John 3:1-2 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:… The hours were too few for the work each day brought to Jesus. His labours were often prolonged into the night. An exciting day was over, and one of Jerusalem's noblest sons sought the Saviour. The visit was not prearranged, but spontaneous. Nicodemus could not sleep till he had seen Christ. Others were within the same influences, yet slept. Here was the first-fruit of Christ's direct ministry. The visit did not surprise the Saviour. Let the incident suggest — I. USING THE DARKNESS FOR SEEKING THE SAVIOUR. Night is friendly to retirement and secrecy. The guilty abuse it; but the holiest have ever found its tranquilizing calm, helpful. Attention is needed to it. The struggle which compelled Nicodemus to journey to Jesus. Naturally he must have felt reluctant to quit his home. Why not wait till morning? But thoughts had been arrested, anxiety stirred by the works of Jesus. Conviction had grown. He could not therefore be inactive. The visit involved risk. Caution would counsel hesitation, but eagerness made him resolute, and, determined to lose no opportunity, he came to Jesus by night. 2. The motive which led to the use of the night. Fear, prudence, unwillingness to court attention, are motives with many. Vanity, sense of shame, reluctance to compromise one's dignity, are motives with others. Were these Nicodemus' motives, or the fact of convenience, the night ensuring quiet and leisure? Or was it restless eagerness? The narrative marks that no earlier hour was available (John 2:24). Yet the thrice reiterated " by night" seems to denote excessive prudence. 3. The spirit His visit betokened. He craved satisfaction. If He is the promised One, I must know Him. 4. The knock at the door of Jesus' home. II. YIELDING UP SLEEP FOR A SOUL'S ADVANTAGE. 1. No hour finds Jesus unwilling to attend to our need. 2. Christ's eagerness to meet a seeker. At once Nicodemus was led into themes of which his heart was full. III. SPENDING THE NIGHT TALKING OF WONDROUS THEMES. Jesus uses time well. The themes may be thus classified — 1. Concerning the Divine Trinity. The Spirit (vers. 5, 6), "the only begotten Son" (vers. 13-18). God the Father, who sent the Spirit and gave the Son. 2. Concerning the action of the threefold Godhead in man's salvation. The Spirit regenerates; the Son atones; the Father's love provides the sacrifice and gathers in the world. 3. Concerning man's responsibility in reference to salvation. He has no part in saving himself. Jesus accomplishes that (ver. 17). He must be enlightened (ver. 3) and renewed (ver. 7). On him is cast the solemn duty of personal belief in Christ. 4. Concerning the great issues set before the soul. Not to believe incurs condemnation. But the world through Christ may be saved (ver. 17). There remains for each the vast alternatives of everlasting life or the abiding wrath of God (ver. 36). IV. HEAVENLY LIGHT GAINED IN THE NIGHT INTERVIEW WITH JESUS. 1. Nicodemus became a humble listener at the feet of Jesus. It was his intention to interrogate the Teacher, but he soon became silenced. 2. He retired with new and sacred life within him. (W. H. Jellie.) Parallel Verses KJV: There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:WEB: Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. |
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