Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in the third chapter of this New Testament book. “There was a man of the Pharisees, named NIcodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 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. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that shoe over believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:1-21). “After these things came Jesus and His disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto Johns, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefor dis fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. 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. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 2:22-36). When you come to the third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find what is perhaps one of the most notable and iconic passages in all of Scripture. It is in the third chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John where we find the famous verse which many know simply as “John 3:16.” Within this third chapter of the gospel written by the apostle John we find a man of the Pharisees who was a ruler of the Jews coming unto Jesus by night. It’s actually quite astonishing to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we encounter a Pharisee—and not only a Pharisee but a ruler of the Jews—who came to Jesus by night. In the opening verses of this chapter we find and discover the name of this Pharisee and ruler of the Jews for the apostle John presents us with it—Nicodemus. It would be Nicodemus who would indeed come unto Jesus by night that He might not only inquire of the Lord Jesus concerning those things which He would teach and speak but I would also contend and argue that there was a genuine intrigue and interest which was present within his heart. In the first and opening verse we find it written how there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus who was a ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus by night and made the declaration and statement that he was indeed a teacher come from God. Nicodemus would also go on to declare that no man could do the miracles which He did unless God be with Him. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is that the apostle John gives no timeline for when this exchange took place between Nicodemus and the Lord Jesus Christ. The only thing the apostle John presents unto us is that Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus by night without at all telling us at what point in the midst of the public ministry of the Lord Jesus he would indeed come. As I sit here thinking about and considering the words which are found within this passage of Scripture I can’t help but think about all those who would come unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ during the three and a half years He would be engaged in public ministry. It is impossible to read the four gospel narratives without encountering and coming face to face with the various individuals who would indeed come unto the Lord Jesus—from a ruler of the synagogue, to a Roman centurion, to a rich young ruler, to a lawyer to countless others who would come unto Jesus. The gospel narratives are replete with examples of those who would indeed come unto Jesus entreating Him in one way or another. With this being said we must needs recognize that there would be those who would come unto the person of the Lord Jesus with the sole intention and desire of tempting Him through their questions. The gospel narratives are incredibly powerful accounts of the public life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and how there would indeed be those who would come unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ asking questions of Him. What makes the exchange which took place between Nicodemus and Jesus so incredibly unique when you take the time to think about it is that there is no indication that Nicodemus asked any question of the Lord Jesus. Scripture doesn’t reveal if there was more that was said. Between Jesus and Nicodemus so we are left to speculate as to whether or not what we read in this passage of Scripture is the extent of the communication and dialogue which took place between them. With this being said we read the words found in this passage of Scripture and we read how Nicodemus would speak unto the Lord Jesus Christ and profess and declare that “they” knew that He was a teacher come from God for no man could to the miracles which He did except God be with Him. Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it is for Nicodemus would indeed make two distinct declarations concerning the Lord Jesus—the first being that He was come from God and the second was that God was with Him. I read the words which are presented in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be absolutely gripped and captivated with the professions and declarations this Pharisee and ruler of the Jews would make unto the Lord Jesus for those declarations were such that weren’t typically made by those who were of the Pharisees. You can search the four gospel narratives through and through and you will be hard pressed to find any among the Pharisees who would come unto the Lord Jesus and make the declaration and profession that He was come from God and that God was with Him. In fact this concept of Jesus having come from God and God being with Him would later be expressed in the thirteenth chapter of this same New Testament gospel. What’s more is that this reality of Jesus coming from God and God being with Him would be at the very heart and center of the words which were present in the first and opening chapter of this New Testament gospel. It is in the first and opening chapter where we are forced to come face to face with Jesus as being the Word which was in the beginning, with Jesus as being the Word which was with God and with Jesus as being the Word which was God. Throughout this New Testament gospel we find Jesus speaking unto the Jews and unto their religious leaders concerning Himself and concerning His idenity and person. Oh I find it absolutely incredible when reading the words which are found in this particular gospel the tremendous exchanges which took place between the person of the Lord Jesus and the Jews which were present during those days. There are some truly wonderful and powerful exchanges which took place between the person of the Lord Jesus and the Jews for at the very center of this gospel account is the exchange which would indeed take place between Jesus and the Jews. In fact you cannot read this gospel without encountering how the Jewish feasts, the Jews themselves, the Temple and even their religious leaders were at the very center of the public life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. The more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the incredible truth of what Nicodemus would declare and profess concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nicodemus would indeed make the declaration unto Jesus that He was a teacher come from God and that God was with Him. What’s more is that Nicodemus would also speak of the miracles which Jesus did which seems to call and draw our attention