John 3 tells the story of a man named Nicodemus. John tells us that this man, Nicodemus, was a ruler of the Jews and was a Pharisee. The Pharisees were famously religious, but not always godly. They liked to show off their religiosity in public, but often “neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). Nicodemus was not a “nobody.” He was a well-known man in his community and would almost certainly have been known by Jesus.
When he came to Jesus, he came at night so that others wouldn’t see him and he made small talk with Jesus. He wanted to chat, but he didn’t want to take any chances.Nicodemus greeted Jesus and paid him a compliment:
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.
John 3:2b
Nicodemus was nervous, maybe even a bit ashamed to be talking with Jesus. It was night, but Jesus was not satisfied to leave Nicodemus in the dark. Nicodemus offers a compliment, but notice Jesus’s reply.
John 3:3 says “Jesus answered.” Jesus cuts straight to the chase. In this particular case of evangelism, Jesus didn’t engage in relationship building or funny stories. Nicodemus didn’t ask a question, but Jesus offered an answer. After Nicodemus recognizes Jesus as a teacher sent by God, Jesus invites Nicodemus to be a part of God’s kingdom as well.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3
It is here that Jesus offers the clearest explanation of the need for sinners to be born again–to experience rebirth. It is also from this passage that Christians derive the concept of evangelical. In its original form, the title of evangelical referred to those Christians who affirmed the need for a new birth. Evangelicals were those who celebrated the gospel and acknowledge the need for Christians to be born again.
This passage of Scripture should also serve as a warning to all who claim the name evangelical in our modern day. Nicodemus is a man who was religious, but not godly. Nicodemus had the title of godliness, but he lacked the character of godliness.
In an age where evangelical or even Christian has been minimized to a voting bloc or a cultural status, Christians everywhere should run to the story of Nicodemus to be reminded that Jesus does not play politics or religion. When Nicodemus wanted to pander to Jesus the teacher, Jesus refused to play in the weeds. Jesus got to the heart of the matter.
Nicodemus wanted to distract from Jesus’s point by asking, “How can these things be?” Jesus answers Nicodemus with a mild rebuke and then the promise of the best known verse in all of the Bible.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Nicodemus was content to be seen as religious and powerful. Jesus wanted more. Jesus wanted Nicodemus to be converted . . . to be born again. Nicodemus wanted a teacher, but Jesus offered him salvation from the Son.
Christian, do not be reduced to a voting bloc or a cultural influencer. Aim for more.
Sinners do not need a “good teacher come from God.” Sinners need a Savior. Sinners need to hear the good news. Sinners need to be born again.
Be seen with Jesus in the light, and bring others to the light. Be known for more than your political positions. Be known for more than your good deeds. Be known for more than your church attendance. Be known for the gospel you proclaim and the hope you offer in Christ.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
