Something You Must Do – John 3:1-21 - February 11, 2007

Sunday school Lesson – Something You Must Do – February 11, 2007

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study, “Christianity is Christ.”

Our scripture is John 3:1-21.

GOD formed man from the dust of the earth. HE breathed life into man. Every human on the face of the earth owes their very existence to GOD. The gift of life is from GOD and the gift of eternal life is also from GOD through HIS ONLY SON JESUS.

Most humans search for GOD and want to know and understand GOD. Remember it all began in the Garden of Eden. Woman and man made a choice. They could have refused to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and eaten from the tree of life but they chose to disobey God. They both ate of the forbidden fruit. As GOD promised they died both physically and spiritually. But an interesting thing happened the moment they ate of the fruit. We will explore this later in our lesson.

GOD had a plan for Adam and Eve depending upon the choice they made whether to obey or disobey. HE would make man with freedom of choice. If man chose to disobey and ate the forbidden fruit, HE had a backup plan to give man another opportunity to live and fellowship with HIM as HE originally planned. GOD through HIS love for mankind chose to send HIS SON JESUS to earth to live as a human, 100% man and 100% divine, to reveal the love of GOD to mankind. GOD wants all humans to know the love HE has for them. JESUS came to earth and lived upon earth subject to all things that happen to us as humans. Yet HE lived without sin. HIS purpose was to represent GOD and to demonstrate the power and love of GOD for every human.

Our lesson today will explore the depth of this unconditional love GOD has for us as humans. The word “gospel” means “good news.” The good news of the gospel of CHRIST is that GOD loves every human; after all HE personally formed each of us.

Let’s read John 3:1-3:

1 There was a man from the • Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Him at night and said, “• Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher, for no one could perform these signs You do unless God were with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “• I assure you: Unless someone is born again,[1] The same Gk word can mean again or from above (also in v. 7). he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus is a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. JESUS referred to him as a teacher. This indicates that he was well trained in the Old Testament law and the traditions of the Jewish people. This is exactly the very ones who should have been looking for the coming of the Messiah. They knew the prophesy telling about the coming Messiah. I think the way Nicodemus words his statement to JESUS, reveals that he was looking for the coming of the Messiah. Nicodemus says, “For no one could perform these signs YOU do unless GOD were with HIM.” This is a probing question.

It is believed that Nicodemus did become a Christian and tried to protect JESUS when the Jewish leaders were trying to set HIM up. John 7:45-51 gives us some insight:

45 Then the temple police came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why haven’t you brought Him?” 46 The police answered, “No man ever spoke like this!”[13] Other mss read like this man 47 Then the Pharisees responded to them: “Are you fooled too? 48 Have any of the rulers believed in Him? Or any of the Pharisees? 49 But this crowd, which doesn’t know the law, is accursed!” 50 Nicodemus—the one who came to Him previously, being one of them—said to them, 51 “Our law doesn’t judge a man before it hears from him and knows what he’s doing, does it?”

Then we see Nicodemus again in the scriptures after the death of JESUS. Nicodemus is one who helps bury JESUS. Now think about what is going to happen. GOD wanted Nicodemus to participate in the burial of JESUS. GOD wanted Nicodemus to know for sure that JESUS was dead because GOD wanted Nicodemus to witness HIS resurrection.

John 19:38-42: (Verse 39)

38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body away. 39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds[20] Lit 100 litrai; a Roman litrai = 12 ounces of myrrh and aloes. 40 Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. 42 They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

Yes, I think Nicodemus was a Christian.

JESUS told Nicodemus that he had to born-again. The word used in the original text regarding a person being born-again carries the idea of having to be born from the beginning, which suggests a new creation. Being born a new creation is something only GOD can do from above. This new birth is a miracle from GOD.

Let’s read John 3:4-8:

4 “But how can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked Him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit,[2] Or spirit, or wind; the Gk word pneuma can mean wind, spirit, or Spirit, each of which occurs in this context. he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I told you that you[3] The pronoun is pl in Gk. must be born again. 8 The wind[4] The Gk word pneuma can mean wind, spirit, or Spirit, each of which occurs in this context. blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

When we are born the first time it is the result of conception between man and woman. We had nothing to do with our conception. We all breathed embryonic fluid moments before we took our first breath. Life for each of us began at conception. Keep in mind that GOD knew us before HE created the world -Ephesians 1:4 - 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5] Or In His sight in love

GOD knew us before we were ever conceived. HE knew when we would be born, where we would be born, who our parents would be, etc. Keep in mind that HIS foreknowledge does not mean HE places us in a particular home but it means that HE knew our fate. This does give HIM the opportunity, if HE chooses to intervene along the way. HE has a plan and a purpose for each of us. HIS desire is for every human to come to know HIM through CHRIST. But the choice is always left to each human.

Rebirth is a mystery. JESUS tells us that first we must be born as a human. Being born in the flesh gives opportunity for every human to be reborn in the spirit. Remember Adam and Eve made the decision to eat of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When that happened mankind became like God. Let’s see what is happening in Genesis as our fate is being determined.

Genesis 3:4-5: (Satan is enticing the woman to eat the forbidden fruit.)

4 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman.[3] Jn 8:44 5 “In fact, God knows that when[4] Lit on the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God,[5] Or gods, or divine beings knowing good and evil.”


GOD confirms the fact that once they ate of the forbidden fruit they did become LIKE God.