to the fact that Jesus would have had to have done more than simply the miracle of transforming the water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. When Nicodemus spoke unto the person of the Lord Jesus he would speak of miracles in the plural sense thus suggesting and denoting that there were perhaps multiple miracles which had been performed by the Lord Jesus by this time. According to the New Testament gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John there was only one miracle which the person of the Lord Jesus did which was the transforming of the water into wine. In the second chapter of this New Testament gospel we find Jesus taking that which had never been transformed into anything different than what it was and completely altering its makeup that it would be made wine. Stop and consider that when we come to the third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find Nicodemus declaring unto Jesus that He was a teacher come from God for no one could do the miracles which He did except God was with Him. Pause for a moment and consider the fact that this Pharisee and ruler of the Jews not only recognized that Jesus was a teacher but also recognized that He was a teacher come from God. Moreover the Lord Jesus would also recognize that Jesus was one with whom God was with for no man could do the miracles which the Lord Jesus Christ did except God were with Him. Oh I have to admit I can’t help but wonder how many miracles Jesus had indeed performed by the time Nicodemus had come unto Him and spoken unto Him concerning His having come from God and God being with Him. If I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture I find myself encountering and coming face to face with the fact that Nicodemus was a Pharisee—and not only a Pharisee but also a ruler of the Jews who would come unto the Lord Jesus. We know that Nicodemus would come unto the Lord Jesus by night—perhaps out of fear of what his counterparts and companions would think if they knew that he was coming unto the Lord Jesus Christ. As you read the four gospel narratives and accounts you will find the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the chief priests, the elders of the people and the religious system abhorred and utterly hated the person of the Lord Jesus. What this particular passage calls and draws our attention to is whether or not there were more than just Nicodemus who believed on the Lord Jesus. It is in the final chapters of this New Testament gospel narrative we find that Nicodemus would come together with Joseph of Arimathaea to anoint the lifeless body of the Lord Jesus and the garments in which he was wrapped with myrrh and aloes for they were both disciples and those who waited for the kingdom of God. With this being said there is also within this gospel the idea of fearing the Jews and what they would say and/or do if you made the declaration and profession that you were indeed a disciple and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact it would be in the ninth chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative we find the parents of the man who was born blind and yet given his sight by Jesus guarding what they spoke unto the Jews for fear of being expelled from the synagogue by them. Oh there is within this particular gospel narrative a tremendous opposition and persecution of the Jews as the Jews themselves would not only reject and resist the person of the Lord Jesus but would also hinder and prevent many from believing on His name. What I find so incredibly intriguing when you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture is when you think about and consider that at the very beginning of the gospel itself we find the apostle John writing and speaking of Jesus coming unto His own and His own receiving Him not. OH this is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding the resistance and rejection of the Jews toward the person of the Lord Jesus. Undoubtedly Nicodemus would come unto Jesus by night—perhaps not only for fear of what his counterparts would think but also for fear of the Jews and what they would think if they saw he who was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews coming unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nicodemus would indeed come unto the person of the Lord Jesus by night and yet Scripture does not reveal or speak to the reason and the why for Nicodemus coming unto Jesus by night. What we know when reading the words presented in this passage of Scripture is that Nicodemus would indeed come to Jesus by night and would make the declaration and profession that He was not only come from God but also that God was with Him. Imagine being a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews and declaring that Jesus had come from God and that God was with Him. Imagine being one who was part of a system and establishment during those days which was known for rejecting, abhorring, despising and resisting the person of the Lord Jesus and yet believing within your heart that Jesus came from God and that God was with Him. Imagine being one who was part of a system and establishment that persecuted the person of the Lord Jesus and continually sought to entrap and ensnare Him in His words that they might put Him to death and destroy Him. Oh it is clear when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture that Nicodemus was one who did not align himself with the views and opinions of the Pharisees and many of his companions. Oh as I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture I find myself encountering and coming face to face with the fact that Nicodemus might not have been alone in his views, beliefs and opinions of the Lord Jesus. We know that Nicodemus was the only Pharisee who would come unto the Lord Jesus the way He did making the emphatic declaration and profession that Jesus came from God and that God was with Him based on the miracles which he had performed during those days. What makes this all the more interesting when you think about it is when you consider the words which the man who had been born blind and yet given sight by the Lord Jesus and how he would declare unto the Jews and unto the Pharisees that Jesus would and could not have given him his sight if he were a sinner for God does not listen to nor does He entertain a sinner. It would be this man who was born blind who would also make the declaration unto the Jews and unto their religious leaders that Jesus was indeed a man whom God listened to and a man whom God had given power and authority to not restore his sight but actually give him his sight for the very first time in his entire life. This man would spend his entire life walking in blindness and yet would have the testimony that he once was blind and yet now he saw because the person of the Lord Jesus had given unto him his sight. I sit here reading that which the apostle John presented in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but think about how the person of Jesus Christ was in and of itself a dividing line in the sand during those days. If there is one thing which we find in this passage of Scripture it’s a wonderful and powerful picture of the person of the Lord Jesus being that which would divide men from each other based on what they believed and thought concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. One of the most intriguing truths and realities found within the four gospels is how men and women during those days would have to decide within their hearts and minds whether or not they believed on the person of the Lord Jesus. It was the apostle John who would write in the first and opening chapter of this book how to those who believed on Him and as many as received Him were given power to become the sons of God. The apostle John makes it increasingly and incredibly clear that those who believed on the person of the Lord Jesus and those who received Him were given power—the right and the privilege—to become sons of the living God. