John 3:1-21 Talking to Jesus at night

Jesus was visited at night by Nicodemus, who was a Pharisee and one of the rulers of the Jews. The only other mentions of Nicodemus are in John 7:50 and John 19:39, which will be discussed in context. In this case, early in the ministry of Christ, he asks questions which indicate that although he has been schooled in the Law of Moses, He lacks spiritual understanding. Nicodemus' words are recorded in 3:2, 3:4, and 3:9. In John 3:2, Nicodemus admits that the signs Jesus performed (see John 2:23) have convinced him the God is with Jesus.

          Jesus’ response seems a mixture of serious engagement and a spiritual challenge. He tells Nicodemus that unless one is generated from above, he cannot perceive the kingdom of God. This is the famous "born again" passage that raises the bar for religion. We can study the Scriptures and translate them, compare them, logically parse the propositions, evaluate the evidence, and so on. But unless God Himself reveals the spiritual dimensions of His kingdom, we cannot perceive it. This is not a slur on Nicodemus or anyone else who studies theology. It is a statement about the nature of the kingdom of God. It is a spiritual kingdom.

          In the second exchange, John 3:4-8, Nicodemus takes that quite natural view that the only way to be generated is to be born, presumably from a woman. And that only happens once in our life. He does not understand the "from above" part of Jesus' statement. The only interpretation he can get from Jesus' words makes no sense to him. In Jesus' response, verse 8 summarizes the problem that Nicodemus has. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Jesus likens the Spirit to wind - the breath of God - which was revealed as a mighty wind on the day of Pentecost. But the breath of God does not result from pressure differentials and atmospheric lows or fronts. It comes from God and cannot be explained in the natural. God is sovereign, and he is  also beyond our comprehension. He reveals Himself to us, but we cannot understand those things He chooses not to reveal to us. Nicodemus' problem was that he was using natural means to perceive spiritual realities.

          In the third round, John 3:9-21, Nicodemus admits that he does not understand what Jesus is talking about. Jesus then reveals to Nicodemus a few profound truths.

•    The Son of Man will be lifted up, just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so that whoever believes will have eternal life. (3:14-15)

•    God is making this provision to save humans because of His love for the world. (3:16)

•    Jesus is not the Judge, but the Savior. (3:17)

•    There will be a judgment, but it will be based on whether come to the light or hate the light; those who come to the light will be recognizable because their works are in God. (3:18-21)

          The first truth is based on Numbers 21:8-9. In Numbers 21:5-6 the people grumbled immediately after God granted them a great victory, and complained about the manna He provided. So He sent fiery serpents among the people, and many died. They then repented and asked Moses to ask God to take the serpents away. Instead, God instructed Moses to make a likeness of the serpents, out of bronze, put it on a pole, and whenever someone was bitten by a serpent, they could look to the brazen snake and live. This is a very clear metaphor for sin and salvation. Grumbling and murmuring about God's plan and provision is a perfect picture of sin. The serpents represent the consequences of that sin, i.e., death. Jesus took our sins upon Himself when He was raised up on the cross. Everyone who looks to Him can receive eternal life and not receive the consequence of their sin, which would be spiritual death.

          The second truth is hard for us to grasp. God loves the world. It is His very essence and nature to love. Jesus did not say that God love religious people, or God loves people who are righteous and keep the law. God loves the world.

          In John 12:47 Jesus said that He is not the judge. In the Old Testament we have pictures of God as judge, first in Moses as a type (Exodus 18:13) and the lower tier judges he appointed (Exodus 18:26), and then in the promised land through various judges (Judges 3:10, 4:4, 10:2-3, 12:7-14, and so forth).  The prophets give warnings of God as judge (Isaiah 3:13, Ezekiel 18:30). And the New Testament also gives us pictures of the final judgment (Revelation 20:11-13). But here, Jesus states that He did not come to be that judge. Whoever throws his lot in with Jesus will not be judged by Him, and ultimately will not be judged by God, because he will be saved by Jesus.

          This statement by Jesus implies that when that final judgment comes, people will self-select, whether they choose to come to the light or flee the light because they prefer darkness. And that will be the judgment. It is an interesting question, why do people who do not want to come to Jesus now, want to go to heaven and spend eternity in His presence? I cannot explain it, except to say that perhaps because of our cloudy understanding of spiritual things, many people mistakenly believe that in heaven they will be able to continue their lives doing the things they want to do, without having to face any consequences. The kingdom of God consists of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) Fundamentally, it is not self-denial so much as loss of self-centeredness. We will not rejoice in pleasure, nor in power, nor in self-righteousness or self-justification. We will simply rejoice in God - in His presence, in His nature and character. Those who are unable to do this will simply not be there. As much as anything, this may be mercy on the part of God - to not subject self-centered people to His infinite love. It would be hell for them.