Something You Must Do

Something You Must Do (John 3:1-8; 13-18) Nicodemus came to Jesus with a sincere desire to know more about Him and His ministry (John 3:1-2) Nicodemus, whose name means “victor over the people,” had some impressive credentials. As a Pharisee, he was known as a separatist who was committed to the observance of the Law and to the keeping of the oral traditions (rules handed down from generation to generation). For the most part, the Pharisees were conservative in their doctrine and careful in carrying out their religious duty. Nicodemus also had a very prominent position. Being ruler of the Jews probably meant that he was a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish court of justice. In John 3:10 Jesus spoke of him as being a master, or teacher, of Israel. As a scribe, he might have been an expert in the Old Testament scriptures. Many Bible students believe that he was a wealthy man. His contribution of a large amount of spices used at the burial of Jesus may confirm that (John 19:39). The most impressive thing about Nicodemus at that time was that he was a seeker of truth. He had been impressed with the miracles (signs) that Jesus had performed and knew that such power had to come from God. Likewise, all must seek Him while they still have time (Ps. 27:8; Isa. 55:6-7; Amos 5:4; Luke 11:9) We must be “born again” (John 1:13; 3:5-6; Eph. 2:1 (because we are dead as a result of our sin); Titus 3:5 (washed, regenerated, renewed); 1 Pe. 1:23 (by the eternal Word of God; 1 John 2:29 (evidenced by acting righteously); 2 Cor. 5:17. gennao {ghen-nah'-o} Gk. = born, begotten, converted anothen {an'-o-then} Gk. = from above (see James 1:17), from a higher place, of things which come from heaven, of God, anew hudor {hoo'-dore} Gk. = of water (see Isa. 44:3; Eph. 5:25-26 ) pneuma {pnyoo'-mah} Gk. = of wind, influenced or filled with the Holy Spirit; or with the breath of God “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my

judgments, and do [them].And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezek. 36:25-28) To see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3) On earth now Universally & Eternally Moses & the Bronze Snake, Lifted Up, Eyes Upon (Focal Point), Overcome Judgment = Anti-Venom for the Serpent’s Bite/Healing/Life (John 3:14-15; Num. 21:6-9) Jesus, Lifted on the Cross, Eyes Upon (Focal Point), Overcome Judgment = AntiVenom for the Serpent’s Bite/Healing/Life For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Love for us is the motive Jesus was given to us as a gift from God We must believe in Him or perish But if we do believe we can gain eternal life