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Rev. Dr. Matthew Webster

One Seeking Pharisee


#One Seeking Pharisee Devotional

Daily Reading: (John 3:1-4):

“Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him. Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Only between twenty-three to seventy-one men could be appointed in every city to be a part of the Sanhedrin. These men were given full authority over the people of Israel. Part of their duties was they had to memorize word for word the entire Torah. Nicodemus could recite word for word any part of the 250 pages. Over 5,300 verses. Nicodemus knows what the law teaches. He should be the expert but yet he seeks out Jesus for answers.

Nicodemus who sees Jesus as a miracle worker sent from God does not mean that Nicodemus is saved, it is not enough (John 3:2). The devil himself knows that Jesus is the Son of God and works miracles (Mark 1:24).

Nicodemus approaching Jesus at night sends the message I am not looking to follow you or become your disciple. How do I know? It wouldn’t be recognized culturally to become a disciple of a rabbi by coming at night. The timing said I want to know about you, learn something from you, but I don’t actually want to follow you.

Being born (again)/from above, it is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes (John 3:3). The greatest gift Jesus could give Nicodemus is the truth that he is dead and tell him how he can be given life (John 3:3,7).

“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”

The Greek word to translate Spirit is the same word that we use to translate into breath and wind. Born from above (given spiritual life) with breath, comes from the “breath” of God the Holy Spirit (John 3:8). The Holy Spirit is the breath of life born from above (John 3:8).

“For God sent not the Son into the world to judge (krino) the world…” (John 3:17a, ASV).

“For judgment (krima) I have come into this world…” (John 9:39).

Jesus did not come to judge the world, yet the world will be judged on account of Jesus. Another word for judgment is decision. Now if Jesus said He is not the one doing the deciding (krino), but that decisions (krima) will be made on account of Him, then who is making these decisions? We are!

1st time- Nicodemus questions Jesus at night, he knows He is from God (John 3).

2nd encounter Nicodemus is actually trying to save Jesus, he still doesn’t realize he needs Jesus to save him (John 7:46-51).

The last time we hear about Nicodemus he ties himself to Jesus. He is requesting the body of Jesus after the crucifixion. He took Jesus’ body, wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen (John 19:38). Nicodemus is willing to associate himself with the death and burial of Jesus Christ and has through his relationship with Christ been saved.

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