#5: “Visit from a Ruler of the Jews”
SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-21
INTRO:
Jesus was, apparently, still in Jerusalem where He had
gone to celebrate Passover. John relates in verses 1 and 2:
3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named
Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2 This man came to
Jesus by night and said to him, “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.”
The wonders that Jesus performed got the attention of
a lot of Jews, including this man called Nicodemus. No
doubt, this was the purpose of such miracles.
Why, do you think, did this man come to Jesus under
the cover of night? Two reasons come to mind: he was a
Pharisee, and he was a ruler of the Jews. No such leader
could be seen consorting with the likes of Jesus of
Nazareth. So, he approached Jesus under the cover of
night.
Nicodemus admitted that he believed Jesus to be a
teacher come from God, and he based this on Jesus’ ability
to perform miracles or “signs.” He addressed Him as
“Rabbi,” which is a term of highest respect