Account of Nicodemus

Why would anyone name a rodent feeder business after Nicodemus, the Pharisee? It’s a compelling question, and by the end of this post, the reasoning will be crystal clear. First, let’s establish who Nicodemus is and his significance in the Scriptures. He is prominently featured in the book of John, particularly in Chapter 3, one of the key Gospels. Nicodemus was not only an intelligent man but also a Pharisee, part of the elite group of religious leaders of his time.He held significant power and influence over the people of that era. To fully appreciate his importance, we need to delve into the entire conversation recorded between Jesus and Nicodemus, starting in John 3:1

 

"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.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 

9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already,because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” 

 

Let's analyze the passage regarding Nicodemus. Notably, he approaches Jesus at night, a significant detail that prompts further inquiry. One might wonder why Nicodemus, a respected religious leader, would choose to meet under the cover of darkness rather than during the day. This choice could suggest a level of cautiousness, perhaps due to the potential implications of associating with someone challenging the established religious authority.

 

Nicodemus and his peers held considerable power, armed with the Torah, the Ten Commandments, and an extensive set of 613 laws. The question then arises: Why would one individual, like Jesus, create such a stir in Jerusalem during this time?

 

In the following verse, Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus by saying, "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." This indicates that despite his position, Nicodemus recognizes the divine authority and miraculous works of Jesus, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about faith and spiritual understanding. Nicodemus recongizes that Jesus is no ordinary man and only can do that thingshe can because of God.

 

Let's delve deeper into why Jesus emphasizes the necessity of being born again. What prompted Nicodemus to question how one could enter a womb once more? Could it be that everything Nicodemus believed about God was suddenly in doubt? We know that these religious leaders taught that adhering to the laws and performing good deeds was the path to heaven and unity with God. But is that really the case? Perhaps Nicodemus was grappling with the true meaning of being born again. Jesus underscores his message by starting with "truly, truly, I say to you," highlighting its significance.

 

 

Lets dig in once more Jesus calls out Nicodemus by saying "“Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?" Jesus presses into Nicodemus once more. My reading of this conversation is more Jesus being blunt and to the point with Nicodemus. From here Jesus finishes up the conversation with Nicodemus and we dont see him again till John 19 where he helps with Jesus body.

 

In the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, an important question arises: why was Jesus probing him so deeply?This interaction highlights Nicodemus's misunderstanding of the Messiah, which is emphasized in Genesis 3:15. In this verse, God declares to the serpent, "For I will put enmity between you and the woman, and from her seed he will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel." This verse signifies the promise that Jesus would ultimately defeat evil.

 

The Old Testament serves as more than just a collection of historical accounts and regulations; it lays the essentialfoundation for Christian faith. Through the prophecies, the people of Israel were consistently called to "repent and believe," indicating God's intention to prepare the way for the Messiah. This preparation culminates in the arrival of Christ, who is destined to pay the debt for humanity's sins, a debt that we could never settle on our own.

 

One of the most well-known verses in this context is John 3:16, which states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This message is further expanded in verse 17, where it is noted, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." Together, these verses encapsulate the overarching theme of redemption and salvation that is central to Christianity.

 

In reflecting on the significance of Nicodemus Feeders, I am reminded of the importance of true transformation in our lives. We often encounter individuals who are incredibly intelligent and do many wonderful things, perhaps even participating in church activities or standing in front of a congregation. However, the crucial question remains: have they experienced the same regeneration that Nicodemus did? Have they truly repented of their sins and placed their faith in Christ? It’s essential for us to look for the genuine fruit of salvation in our lives and the lives of others.

 

Many profess to be Christians, yet we must ask ourselves how many are genuinely regenerated. Philippians 1:6 assures us, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” This is a comforting reminder of God's unwavering commitment to us despite us.

 

I remember giving a sermon at a snake show and posing the question: what do we bring into our relationship with Christ? The responses varied—love, joy, faithfulness, and pride. Yet, the most honest answer is that the only thing we truly bring to this relationship is our sin. The righteousness we can offer is not our own; it is the righteousness bestowed upon us by Christ when we genuinely repent and believe in Him. Let us embrace this truth with love and grace, recognizing that our walk with Christ is all about His incredible love and mercy towards us.