January 18, 2023
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
***C H O F Ministry Bible Study Reading:
John 3:1–15
*C H O F Ministry Focal Verse:
John 3:10 - Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
Although the phrase "born again" (v. 3) may be well known to us, it was breathtaking and even shocking when it was first used. How could a man who is already an adult have a second birth? After all, a brand-new infant is totally dependent and unable to care for themselves, which is the polar opposite of a respected rabbi like Nicodemus. When Jesus explained to Nicodemus that the prerequisite for entering the kingdom of God was to be "born again" or "born from above," he could not comprehend what Jesus was saying. (v. 4).
Jesus employed this metaphor to disarm the rabbi's superiority and adherence to tradition. He didn't have a stone soul, but his so-called "knowledge" was flawed and needed to be critiqued. (vv. 10–12). Nicodemus had to start over to get into God's kingdom. He had to start over spiritually from scratch - He needed a spiritual overhaul.
Nicodemus learned about Jesus, including who He was and what He would accomplish. Jesus was the promised Messiah and the divine incarnation of the Son of Man (v. 13). Additionally, he discovered where Jesus got his authority (v. 2). But Jesus had no intention of leading a revolt against the Roman Empire. Instead, He would be "lifted up" to redeem the souls of sinners who were about to perish. (vv. 14–15). This reference to the crucifixion was beyond Nicodemus's understanding at that time, though it’s not beyond the understanding of John's readers; so, Jesus referred to a story from the Old Testament to assist Nicodemus' understanding. (Num. 21:4–9).
This is a lesson that cannot be picked up by any human being on their own.The Holy Spirit is the one responsible for not only faith and knowledge but also for the process known as "being born again." (John 3:5–8).
From what we can gather from this verse, the only thing we know about Nicodemus' first reaction is that he listened carefully. We do know that later on, he defended Jesus by challenging the teachings of the Pharisees. (John 7:45–52) as well as assisting Joseph of Arimathea in the burial of Jesus' body. (John 19:38–42). These actions provide some evidence that Nicodemus did, in fact, come to have a saving faith in Christ!
* Beloved, where do you stand? Do you believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins? Have you placed your faith in Him to save you? “Everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (John 3:15)
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, in the same way that Nicodemus did, we come to you with questions. Please assist us in comprehending your grace and salvation completely. Please forgive us for our sins and lead us by the power of the Holy Spirit into the paths of righteousness. In Jesus’, Name, Amen.