Men's Dock Out/Extraction Retreat 10-19-20, 2012 The Road to Jerusalem

 The Kingdom of Heaven

The Kingdom of Heaven… If Jesus, or John the Baptist for that matter, were to show up on the scene today proclaiming this message ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand!’, what would you think? How would you react to His message? Would His message, this message concerning the ‘Kingdom of God’, cause you to make any changes in the way you live and how you view life in the 21^st century? Would it affect us today? Would it have an impact on you personally?

How do you see the world that you live in?

Most of us view this world through the eyes of the concept of ‘the Progression of Man’ …We call it ‘the Human Race’. It is a race to the future, but, unlike other races, it contains some interesting dynamics.

First, it appears to be a race that has no finish. With each major accomplishment or major technological breakthrough we quickly push that discovery behind us and press ever forward. Some would ask ‘To Where?’ or ‘To What?’  Where are we going? What drives us? (This relates back to the ‘Betterment of or Progress of Man’ world view). The goal of this race is not really clearly defined; if there is a goal, we would have to admit that for most of us it is a bit hazy what that goal is. However, we know that we are required to participate in this race in some fashion even if we do not understand the ultimate goal or purpose of it.  If we don’t participate, we will be left behind.

Underneath or behind this perspective is a strong force that we call the ‘Global World System’. It is a Global Economic system that unites mankind together even stronger than any common goal could. It is a system of survival. It makes a demand on us, saying: ‘Belong or else.’  Although there are benefits to participating in and plugging into this system, there are also consequences--some of them not so nice, some even cruel consequences--for not giving it all of your life.

It is the dominant world system of our day and if we were to think of a dominion as a kingdom this dominion could be termed as ‘the Kingdom of Earth’, for it is a kingdom and it includes all nations on the earth. The Bible has much to say about this world system, kingdom, or power, especially in the end days which could include us today.

So let’s look at the message and doctrine that Jesus brought to the world in that day and take a look at what His message might mean to us here today in the 21^st century. In Mark 1:14-15 it says that Jesus came to Galilee ‘preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God’. Matt. 4:17, a parallel passage to Mk. 1:14-15, says the same thing, but uses different terminology.  Matthew uses the term ‘the Kingdom of Heaven’ instead of Kingdom of God. Most Bible expositors would agree that both Mathew and Mark are saying the same thing using different terms. It has been suggested that the difference in terminology might be because of the different audiences that the authors were addressing. However, both passages refer to a Kingdom and a dominion not of the earth, making it unique and different from the kingdom of earth.

In Mark 1:15 Jesus makes an interesting statement. He says that the time is fulfilled or complete as if what he is talking about was in process prior to this time, waiting for completion or waiting for the details to be all worked out.  But, here in v. 15, Jesus makes a clear statement. He says that the time is complete or fulfilled…and that this Kingdom that had not been here before was about to appear. He continues by giving instruction and a warning, warning His hearers that they must prepare for the arrival of this new Kingdom, telling them they must repent of their ways which were contrary to the ways of this Kingdom and believe the Gospel or the aspects and principles of this Kingdom. John the Baptist preached the same message in Matt. 3:1-2 warning that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand and that they must prepare for it.

In Mark 1:38 (Read)Jesus makes the statement that His main purpose for coming was to preach a certain message to the surrounding towns. In its corollary passage in Luke 4:43 He makes the statement that His purpose for coming is to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to other cities. 

Ø  So what is this ‘Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of God’? What is the Bible referring to when it refers to the Kingdom of God? Is the Kingdom of Heaven…. Heaven? Or, is what He is referring to something else, and if so what?

There are 31 references to the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ in the NT and 63 references to the ‘Kingdom of God. All of the 31 references to the Kingdom of Heaven are found in the book of Matthew, whereas the references to the Kingdom of God are found in all of the Gospels, including the book of Mathew where it is used several times.  References to the Kingdom of God are also found in the book of Acts and the Apostle Paul’s Epistles.

But, again, the question comes up, ‘What is He referring to when He preaches ‘the Gospel of the Kingdom’?

