his soul. Having the Word of God is no excuse for ignorance, for understanding comes through diligent searching and humility. Christ laid before him the first principles of divine life and the basic truths of conversion, the very alphabet of true Christian experience, which despite his honored place as a learned teacher in Israel he had not yet learned and had no true conception of.
Growth Into Open Discipleship
The night visit planted truth that took root and penetrated the heart, for he was receptive to the plan of salvation and to the inward heart-work needed to inherit heaven. Yet for a time he kept that truth hidden, remaining cautious and questioning and not yet openly identifying himself with Christ. The teaching enlightened him and stayed with him, and the faith begun in that secret meeting slowly grew toward openness.
That hidden conviction first spoke in the council, where he urged moderation and defended the right to hear Jesus before judging Him. He insisted the law does not judge a man before hearing him, opposing measures for compassing Christ's death. For this he received the scornful reply charging him with being of Galilee. With Joseph he had challenged the grounds for condemnation and protested the arrest, but both were excluded from the secret council that secured it.
After seeing Jesus lifted on the cross he reflected on and remembered the night conversation. The events of the crucifixion made those words clear to him and settled his faith. He then recognized Jesus as the world's Redeemer. That recognition led him to regret that he had not openly connected himself with Jesus while He lived.
At Jesus' death he came forward with Joseph of Arimathea to care for and bury the body. He boldly showed his allegiance by bringing burial spices. In doing so he identified himself with Christ in His shame and death.
The faith begun in that secret night conference grew into open support of the infant church. When the followers were scattered and discouraged, he supported the infant church with his wealth and encouraged the disciples. He remained firm and faithful despite persecution, impoverishment, and poverty, and despite danger. The truths taught him that night remain vital for all people, and the interview brought light that powerfully influenced the world.
Relevance for Others Today
The secret interview with the Pharisee ruler corresponds to and is almost the counterpart of the testimony of John the Baptist, for both affirm Christ's heavenly origin and superiority and that belief in the Son brings everlasting life.
The account shows Christ worked not only for the poor and outcast but also for the rich, educated, cultured, and influential and for those bearing responsibilities who would hear His word.
He deliberately studied to reach such wealthy and cultured men even while ministering to the poor, seeking their company and acquaintance, accepting their invitations, attending their feasts, and making Himself familiar with their interests and occupations.
He did this to gain access to their hearts, to reveal to them imperishable spiritual riches, and to bring them to use their abilities in service.
His lack warns learned teachers, physicians, and ministers of the gospel holding honorable and responsible positions who have neglected the most essential part of their education for dealing with human minds in a Christlike manner, since though honored he had no true conception of what a teacher in Israel should be and had not learned the alphabet and first principles of the divine life and true Christian experience.
He is the type of very precise and methodical religious leaders who calculate how religious exercises should be conducted and diffuse light and grace methodically yet have little of the Holy Spirit.
Such men meddle with the experience of those who have received the Spirit in large abundance, and the testimony given to him is much needed by them.
His lesson sets out the terms of salvation in clear lines as a guide for every soul, and it is especially important for counselors and others who deal with human minds.
Having the Word of God is no reason to claim ignorance, for understanding comes through diligent searching and humility.