Genesis 3:22:
22 The Lord God said, “Since man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil, he must not reach out, and also take from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”[17]

GOD had to quickly prevent mankind from living forever in this fallen state by eating from the tree of life. GOD wanted mankind to live as HE had originally intended them to live in complete personal, intimate fellowship with HIM. So GOD had to redeem mankind from his fallen state through HIS ONLY SON JESUS. JESUS is the tree of life that GOD gives eternal life to all who believe on HIM. It is a free gift for ever human who chooses to reach out and take it by accepting JESUS as their SAVIOR. It is so simple yet so hard for many humans to accept. Remember our nature, which began when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, is to be LIKE God. It is hard for a human to give up their godly position and yield to the true GOD of the universe, WHO revealed Himself through JESUS. You do not have to understand it but you do have to accept it. Once you accept it, then the HOLY SPIRIT will help you understand it. So surrender your kingdom to GOD and let HIM declare victory in your life. HE will reveal to you the abundant life HE gives when HE rules in your life.

This is the miracle of rebirth in the spirit that JESUS is telling Nicodemus about. Once we are born-again from above through CHRIST, our reborn spirit will exit our bodies or earth suits when we die and be with HIM for all eternity. That is a fact and a promise confirmed by the HOLY SPIRIT within every Christian.

Let’s read John 3:9-15:

9 “How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus. 10 “Are you a teacher[5] Or the teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied. 11 “I assure you: We speak what We know and We testify to what We have seen, but you[6] The word you in Gk is pl here and throughout v. 12. do not accept Our testimony.[7] The pl forms (We, Our) refer to Jesus and His authority to speak for the Father. 12 If I have told you about things that happen on earth and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about things of heaven? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the • Son of Man.[8] Other mss add who is in heaven 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in Him will[9] Other mss add not perish, but have eternal life.

JESUS gives Nicodemus a quick lesson in theology. The Jewish religious leaders of all people should be the ones to know about spiritual things. Nicodemus acknowledged JESUS as a teacher from GOD. JESUS acknowledges Nicodemus as a teacher who recognizes the work of GOD. In essence, JESUS is saying, Nicodemus you recognize that the miracles manifested through ME can only come from GOD. You know the scriptures. You know the meaning of the scripture when it says, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness – the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.” Nicodemus, you know that scripture refers to the Messiah and I AM the promised MESSIAH. As those who looked upon the snake in the wilderness were healed from physical death, I will heal everyone from spiritual death and give all who look upon ME in faith, eternal life.

Then JESUS shows Nicodemus the very heart and love of GOD for every human being and HIS role in the redemption of mankind through the miracle of rebirth.

Most of us question as Nicodemus does, “How can these things be?” Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. No human can figure them out and fail when we try to explain spiritual things. It is like trying to explain a sunrise or a sunset or how it feels when you love something or someone. This is why every human must take a step of faith to accept what JESUS has done for them through HIS death and resurrection. HE gave HIS life that ever believer will be set free from the bondage of sin and death.

Let’s read John 3:16-21:

16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His • One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.[10] 1 Jn 4:9–10 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the • One and Only Son of God. 19 “This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it,[11] Lit and does not come to the light so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by[12] Lit who does the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”[13] It is possible that Jesus’ words end at v. 15. Ancient Gk did not have quotation marks.

No greater love does one have than to lay down his or her life for another person. JESUS gave HIS life that every human that accepts HIM as SAVIOR is forgiven, is born into the family of GOD, is made righteous and has eternal life.

John 10:14-15:
14 “I am the good shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, 15 as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.

John 10:17-18:
17 This is why the Father loves Me, because I am laying down My life so I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from My Father.”

John 15:12-15:
12 This is My command: love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master[2] Or lord is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.

If you have not asked JESUS to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life, ask HIM now. Then thank HIM for giving you the gift of rebirth and eternal life. GOD loves you and never forget it. Once you are born into the kingdom of GOD you can never do any thing to be unborn. You will always be GOD’S child. HE wants us to obediently serve HIM. There will be rewards in heaven for all who are obedient to HIM. The key is to let HIM lead you, guide you and show you what HE wants you to do. Wait upon HIM but as you wait study HIS Word, the Bible and talk with HIM through prayer.

Our lesson is entitled, “What must we do?” We must ask CHRIST to forgive us, believe that HE died for our sins and ask HIM to come into our hearts.

Keep in mind the fact that GOD sent HIS ONLY SON, JESUS to live upon earth as 100% human and yet 100% divine to die for our sins, to be resurrected and to ascend back into heaven. Then the HOLY SPIRIT would be sent to indwell every believer. These events did not condemn the world. Because of the original sin, every human who ever was and ever will be was condemned already. JESUS is the ONE WHO conquered sin and death that every person who believes upon HIM will be saved, redeemed from sin and death and restored as GOD had originally intended.

Argue all you want but JESUS is the promised MESSIAH. HE is the hope of the world. The battle rages within every human heart because we are like GOD. Our nature is equipped with the knowledge of good and evil, therefore we must choose. Will we serve ourselves and the world or will we serve GOD?
The choice is ours to make. Make that choice today. In fact make it now because no one knows when they will exit this earth to meet GOD. We are all one heart beat away from GOD. Keep in mind what JESUS tells us in John 5:24:

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

This verse of scripture embodies the good news of CHRIST. Anyone who believes in JESUS has eternal life and will not be judged but has already passed from death into life eternal. Yes, when we receive CHRIST as our SAVIOR, our body will die but our reborn spirit goes immediately to be with GOD. We are immediately in heaven with JESUS and GOD. We remain in heaven until JESUS returns to earth the second time. Our born-again spirit will return with HIM at HIS second coming to earth and will be reunited with our earthly body. This new body will be like CHRIST’S glorified body. Why can I say this? Because this is what the scripture tells us will happen to those who believe in CHRIST.

The choice is up to each individual. How do you choose?