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NICK AT NIGHT – A SECOND CHANCE

John 2:13 -John 3:15

Jesus begins His public ministry in Jerusalem, where He cleanses the Temple, teaches, and does signs that lead many to believe His name. Then He receives a night visitor, a Pharisee named Nicodemus. His exchange with Nicodemus makes John chapter 3 one of the greatest chapters in the Bible, as we discover that we must have a second birth to receive a new nature to enter the Kingdom of God. This week’s message leads up to John 3:16, the verse around which all the Bible revolves. John 3:16 and the rest of John 3 will be studied next week.

Dr. Young begins his sermon with an illustration about Tom Joyce, who survived the 911 attack on the Pentagon. His son asked him why he thought God spared him, and what he would do with the second chance he received. Tom Joyce now spends his life teaching others they can have a “second chance” through Christ. Dr. Young shares that at the heart of this message and next week’s message is that God gives all in Christ a second chance.

Jesus Begins His Public Ministry in Jerusalem (John 2:13-22)

Jesus cleanses the Temple – His zeal for purifying God’s House (also in Psalm 69 and Malachi 3)

The Jews ask for a sign that gives Jesus the right to do what He did.

Jesus answers “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (speaking of His body)

Jesus Teaches and Does Signs (John 2:23-25)

People believed Jesus because of His signs (miracles)

Jesus knew what was in man’s heart, so He did not entrust Himself to man

Nicodemus – “Nick at Night” (John 3:1-2)

Nicodemus represented the best that man can be!!

Pharisee – moral, law-keeper – Religious Leader

Sanhedrin – “supreme court” – Political Leader

Educated and wealthy – Secular Leader

Nicodemus thought Jesus needed credentials– He “legitimized” Jesus with references to Him (Rabbi, messenger of God, teacher, did signs, God was with Him)

Jesus Knew Nicodemus and Knew He Needed to Be Born Again (John 3:3)

Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be born again, or he would not see the Kingdom of God.

Nicodemus thought he represented the very Kingdom of God!

Through the illustration of the King and his two wise men, we learn that all creatures are born with “nature” and that “like begets like.” Humans are born with a sin nature inherited from Adam, so no one can be “born a Christian.” Therefore, we must be born again to receive a new nature to enter the Kingdom of God.

Nicodemus Asks Two HOW Questions (John 3:4-13)

How can a man be born again?How can we go back into womb? He took Jesus literally.

Jesus Answered: Two Births – Physical birth into this world and Spiritual birth into Heaven

Illustration – People inside the church and those outside the church – Who’s more receptive to the message of being born again? Of having a second chance?

Nicodemus is bewildered – How can all this be?

Jesus Answered (in essence) – “Aren’t you a teacher of Israel, Nicodemus? You of all people should get this.” He speaks of the Son of Man, the Messiah.

Nicodemus’ UNASKED QUESTION – WHY Must I Be Born Again? (John 3:14-15)

“Snake-bitten!” Jesus references the serpent Moses lifted up to save the people of Israel from the curse of the poisonous vipers. Those who looked upon it with believing faith were saved physically.

The Son of Man must be lifted up so that whoever looks on Him with believing faith will be saved spiritually and have eternal life.

Did Nicodemus Become a Christian? YES!

Evidence: His witness in the Sanhedrin, Burial Spices, Recollection of events he witnessed and his visit with Jesus

Nicodemus, Kansas

Slave Bibles did not contain Exodus so slaves would not get the idea they could be freed.

First colony established by freed slaves after war was named Nicodemus because they were free from slavery and had a second chance.

We are freed from the slavery of sin! Free at last!

Think It Over

A common cultural belief is that we are “born good” and “learn to sin.” How does Jesus’ message to Nicodemus prove otherwise? With John 3 and the illustration about the “cat waiter”, do you feel like you could help someone understand why they need a second birth?

Have there been times when you find yourself being like Nicodemus, thinking you are “Kingdom-ready” because of your good works, faithfulness, and righteousness? Why is that so easy to do?

Have you been born again? What are you going to do with the second chance God has given you?

Service Dr. Ed Young

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