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this particular truth for when Nicodemus came unto Jesus by night he would himself make the declaration concerning Jesus having come from God and that God was with Him, however, he would also use the word “we” when speaking of those who knew that He was a teacher come from God. What makes this truly intriguing and interesting when you think about it is that his very words seem to suggest and speak of the possibility that there were other Pharisees who believed on Jesus and who had received Him and yet would not come forward with their belief for fear of the Pharisees themselves and even for fear of the Jews. Imagine being a Pharisee and not only being afraid of your companions and peers but also being afraid of the people based on your belief in the Lord Jesus and your receiving Him. Oh it is with this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the first and thirteenth chapters of this New Testament gospel. It is the words which are found in these two chapters where we find incredibly powerful truth concerning the person of the Lord Jesus and His coming from the eternal and living God. What’s more is I would dare say that we must also include the words which are found in the final verses of this chapter itself for this chapter would conclude with incredibly beautiful and wonderful words spoken by John the Baptist unto the Jews who would come unto him speaking of Jesus whom he bore witness of and how he baptized and all men came unto Him. I am absolutely convinced that if we are to truly understand this exchange which took place between the person of the Lord Jesus and Nicodemus there is a great need to consider the words which are found in the first, third and thirteenth chapters for they bring us face to face with the incredible wonderful and powerful truth concerning the person of the Lord Jesus and how He had indeed come from God and that God was with Him. If you want to truly understand the profession and declaration which Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews made concerning the Lord Jesus you must needs consider the following words which are found in this New Testament gospel for within them you are brought face to face with the beautiful reality that Jesus not only came from god but also that God was with Him. What’s more is that when you come to chapters fourteen through sixteen you will find the wonderful truths concerning Jesus not only coming from God but also returning unto God—something which was mentioned in the thirteenth chapter. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this New Testament gospel beginning with the first and opening verse of the first chapter: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:1-5). “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the lIght, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:6-18). “And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, NO. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizeest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing” (John 1:19-28). “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:29-34). “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:35). Consider now if you will the following words which are found in the third chapter of this same New Testament gospel narrative for within it you will find the words which John the Baptist spoke and professed unto the Jews who spoke unto him speaking of he who was with him beyond the Jordan to whom he bore witness was baptizing and all men came unto Him. The words and response which John the Baptist speaks in response to the Jews is actually quite remarkable and astonishing when you take the time to consider them for they further confirm the truth that Jesus was not only come from God, and not only was God with Him but He was also the Son of God. It would be in the first chapter of this New Testament gospel we not only find John baring witness and declaring that Jesus was the Lamb of God but we also find Him bearing witness that Jesus was indeed the Lamb of God. What we find here in the third chapter is an incredibly powerful declaration made concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was made by the apostle John. The following words are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with the twenty-seventh verse of the third chapter of this New Testament gospel: “John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. 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. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:27-36). These words are incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about them for within them we find John the Baptist further exclaiming and declaring unto the person of the Lord Jesus Christ that he was indeed the Son of the living God and that He was the Christ which was sent from God. John the Baptist plainly declared unto the Jews, unto the Pharisees and unto all those who we came unto him and all those who were sent unto him that He was neither the Christ nor the Messiah. The New Testament gospel narrative contains powerful declarations made by John the Baptist that he was not the Christ and that there was one coming after him who was preferred before him. It would be John the Baptist who declared and professed that there was one coming after him who would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire—one whose shoes he was not worthy of unloosing. Please don’t miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the incredibly truth which surrounds the declaration and profession John the Baptist made concerning the person of the Lord Jesus and how He was the Christ, how He was the Son of the living God and how He was the Lamb of God. John the Baptist recognized that Jesus must needs increase and that he must needs decrease for God gave the Spirit beyond measure unto Him. John the Baptist was indeed filled with the Spirit from birth and from his mother’s womb, however, it would be unto Jesus whom the Spirit would be given without measure. John the Baptist would make the incredibly profound and powerful declarations concerning Jesus that He was indeed the Christ and that the Father loved the Son and gave all things into His hand. Moreover John the Baptist would also declare that he who believed on the Son had everlasting life and he that believed not on the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abides upon him.

