Written by Paul J Bucknell on March, 05, 2020

John 3:1-13 Encounters With Jesus

Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus shows the importance of everyone meeting Christ.

The Night Encounter

What we do in private is very different from what we do in public. Many brave people at a big Billy Graham Crusade dare to walk down those crowded aisles onto the field. Perhaps we would do the same in a moment of excitement, but usually, we keep a guarded heart. Nicodemus exemplified this approach. 

One of the key phrases in the passage helps reveal this cautious approach—Nicodemus “came by night.” They didn’t have street lights back then. Maybe a few places had lanterns, but overall, it was lights out after sunset except for some meeting spots.

Why Secretly Act When You Fear Nobody? (John 3:1-2)

“This man came to Him by night.”

Our most important decisions are often the ones few people initially know about. They remain secret because they may involve significant, sometimes unwanted, changes. These undisclosed choices are typically the ones we prepare internally before sharing with others. People handle situations differently, but this type of person does not want to appear foolish. Nicodemus was a well-known, wealthy man who secretly visited Jesus at night. As a ruler of the Jews, he had to be cautious about how much attention his actions might attract. Still, Nicodemus needed answers from that man from God. He heard Jesus speak publicly but couldn’t let others know that he truly would listen to an uneducated man!

Application

It’s difficult to confront our pride. Nicodemus somewhat confronted his. It was his titles, positions, and wealth that made him a notable figure. But he recognized that he was more than those things. He saw his flaws and shortcomings. Maybe he wasn’t the bravest to come by night, but he came anyway. He didn’t wait forever before asking the crucial question. Some of us still haven't had such spiritual conversations.

Why Start Over When You Are Successful? (John 3:3-10)

“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus believed he had everything figured out. A Pharisee, a professional, very wealthy, born a Jew, well respected, from a good family. What did Jesus mean when He said Nicodemus needed to start all over again by being born again? And when Jesus said this, He meant from the very beginning—birth! But what exactly did Jesus mean by being born again or born from above (another way to say it)?

Application

Success has many interpretations today. What are the common views of success in today’s world? Which one do you believe? When Jesus tells this respectful man about being born again, Nicodemus listened. He listened to what it meant to start over. He could understand his life might benefit from Jesus’ words. We also need to gain a good understanding of our lives. Jesus’ words were shocking: “Sorry, but you have to start all over.” Nicodemus, with all his status and riches, was willing to move forward to seek understanding from Jesus’ words. What could we lose if we followed Christ? Is it worth it?

Why Learn When You Are The Master Teacher? (John 3:9-13)

“Are you the teacher ..., and do not understand these things?”

Jesus didn't have a formal education or money, but he knew God. When a good teacher encounters another good teacher, even slightly better, there’s nothing that can stop them from exchanging knowledge and opinions. Notice how Nicodemus addresses Jesus as, “You have come from God as a teacher.” Nicodemus’ explanation is a bit more subtle and refers to the signs Jesus performed.

Jesus isn’t distracted by the focus on the signs. He understands what Nicodemus is truly seeking: real-life answers. Most people avoid addressing issues directly—mostly because they lack such answers or questions.

Application

It isn’t easy to fully understand class societies or those that make sharp distinctions between the privileged and the underserved, between those with connections and those without. For Nicodemus, Jesus was incongruent. The miracles were incredible, but he was willing to humbly listen to Jesus. Nicodemus overcame some of those man-made barriers to meet Jesus. As a result, he received instruction that helped him become a master teacher.

Summary

Are we willing to step away from our public lives and meet Jesus quietly? Are we ready to face our experiences, reputation, earnings, or are we being defined by our shame? Can we start over in the right way? Nicodemus did. Are we open to the idea that our teachings, knowledge, and common sense might have gaps, and that we need to learn from Jesus Christ?

These are the qualities that made Nicodemus a great man. His greatness did not come from riches, fame, or big titles, but from his sincere willingness to listen to what Jesus, the author of life, told him one night. He risked his life but gained eternal life. He believed in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord (John 7:50, 19:39). As John continues his gospel, he twice refers to Nicodemus, each time indicating a real faith in Christ.

48 No one of the rulers or Pharisees has believed in Him, has he? 49 But this crowd which does not know the Law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus (he who came to Him before, being one of them) said to them, 51 “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” (John 7:48-51)

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. 39 Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. (John 19:38-39)