Today we are looking at John 3 and we meet a man called Nicodemus.
He was a Pharisee and lived by the absolute strictest rules. (Conflicts between Pharisees and Sadducees took place often, especially regarding the resurrection of the dead) and a member of the Sanhedrin (who were appointed to sit in a tribunal as judges in the Land of Israel like the Supreme Court.) He is the leading teacher of the Jews, and Rabbi of Israel. He is genuine in his desire for spiritual truth. (Like the rich young ruler from last week’s message). He comes to Jesus at night, not particularly not to be seen, but possibly not to be interrupted. He uses the words ‘we’ indicating that Nicodemus was representing or speaking on behalf of other religious leaders as well. He has questions about Jesus that have no doubt perplexed the other leaders. They recognise that there is no way that Jesus could do the miraculous things unless God was with Him. He addresses Jesus as Rabbi, very respectful, but also knows that none of them have trained Him. He says that they KNOW He has come from God as a Teacher.
Jesus saw the spiritual hunger in this man and got right to the point. He does the same with us.
