The points of our focus heretofore have been as follows: first, that Nicodemus was religious – not only a religious man, but a religious leader; and second, that his religion left him empty, barren, and hungry, resulting in his midnight journey to Christ.
Continuing our examination of the third chapter of John’s gospel, it is now necessary to inspect the latter portion of the second verse:
John 3:2 – “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”
Religious Nicodemus was the victim of a religious mirage. Like all false religions, Judaism in Christ’s day left Nicodemus empty and hungry. Notice the first words to Jesus from the lips of Nicodemus – “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” Here, we witness a single sentence, yet it is a mouthful. Allow me to dissect each of the phrases in Nicodemus’ opening statement in his conversation with Christ.
“Rabbi…” – By calling him by this title, Nicodemus is acknowledging that Jesus Christ is a Jewish teacher of the law with the necessary credentials.
“…we know…” – It is noteworthy that, while speaking to Christ, Nicodemus uses the plural pronoun “we.” He comes to Jesus alone; yet says, “WE know.” Nicodemus is speaking not only for himself; but for the entire sect of the Pharisees.
“…that thou art a teacher…” – Again, Nicodemus acknowledges Christ to be a teacher of the law.
“…come from God…” – Here, Nicodemus acknowledges that Christ came, not merely from Bethlehem, but from God! No Pharisee would admit that Christ came from God unless the Spirit of God were dealing with him. Nicodemus is not far from the kingdom of God!
“…for no man…” – Nicodemus, in this phrase, separates Christ from every other man! Christ has no counterpart! I often hear the media report our President’s meetings with other chief executives. They will say, “President Obama met with his British counterpart.” What they are saying is this – Although the British chief executive is called a Prime Minister, and the American chief executive is called a President, they have the same powers. What the President is to America, the Prime Minister is to Great Britain. But when we speak of Jesus Christ, know this – He has no counterpart! No one is like Him! Every religious leader; every Greek god; every Roman goddess; every Buddhist monk; even Buddha, Mohammad, and every atheist who worships himself – they all, without exception, take a back seat to Jesus Christ! Mohammad will bow his knee to Jesus Christ! Buddha will confess with own lips that Jesus Christ is Lord of all! No one compares to Christ. No one is equal with Jesus Christ. There is no counterpart to Jesus Christ! The reader may ask, “Are you saying that Jesus Christ is superior to every religion on the face of the earth?” No, that is not what I am saying. I am saying that Jesus Christ is FAR SUPERIOR to every other religion, god, goddess, prophet, imam, teacher, or any other religious figure. Man’s religions are so insignificant when compared to Christ that the word “superior” does not do justice in describing Christ’s relationship to them!
Psalm 97:9 – “For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.”
Ephesians 1:20, 21 – “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, FAR ABOVE ALL principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.”
John 3:31 – “He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.”
Philippians 2:9-11 – “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Now, for our next phrase.
“…can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” – Nicodemus noticed the miracles Christ was doing and acknowledged that God had to be with Jesus Christ.
So, let us get some things straight. First, Nicodemus was religious, yet he was as lost as he could be. Second, his religion left him empty. Third, we now see that Nicodemus is even admitting the right things, but he is still lost! Nicodemus acknowledges that Christ is a rabbi. Admitting that Christ is a great teacher will not save you. Nicodemus then admits that Jesus came from God! In spite of this acknowledgement, Nicodemus is still lost. Nicodemus even admits that Christ’s great miracles reveal the fact that God the Father is with Jesus Christ.
In compelling lost souls to trust Jesus Christ to save them, many times these precious people will admit all the right things. I’ve had them nod their head and agree with what I was saying. When speaking to them regarding salvation, I’ve had them to respond by saying, “I know.” But knowing that I’m telling you right won’t save you! You can admit all the right things and still be lost – just as Nicodemus did! Nicodemus did not need religion – he had religion and was lost. Nicodemus did not need to merely admit the right things – he did so and was yet in his sins. What did he need?
STILL NOT DONE…