Oh it is important for us to pay attention to this for when we come to the thirteenth chapter of this New Testament gospel we find the apostle John presenting the time approaching for Jesus to walk through the suffering and death He was appointed unto. It is in the thirteenth chapter we are brought face to face with the incredibly unique and powerful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and further confirmation which was made concerning Him by the apostle John. Here in the thirteenth chapter we find the apostle John transitioning the gospel to the beginning of the suffering of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ as at this point in the gospel the persecution and opposition of the Jews and their religious leaders would increase against and toward the person of the Lord Jesus. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with the first and opening verse:

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded” (John 13:1-5).

Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it we find some incredibly beautiful language concerning the person of the Lord Jesus. It is in this passage of Scripture we find the apostle John declaring of the person of the Lord Jesus that Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father. Moreover the apostle John would go on to declare how Jesus loved his own which were in the world and loved them unto the end. Not only this but the apostle John would also declare concerning the Lord Jesus that He knew that the Father had given all things into his hands and that He was come from God and went to God. Oh there is a great need for us to read these words very carefully for it calls and draws our attention to something which Jesus knew—not only at this time but especially at this time—namely that He was come from God and that He went to God. What we find in this passage of Scripture is the wonderful and emphatic declaration that Jesus was come from God and went to God which continues to bear witness concerning that which Nicodemus declared and professed unto the person of the Lord Jesus when he came unto him by night. It would be there in the presence of the Lord Nicodemus would not only make the declaration that Jesus came from God but also that no man could do the miracles which He did except God were with Him. Nicodemus recognized and understood that Jesus was one who came from God as entirely and altogether different from that which was spoken by the apostle John in the first chapter of this gospel. It would be in the first chapter of this gospel we find the apostle John writing how there was a man sent from God whose name was John and now in the third chapter we find and read how there was another who came from God.

I find myself being absolutely and utterly captivated with the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and how incredibly unique they truly are. It is in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we read of a man sent from God while in the third chapter we read of one who came from God. Oh if there was perhaps no other proof and demonstration that John the Baptist was not the Messiah nor the Christ it is summarized in these two distinct phrases which were spoken by the apostle John. IN the first chapter of this gospel we find the apostle John writing of one who was sent of God to bare witness concerning the Light while in the third chapter we find Nicodemus emphatically declaring unto and concerning Jesus that He came from God. Oh imagine what it would have taken for Nicodemus to make such a declaration concerning Jesus that He came from God for it would be completely antithetical and paradoxical to that which his companions and counterparts believed and professed concerning Jesus of Nazareth. Nicodemus would make the declaration unto Jesus that He came from God and such a declaration would have certainly run the risk of causing him to be ostracized by the Jews—and not only by the Jews but also by his companions and counterparts who were among the Pharisees. Scripture makes it very clear that the Pharisees were such who not only did not acknowledge that Jesus came from God but also denied that Jesus was the Son of the living God. This is something which warrants strong consideration for when you read the gospel narrative written by the apostle John especially you can and will come to the incredible truth surrounding the division which the person and presence of the Lord Jesus would indeed bring during those days. You cannot read the words which are found in these chapters and not be brought face to face with the incredible truth that what men and women believed concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ would and could cause them to be at odds with their culture, with their society and even with the religious and political leaders which were present during those days.