In Matthew Chapter 13 Jesus shares 7 parables with His disciples explaining the Kingdom of Heaven to them. He spent a lot of time on this topic. It is interesting that when He tries to explain to His followers what the Kingdom of Heaven is like He chooses to use parables to do so, using words to create pictures and examples that they might already be familiar with.

He would often start a parable with the phrase, ‘the Kingdom of Heaven is like’, meaning it is ‘similar to’ and then espouse the parable using a familiar example of a life experience to which they could relate. In using parables His purpose was to convey a main point or two along with some of its details. A parable is not intended to be over-analyzed for minute details, but it is intended to convey an example of the big picture or idea. By using parables His followers could relate to otherwise difficult concepts.

The Kingdom of Heaven had many aspects that were different from any Kingdom here on earth, so understanding the Gospel of the Kingdom was often difficult.  These parables helped to bridge the gap in their understanding. In the same way these parables can also help us today to understand what He meant when He talked about the Kingdom of God and may give us insight to what the Kingdom of God may mean to us today in a practical sense. 

So, again, what is the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’? Is it Heaven or is it something else??

Let’s look at some parables concerning the Kingdom to see if we can get a better idea of what they mean and how they may apply to us today. Several parables in particular found in chapter 13 of Matthew reveal some interesting details concerning this Kingdom of God or Heaven.

First, let’s read two of the parables. The first is found in Matthew 13:24-30.  Next read Matthew 13:47-51.  Both of these parables are similar in detail and meaning to each other, highlighting similar details of the Kingdom.

The first parable reveals some interesting details concerning the Kingdom that require some thought. In this parable we see both wheat and tares mixed in the same field and the passage makes the statement that the Kingdom of Heaven is like this. It is interesting that later in this chapter our Lord personally explains the meaning of the details of this parable. In v. 38 He says that the field talked about in this parable is ‘the world’. He goes on to say that the ‘good seed’ that are sown are the ‘children of the Kingdom’ and that the ‘tares’ are the ‘children of the wicked one.’ In v. 37 Christ tells us that He was the one who sowed the ‘good seed’ and He goes on in v. 39 and tells us that the enemy or the devil was the one that sowed the tares or the children of the wicked one.

This explanation continues on into verse 41 where our Lord makes another interesting statement: He says that He will send forth His angels and they shall gather out of His Kingdom all things that offend and do iniquity. Our Lord explaining these details in this fashion clearly casts doubts that the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ referred to here can refer to Heaven itself. We know that no iniquity will enter into God’s heaven and the presence of iniquity that has to be purged out here makes it clear that the kingdom He is talking about has to refer to something else.

The same is true concerning the second parable that we read. In the second parable (Matthew 13:47-51) we are given the image of a net that is cast in the sea and a sample of creatures is gathered into the net for us to see. When brought to shore it is revealed that there are two kinds of fish.…good fish and bad fish which need to be separated out at the end of the age. This again gives the impression that the Kingdom of God is a mixed bag at present containing both good and bad. Considering these details and the Lord’s interpretation of these parables, one would have to conclude that the Kingdom He is speaking about is a Kingdom not found in Heaven itself, but a Kingdom established and initiated by God on earth, a kingdom coming from heaven or from God. In other words, He is referring to God’s Kingdom established on earth!

Israel understood this concept as they were taught about God’s Kingdom that was coming on earth in the future. As a matter of fact, when Christ arrived at His first advent they knew when the coming King would appear and some of them were poised and looking for His arrival. In other words, those who had studied the Old Testament prophesies concerning the coming Messiah were expecting the King.

Jesus entered through the right prophetic door and was preaching the right message when He showed up on earth. So, when Jesus told His disciples to go and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom they knew what Kingdom He was talking about.  Christ’s proclamation to go and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom was also important from another aspect: by identifying with the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Kingdom that they were looking for had arrived, He identified Himself as the coming King. (John also witnessed the same concerning Him, Jn. 3:2-3.) He proclaimed that this coming Kingdom of God which He preached was the one prophesied of old and it pointed to Him as being the prophesied Messiah!!

TWO WORLDS COLLIDE

When Jesus arrived on the scene two worlds or kingdoms collided! Two kingdoms squared off to oppose each other. They were now, as it were, ‘in the ring’ and the match was about to begin. God/Christ had come to earth to reclaim His territory.

