Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
4 sermons cite this verse
… This was the promise that Jesus made to a certain religious leader who paid him a late night visit. I've given him a nickname. His nickname is Nick at Night. Here's the reason. John chapter 3 and verse 1 introduces us to him. Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. Here's what we know. There were about 6,000 Pharisees, religious leaders in the days of Jesus in Israel. Nicodemus was one of the 6,000, but he was also a ruler of the Jews. That is to say, he was a member of the high court. There were about 70, so that's a pretty special case. In just a moment, we'll find out that he was a good teacher. That's what Jesus called him. You're a good teacher. Now, that could just be a compliment, but it could also mean that he was one of the select few in this tribe of 70 that was called upon to be the instructor. He was perhaps a rabbi to rabbis. All that to say, Nicodemus was a very religious man with many religious credentials. …
… He says, There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, Rabbi, we know you're a teacher from God, for no one can do these things that you do unless God is with him. So let's look at a little background on Nicodemus. Number one, it is noted he was a man. I'm pausing because California has a problem with defining what a man is. He was a man. Second, he has a Greek name, Nicodemus. Did you realize that Nicodemus was a Greek name? It's not a Hebrew name, and it comes from two words being put together, Nike, Nico, and Demas, meaning people, and it either means victory of the people or one who conquers the people. Now, we know Nicodemus was not that kind of guy. He came to Jesus by night with a question. Now, for the most part, one commentator says, those who lived in Judea had Hebrew or Aramaic names. …
In other words, I'm in two dimensions. Father, we thank you so much for your word. It is a lamp unto our feet. It is a light unto our path. Hallelujah. In the beginning was the word, and the word was you, and the word was with you, and all things that will be made will be made, therefore, by your word. And even as your word became flesh and dwelt among us, I thank you, God, that this word will become flesh and move throughout the hearts and the minds of your sons and daughters present and watching. And God, in alignment and agreement with that, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. I thank you that you've given me the spirit of wisdom and revelation and insight and knowledge and prophecy and full access to heaven's resources, is full access to the throne room, God, that I might not simply be standing in front of your people, but that I might be like Elijah who said, Jehovah before whom I stand. So may I stand in two dimensions and release your word that will edify, build up, enlighten, activate, heal, and do all the wonderful things that takes place when your word is released. We claim victory today. …
And so chapter 3 begins with this introduction of Nicodemus. There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus a ruler of the Jews. Not all of the Pharisees were elevated to membership in the Sanhedrin, which was the ruling body of the Jewish people. This would be akin to a senator in the United States Senate. This is a man of very high authority in the government of the affairs of the Jewish people who is also skilled as a theologian, or at least he's supposed to be. And we are told that he came to Jesus by night. John doesn't tell us why he came at night. Maybe he was too busy during the day, or maybe as many guests, he was a little bit embarrassed about being seen publicly with this Jesus who was gaining some kind of a reputation, which was basically negative among the Pharisees and the rulers of the Jews. So maybe Nicodemus was seeking the cover of darkness and hoping for a clandestine meeting with Jesus so that he could interrogate Him in private. …