The more I think about and consider this the more I am brought face to face with how incredibly provocative the statement and declaration made by Nicodemus truly was for such was a stamens which I am sure he would not and did not make in the presence of the Pharisees and the other religious leaders. I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but think about and consider the tremendous truth that the declaration Nicodemus made concerning the person of the Lord Jesus was such that acknowledged that He came from God and that God was with Him. What’s more is that it would be in this very chapter where Jesus would indeed speak of Himself as being the Son of the living God and would also speak of the Father. Oh you cannot read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and not encounter and come face to face with how incredibly provocative this statement spoken by Nicodemus would indeed be for to make the declaration that Jesus not only came from God but also that God was with Him would have surely caused him to be scorned, ridiculed and mocked by his companions and counterparts. In fact you cannot read this gospel without seeing a powerful divide which existed between those who believed on and received the person of the Lord Jesus and those who despised, rejected and chose not to receive Him. As early as the fifth chapter you will find example after example of just how divisive the person of the Lord Jesus Christ truly was—and not only who Jesus Himself was but also what men and women believed concerning Him. You read the words presented in this passage of Scripture and you encounter the tremendous divide and schism which was present within that culture and society concerning those who believed on and received the person of the Lord Jesus and those who chose not to believe on and receive Him.

It is absolutely impossible to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and this gospel and not encounter the tremendous divide which belief on the person of the Lord Jesus would indeed create and cause during those days. What’s more is that you cannot read the words presented in this passage of Scripture and not come face to face with the truly astonishing and remarkable truth surrounding what receiving Jesus and making the emphatic declaration and profession that He was the Christ and the Son of the living God would and could cost. We know that John the Baptist was one who was not afraid nor ashamed to make the declaration that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God and the Lamb of God and now we find a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews professing and declaring unto Jesus that he not only came from God but also that God was with Him. This is something which warrants a strong consideration within our hearts and minds for it brings us face to face with the incredible truth surrounding just how divisive the person of the Lord Jesus truly was and what believing on and receiving Him would and could mean for those who were present during those days. It was in the first chapter the apostle John revealed how Jesus came to His own and His own received Him not and how as many as who did in fact receive Him were given the power to become the sons.of God—something which bears strong similarity to that which was spoken of by Jesus. It is in this gospel where we not only find the reference of Jesus as being the Son of God but we also find the reference to those who would and could become sons of God themselves. Of course we know and understand that becoming a son of God is entirely and altogether different from being the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God, however, we must needs understand that Jesus did indeed and did in fact come to make many sons of God—those who would believe on and receive Him as the Son of the living God and as Christ and the Messiah.

With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found within this gospel beginning with the fifth chapter for it is when you come to this chapter you begin to see this division taking place within the culture and society of that day. Not only will you begin to see the persecution of Jesus by the Jews and their intent to kill and destroy Him but you will also find a division which would exist among them as there would be those who believed on and received Jesus and those who chose to reject and despise Him. The New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is absolutely incredible when you take the time to think about this for in the fourth chapter we find an entire village of the Samaritans believing on and receiving the person of the Lord Jesus while beginning with the fifth chapter we find the Jews themselves despising and rejecting the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. How absolutely astonishing it is to read the words which are found in these chapters of this gospel for this gospel itself can indeed be a treatise of those who believed on and received the Lord Jesus and those who rejected, despised and chose not to receive Him. There is a great need to read the words found in this gospel for it demonstrates and reveals the tremendous and incredible truth concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and how belief on Him would indeed cost men and women the ability to be welcomed by those in that culture and society. In all reality I would dare say the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is not only provocative in and of itself but it is also a powerful picture of what our own culture and society is like today. I am absolutely convinced that belief on and receiving the person of the Lord Jesus is indeed in and of itself provocative and can in fact cause us to be ostracized, vilified and marginalized by our culture and society. OH it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found within these chapters found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John:

“And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greaterworks than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed form death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness o myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that th witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent. Me. And the Father himself which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receiv ehonour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:16-46).