On the one side, the Prince of this world, Satan (Read Jn12:31 and 14:30), and… on the other Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In John 12:31 it reveals the outcome of this battle and v. 32 reveals to us the method by which He will win. We see in Mathew chapter 4 Christ’s encounter with the then ruler of this world. Here Satan tempts Him, promising Him things of this world which were at that time under his (Satan’s) dominion. In Matthew 4:8-9, Satan promises Him all the Kingdoms of Earth if Christ would bow down and worship him. Jesus refuses his offer and pledges allegiance to the Kingdom of God. At this time Satan still had dominion over the earth. It’s funny--- it’s the same offer that he, Satan, offers to us. Which kingdom will we choose?

It was here that the Kingdom of God gained its foothold, so to speak, and shortly after a series of events dealt the final blow, winning the victory, and establishing a permanent Heavenly Kingdom here on earth. Jesus proclaims this in Mathew 28:18 where He makes one of the most important proclamations found in the Bible by telling His disciples: ‘All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth!’ As He was preparing His disciples to be sent out on the earth to preach the Gospel of His Kingdom, He tells them that the transaction is complete: Satan no longer has a position of authority in this world. All that is left for him is that he is awaiting sentencing. Jesus gives the disciples marching orders to make His, Christ’s, Kingdom a reality on earth. They are also told that they will not go alone (Mt. 28:20) and that He will remain with them always!

So, the question that we need to ask ourselves is: ‘Is the Kingdom of Heaven still on earth today or did it leave with Christ on His ascension?’ And, if it is still on earth, where is it and what is its purpose? How does it look and what is its destination or final outcome? Where is it headed?  Is there an ultimate goal? What practical applications does knowledge of the Kingdom of Heaven being on earth today have to us as believers in our day? Can it affect our perspective and focus in ministry while carrying out His orders or directions given in Mathew 28:18?

The Kingdom of earth is loud and cocky and brassy and gives you the impression that it is the only show in town.  In doing so its message to us is one of tolerance and, all too often, compromise, saying in essence that we must somehow fit in to the kingdom of earth. In other words saying, ‘there are no other options.’ Knowing that the Kingdom of God already exists in our world today gives us another choice, the Right choice. Even though we will have to deal with this present world kingdom, we can make the choice and align ourselves with His Kingdom and His Kingdom work already in progress right now in this world.

This view of the presence of the Kingdom of God being active in our world today makes sense from another perspective. If you recite the Lord’s Prayer slowly, preferably out loud, thinking about the specifics in that prayer, you will notice some interesting components. One of the requests found in that prayer that He instructed us to pray was that His Kingdom would come and His will would be done on earth as it is already done in heaven. I don’t know about you, but knowing that the Father always heard Jesus’ prayers and that, I believe, every prayer that Jesus prayed was in accordance with the Fathers will and therefore will come to pass, then the Kingdom will come and is already coming on earth as in heaven heading toward the Day of it being fully operable and fully established.

Christ had a purpose and objective in sharing these parables found in Matthew chapter 13 with His disciples. Seeing our world through Christ’s perspective and vantage as explained through His parables and teachings reminds me that this kingdom of earth that seems so dominant and appears so confident may not be as all powerful as it wants us to believe. Its approach to gain support and secure followers is through threats evoking fear if you don’t comply and also through the use of intimidation. We know from Scripture that this current world kingdom/system along with its leader has a limited amount of time left before receiving their judgment. This kingdom of earth we know from Scripture will not last, nor will its leader.

Knowing this, should we as His followers not embrace the Kingdom that is coming, and is already here, and its King even though this Kingdom is in process? We know that this Kingdom of Heaven is a Powerful Presence in our world even today and we are told that this Kingdom will fully make its presence completely known with the return of our Lord at the end of the Great Tribulation. The Bible tells us that this Kingdom of Heaven will one day be the dominant and only world system on the earth. All others will be put down and the Kingdom of God and its King will take center stage and will be IT, the only and the right choice.

