Wanted to post an actual thread to discuss the words of Jesus in John 3. This thread is open to all discussion and it is encouraged, unlike another thread on the same topic.
I took this from my notes I had for my mend bible study a few weeks ago. I will post in short segments so as to not go to far and allow discussion
John 3:
3 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
Notice that he comes at night. He does not want to be seen with him, especially as a pharisee. But he shows he is a seeker. And he comes to get answers.
we must also notice what he says,, He has seen the miracles Jesus has performed. and these miracles he understands are from God.. so he comes to Jesus with this in mind (we know what you do comes from God)
We also must note. As a pharisee, and all Jew2s. They were looking for the messiah, But as a ruler (king messiah) not a savior (suffering servant) the hidden mystery which paul spoke of..
knowing this, we must see that Nicodemus Saw messiah as coming to set up his kingdom. Free Israel from Roman oppression. Restore them to their glory , set up a physical kingdom
We also need to remember, the OT prophet said about the day of the lord. How the blind will see. The lame will walk etc etc.. all things which Nicodemus has said.. which is why he came
this sets us up for the context of the whole discussion. Jesus makes the following statement
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Jesus understood Nicodemus was looking for a physical king and kingdom. Jesus is going to redirect him to look for the kingdom which counts. And he opens by saying ye must be born again.
here is the basis for which the conversation which takes place stands,,
Jesus will first answer what he means
He will then explain how it is accomplished
I look forward to open discussion
I took this from my notes I had for my mend bible study a few weeks ago. I will post in short segments so as to not go to far and allow discussion
John 3:
3 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
Notice that he comes at night. He does not want to be seen with him, especially as a pharisee. But he shows he is a seeker. And he comes to get answers.
we must also notice what he says,, He has seen the miracles Jesus has performed. and these miracles he understands are from God.. so he comes to Jesus with this in mind (we know what you do comes from God)
We also must note. As a pharisee, and all Jew2s. They were looking for the messiah, But as a ruler (king messiah) not a savior (suffering servant) the hidden mystery which paul spoke of..
knowing this, we must see that Nicodemus Saw messiah as coming to set up his kingdom. Free Israel from Roman oppression. Restore them to their glory , set up a physical kingdom
We also need to remember, the OT prophet said about the day of the lord. How the blind will see. The lame will walk etc etc.. all things which Nicodemus has said.. which is why he came
this sets us up for the context of the whole discussion. Jesus makes the following statement
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Jesus understood Nicodemus was looking for a physical king and kingdom. Jesus is going to redirect him to look for the kingdom which counts. And he opens by saying ye must be born again.
here is the basis for which the conversation which takes place stands,,
Jesus will first answer what he means
He will then explain how it is accomplished
I look forward to open discussion