In this particular passage of Scripture we read of the Jews not only persecuting Jesus because he had healed on the sabbath but we also find the Jews seeking to kill Jesus because He had declared that God was His Father thus making Himself equal to God. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for when we come to the sixth chapter of this same New Testament gospel we find this deep divide among the Jews further increasing as there would be many who were offended with, at and because of the Lord Jesus. It would be in the sixth chapter where we find the Jews being offended with the person of the Lord Jesus and murmuring and complaining among themselves concerning Him. Not only this but it is in this particular passage where we find many of the disciples who walked with Jesus turning back and walking no more with Him. It is absolutely necessary we pay attention to this for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and how belief on and receiving Him would indeed and would in fact cause many men and women to turn back and walk no more with Him. It is in this chapter we encounter and come to face with the awesome and wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and how believing on and receiving Him would indeed mean many men and women would be divided against their own—divided against their father, divided against their mother, divided against their brother, divided against their sister, divided against their son, divided against their daughter and the like. Oh having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this passage which is found in the sixth chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John:

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. NO man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that’s hat heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, how can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead; He that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum” (John 6:28-59).

“many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that the disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:60-66).

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:66-71).

Within this passage of Scripture we find the Jews being offended with the words which the Lord Jesus spoke and murmuring and grumbling within themselves. What’s more is that within this passage we also find many of the disciples of the Lord Jesus turning back and walking no more with Him because of the words which He spoke. In the fifth chapter we find the Jews persecuting Jesus because He healed on the sabbath and seeking to kill Him because He made the claim that God was His Father and now here in this passage of Scripture we find the Jews being offended with Jesus because of the words which He spoke concerning His flesh and His blood. Many of those who walked with and followed Him would turn back and walk no more with Him because they found His words to be too difficult to bear. Eventually and ultimately the Lord Jesus would turn to the twelve and ask them if they too would also go away. What we must needs recognize here is that Simon Peter would make a declaration that would have caused many to be ostracized and marginalized by society and culture of that day. Simon Peter would make the declaration that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God—something which would cause countless men and women to be divided within and among themselves during those days. Oh the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John presents a powerful contrast between those who would receive the Lord Jesus and believe on Him and those who would reject and despise Him. What’s more is I am convinced the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is a perfect expose of the words which the ancient Hebrew prophet Isaiah prophesied which are recorded for us in the fifty-third chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book which bears his name. You cannot read this New Testament gospel without encountering the strong and powerful contrast which existed during those days between the Jews who believed and received upon the Lord Jesus and even the Pharisees themselves who might have been divided between those who believed on the Lord Jesus and received Him and those who rejected and despised Him.

I read the words which are found in this particular gospel and I can’t help but be absolutely captivated with the tremendous truth surrounding Nicodemus’ coming to Jesus by night for he was a man who was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews who not only believed that Jesus came from God but also that God was with Him. This is something which Jesus Himself would allude and speak to when talking to the Jews in the fifth chapter after healing the man at the pool of Bethesda in the city of Jerusalem. It would be there in the midst of the city of Jerusalem the Jews would persecute Jesus because He had healed on the sabbath and sought to kill Him because He professed that God was His Father thus making himself equal with God. What makes Jesus’ claims all the more astonishing when you take the time to think about them is when you read the words of the apostle John concerning those who received Him being given power to become the sons of God. In all reality this New Testament gospel is a powerful expression of the eternal and only begotten Son of God and those whom he would make into and give power to become sons of God themselves. Of course the apostle John speaks of becoming sons of God as being born of the Spirit and not born of the flesh, nor of the will of man nor of blood. This is what makes the words which Jesus Himself spoke unto Nicodemus so incredibly powerful for Jesus would indeed speak of those who were born again—those who were born of both water and the Spirit. It was Jesus who declared that unless a man was born of water and of the spirit they would not even enter into the kingdom of heaven. This is something we must needs recognize and acknowledge within our own hearts and minds when we read this gospel for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth of the Son of God who came from God and those who would become sons of God. Even Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews would Himself become a son of God as Scripture wonderfully and beautifully demonstrates the truth that he was undoubtedly a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ—this despite the fact that he perhaps did not openly publicize and proclaim this because of what it would and could potentially mean among his contemporaries and peers.

