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 = Anti-
Venom 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