Not all will agree with this, Christ’s, message. Some/many will align with the Kingdom of earth. However, we as believers and followers of Christ and His message indeed have another choice. Not a future choice, but one present and available today.  What Christ offered His followers in that day was a Kingdom that had indeed arrived and was right now available to them. Does He not offer us the same and more today? We need to be strong in embracing God’s Kingdom in our world in our day. His Kingdom has come to earth. It did so upon His first arrival and according to the Scripture has remained here ever since. His Kingdom is coming and will continue to manifest until God’s plan for His Kingdom on earth is complete. Ponder these things…Matt. 6:33 Dan. 7:13-4 Jn. 1:49

The Lord’s prayer

Recite the Lord’s Prayer slowly thinking about the meaning of each phrase of that prayer…

Our Father

Who art in heaven

Hallowed be Thy Name

Thy Kingdom come

Thy will be done

On earth

As it is I heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

Forgive us our debts

As we forgive our debtors

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil

Preaching the coming of the Kingdom of God was always a central part of the Gospel message…Share this message with your friends!

Richard A. Richett D.C.

August 11, 2012

Richrichett.blogspot.com

The Road to Jerusalem

So guys what is your destination…Where are you headed in life? Where will your journey on earth eventually take you? What are the steps that you are going to take to get there? It is said that without clear goals set in front of a man he has no focus in life…Nothing to shoot for. He has nothing to go after… no challenge.

Last night we talked about The Kingdom of Heaven that God established here on earth at His first advent and about how we should have a more focused goal to align with and go toward that Kingdom while we are here on earth. In doing so we would have a different focus than the world and world system around us. We saw that God/Christ came to this world with a message. In actuality He came to this world with a warning. What was His warning? ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’ Mk. 1:15 What was the purpose of this warning in that day? What is it in our day? What was the reason for this warning? What reaction was God looking for from us in response to this message? How would a response to this message actually look in our life?

I believe that the purpose for His radical message was to help us to change our focus establishing for us a different goal for our life. Whether we realize it or not we all have goals for this life. These goals may not be clear to us all the time, and/or they may not be that ambitious, but we all have and hold goals and we make our daily decisions based on them.

Some of us live our life having goals like we make our living, from paycheck to paycheck or from goal to goal. Or in other words, our goal focus is more short term in nature. By the way, if we find ourselves stuck in the paycheck to paycheck existence of life maybe we need to examine or change our expectations or how we set and execute our goals for life. If life is out of balance maybe we are not setting the right goals in life, short and/or long term goals. It could be that we are not focused on the right thing, the right goal. That is what this study is all about.

Jesus’ message to us was to set our focus and goals on the Kingdom of Heaven, which as we saw last night was not reserved just for some time in the future, but includes our current world today. The Kingdom of Heaven being present on earth in our day puts a different value on life and existence while we are here on earth. What we do here is important. Having this focus and perspective that our life here is an investment not only in the present, but caries on into eternity can make even the simple and routine things of this life important.

I want to use Abraham as our example for this part of our study. When you first look at Abraham’s life you might get the impression that he was a man that did not have any real ambitious goals. When looking at his life as portrayed in Scripture it appears that Abraham was a wonderer in life..going from place to place, or like us from paycheck to paycheck not having any long range plan. But, upon full examination of Abraham’s life we find that nothing could be farther from the truth.

In Hebrews chapter 11 we find a summation account of Abraham’s life. Heb. 11:8-19 When looking at this account we see some interesting dynamics as far as Abraham’s approach or game plan to life. First we see in v. 8 of Hebrews 11 that Abraham had a calling on his life which in turn seemed to prompt him to take certain actions. We see in Hebrews 11:8 that God had made a promise to him. Some of us might be jealous of Abraham because he received this promise or prompting from God as to what to do with his life. It is true that Abraham was indeed special receiving directions for his life, but as we will see and often miss so have we.

In the promise that God gave Abraham initially He did not give Abraham all of the details. We see in v. 8 of Hebrews that the promise that Abraham received contained only a destination and a general direction to begin his journey. With not much to go on and taking not much with him he left familiar settings heading toward God’s promise for him.

Again, what was Abraham’s response to God’s directive for his life? It tells us in v. 8 that he obeyed and went in the direction that God told him to go.  When receiving his direction from God his response was not that he needed more details or that someday he would get around to it, and he did not go down to AAA and ask them for a trip tic or program it into his GPS. But, it seemed from his action of packing up and leaving that God’s promise was enough to obey God and begin his journey.