If you continue reading the New Testament gospel narrative written by John you will continue to find this divide between the Jews as there were those who believed on and received Him while there were a vast majority of those who rejected and despised Him. The New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is a powerful example of the divide which is present within culture and society between those who receive and believe upon the Lord Jesus and those who choose to reject Him. There is perhaps no greater narrative that paints a powerful picture—not only of the words which the prophet Isaiah prophesied but also of what we are experiencing within our own culture and society—than the gospel written by the apostle John. It is within this gospel where we see very clearly the Jews being divided amongst themselves concerning who this Jesus of Nazareth truly was. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to consider it is when you read in the fourth chapter how an entire Samaritan city would believe on the Lord Jesus—first because of the word of a woman from their own city who reported unto them concerning Jesus and second because of their actual experience they had with Him. This Samaritan city would entreat Jesus to abide with them and He obliged and accommodated their request and abode with them a full two days—undoubtedly declaring and revealing Himself as the Messiah and the Christ. You will notice in the fourth chapter and the beginning verses that Jesus would indeed declare unto this Samaritan woman that he which spoke unto her was indeed the Christ and the Messiah. This is important to realize for this would be one of—if not the only recorded instance in any of the four gospels when Jesus would actually profess and proclaim Himself to be the Christ and the Messiah. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for within the fourth and fifth chapters of this gospel narrative we see this deep divide which existed between the Jews and the Samaritans for an entire Samaritan city received the word and testimony of the Lord Jesus and would believe on Him while the Jews themselves—or at least many of them would reject and despise the person of the Lord Jesus.

Having said all of this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. It is within these chapters where we really see this deep divide within the culture of the Jews—and not only within the culture of the Jews but also within those who were torn between believing Jesus as being the Christ and Messiah and being the Son of the living God. Even the second chapter begins to demonstrate this division and schism which was present in the midst of the Jews when the Jews who witnessed Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple would ask and demand of Him a sign proving that He had the authority to cleanse the temple and drive out the money changers and overturn the money tables. We must needs recognize and understand this for there is something truly unique and powerful about that which is found in this gospel as it paints a powerful portrait of what we find within our own culture and society concerning the idenity of the person of the Lord Jesus. Nicodemus made the declaration and profession that Jesus came from God and that God was with Him and it would be unto this ruler of the Jews and this Pharisee Jesus would speak of the Father, would speak of being born again, and would speak of those who believe on Him would not perish but have eternal and everlasting life. It would be during this exchange between Jesus and a Pharisee we encounter the powerful narrative of who Jesus as one who came from God and one whom God was with who was the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father. The New Testament gospel narrative which was written by the apostle John is a profound piece of literature that helps us to understand whether or not we believe on and have truly received the Lord Jesus. What’s more is that if you read the first epistle he wrote unto the congregation of the Ephesians you will find the same language contained there as well as belief in the Lord Jesus and receiving Him are paramount to our salvation and righteousness in the sight of othe living God. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth chapters as they bring us face to face with the incredible schism that existed within the culture of the Jews. What’s more is that perhaps the most defining moment of their hostility toward the Lord Jesus was His raising of Lazarus from the dead as that would have been the most profound and public miracle He performed and would demonstrate the authority and power He had over death itself:

“After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him. Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews” (John 7:1-13).

“…The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. But I know him: for I am from him and he hath sent me. Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come” (John 7:20-36).

Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within it you will not only find further proof of the division which was present amongst the Jews concerning the idenity of the person of the Lord Jesus but you will also find Nicodemus appearing yet again—this time in the midst of the Pharisees and the chief priests who sought to kill and put Jesus to death. Beginning with the thirty-seventh verse of this chapter you will find the following words which not only describe the schism which existed between the Jews themselves concerning Jesus but also the schism between the Pharisees and their desire to destroy and put Jesus to death. It is imperative you recognize and understand the words which are found here for they call and draw our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the choice and decision we need to make concerning who we believe Jesus to be, if we truly believe on the Lord Jesus and even receive and have received Him as the Christ and the Son of the living God. I leave you with the final words of the seventh chapter as they powerfully describe that for which we must needs come to terms with in our own lives concerning Jesus being the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God who came from God and whom God was with. Let us read these words and firmly resolve within our hearts and spirits who we believe and receive Jesus to be:

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Many of th people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him” (John 7:37-44).

“Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee raiseth no prophet. And every man went unto his own house” (John 7:45-52)