So what was his goal? What was Abraham’s destination? Fame? Fortune? Security? Pleasure? No, it was a dwelling place, a destination, a home that included the Presence of God. Evidently Abraham could not dwell with God and serve Him as God desired for him from where he was. Evidently, there were things that got in the way of his relationship with God and his ability to serve Him fully.

God gave Abraham a long range plan for his life. As we will see it was a plan that was more than just a plan for Abraham’s time on earth. God’s promise to him also contained some eternal dimensions to it that extended far past his years on this earth. It is interesting that even though God’s plan for Abraham extended past his life here on earth that Abraham’s response to God’s plan was a bold one. In watching him we find Abraham extending his arms out past the boundaries of this life and embracing God’s promise to him in its entirety leaving the fulfilling of these promises and the timeframe of receiving it up to God. As we will see, Abraham essentially did not receive his promise during his lifetime here on earth and some of that promise may not even be fulfilled yet today. But, God had made a promise to him. Is Abraham still waiting for his promise to be fulfilled?

In looking at our Scripture references in Hebrews 11 it actually mentions that many of the examples of faith talked about in that chapter did not receive what they were promised during their lifetime. This poses a question to us in our day. What is our focus for our life and what we are looking for out of it? Does it contain promises that can only be fulfilled and redeemed here in this life… in the here and now? Or can our focus also extend past this life into eternity continuing to receive God’s promises that He had made to us while we were on earth?

In other words, God makes promises, but is He limited to time and this life to fulfill them? If not, when will they be obtained? Will Abraham finally receive his full and complete promise one day, or did the ability for God to complete His promise to Abraham end at Abraham’s passing? We know that God does not go back on His promises.

How about us? Can we like Abraham see the fulfillment of the promises that God makes to us being fulfilled past this life obtaining some of them sometime in eternity? It seems in looking at Abraham’s life that he came to the point of only seeing and setting his sights on the promise, even if he did not receive it during his lifetime. He held on knowing that God’s promise was sure not being limited by temporal things. Will some of our promises also be fulfilled after we leave this life? Should our focus and our goals extend out past this life as they did for Abraham? Will we receive or obtain them in faith and wait for them to be fulfilled, even if fulfilled past our time on earth?

 It is true that God does supply and we should expect God to fulfill some of His promises to us in this present life. He did this for Abraham. Abraham was blessed tremendously by God. We read in Scripture that God blessed Abraham with material goods..., sheep, servants, honor, receiving in this life part of his promise for a nation in and through Isaac. But, Abraham did not receive the full promise that God had given to him while he was alive on earth. He had been promised a nation. Because of this promise he left his home with everything that he had. Here in Hebrews it says that he left with that destination or goal set by God in mind to find the city of God, the dwelling place which God would establish for him and his descendants.

But, what did Abraham receive? Although he received many things from God, he did not reach his final destination promised to him in this lifetime, I. e. a city whose foundations and principles were laid down by God. Yet, God had promised this to him. Heb.11:8-10

We read some interesting things about Abraham and how he saw things while exercising faith as he moved towards God’s promises. When called to sacrifice Isaac, knowing that in Isaac was the promise that God had given to him, he did not try to figure it all out. Instead he believed God. He believed God so much that he embraced principles that are bigger than those found in this life bordering on the eternal and the supernatural. He did not put boundaries upon God’s abilities. In doing so we see Abraham reach out into eternity and embrace God and His promises for him counting that God was faithful to deliver the promises that were given to him. Abraham’s faith extended way out in front of him.

One might ask, ‘Where was Abraham headed? Where was he going?’ What was he focused on? The answer is simple. He was heading toward something that would last. He was headed toward eternity. He was headed toward Jerusalem, the city of God, built on God’s foundations and principles. Evidently God had in mind for Abraham to continue in his journey a while longer past his life on earth before he reached his final destination and the complete fulfillment of the promise made to him.

There are two Jerusalem’s mentioned in Scripture. One is the earthly Jerusalem which is the current capitol of the nation Israel. The Bible tells us that this earthly Jerusalem will after Christ’s return become the capitol of the world during God’s Millennial Kingdom reign. This earthly city, Jerusalem, definitely is a focus in the Scripture and should be one of our destinations or focuses as we by faith embrace what God has also for us. Obtaining and reaching this goal may also extend past this life for us as it did for Abraham.

But, was this earthly Jerusalem what God had in mind as the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham. Many Bible scholars do not think so for there is another Jerusalem mentioned in Scripture that comes closer to the description of the city promised to Abraham having its foundation flawless as to how it is established and how it operates. In Scripture it is call the New Jerusalem which will be manifest at the end of the age. Most scholars believe that this ‘New Jerusalem’ will finally be the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham. As incredible as it may seem, Abraham is still waiting for his promise to be completely fulfilled. In other words, his journey still continues. But,…not forever. One day he will reach his final destination and receive in full God’s promise to him.

So where is Abraham headed, still, even now… in our day? To Jerusalem, of course.  One might ask which Jerusalem? Well eventually the New Jerusalem, but first he, as we will also, will make a pass through the earthly Jerusalem and experience Christ’s millennial reign. We may not have really thought about it, but in reality according to the Scriptures Abraham’s destination is really also our destination and his promise is really our promise. As believers God has given us the same promise and destination as He did Abraham. In other words Abraham’s goal is our goal.

Because of this should we not adopt Abraham’s focus as our focus?? According to Scripture we too are headed eventually to the New Jerusalem. But, first we also must travel through this earth’s Jerusalem and Christ’s millennial reign. If Abraham were able to speak to us today he would probably ask us if we would want to travel with him headed toward his destination…Jerusalem. If his and our paths diverged for a season we might hear him give us a parting blessing, saying, ‘See you in Jerusalem’. Set your sights on Abraham’s destination. Abraham will not mind the company…

The Gospel of John Lesson 8 (11-04-2012) – John 2:24-3:21

The Gospel of John (11-04-2012)

Lesson 8 – John 2:24-3:21

Before we begin chapter 3 I want to go back and pick up the last two verses of John chapter 2. At first one might pass over these two verses too quickly. At first glance these two verses seem kind of mysterious in their meaning to us. In reading them we get the sense that these verses contain some important spiritual message or meaning, but it is a message that contains a concept that may be hard for us not only to understand, but to admit or accept as being accurate. But, John makes a comment here in these two verses that are important. These two verses lay a foundation for the dialog that occurs in the beginning of chapter 3 showing our need for a Savior.

V. 24 says that Jesus did not commit Himself to those present because He knew them. In the preceding verse it tells us who He was referring to. It seems that He was not just referring to the religious leaders that appeared obviously opposed to Jesus’ message and actions knowing the damage that they could cause Him, but, instead, v. 24 seems to be referring to a rather sizable group of people that were attending the Passover celebration that actually believed in Him and decided to follow Him. In essence saying that they believed in what He was saying and that they were on board with His message committing themselves to Him.

But He knew and understood their ability to keep their commitment to Him and that He could not trust them with the details of what was about to happen at this time understanding that there was the possibility that even they could betray Him and His plan or God’s will for Him.

In looking at God’s revelation through His Word we see that even as His followers we have the ability to not only let Him down, but without God’s intervention in our life even turn against Him as amazing as it seems. At the end of v. 25 we get an interesting look deep, very deep into the heart of man. It is a look into an area that we do not like to go or even admit exists. But, the Apostle John here makes mention of it reminding us of what God was up against when He came to redeem us. That is, deep in the heart of man, in his core of his being, his nature, man’s heart is capable of anything…. in other words, any evil imaginable.

This is hard for us to swallow. In coming to Christ we want to commit ourselves to Christ offering our dedication, devotion and service to God. These are all good things and are exactly what we should offer to God. But, we can often forget that what we offer is not what saves us making us fit for the Kingdom. In essence the Gospel is that we have nothing, and we bring nothing to Christ to offer Him for salvation. These verses at the end of chapter 2 open a window allowing us to take a peek deep into the soul of man and what we see is not good. The deeper we go into the heart of man the more we see what man is capable of. This was not a judgment upon those mentioned here as to the shallowness of their commitment. For all we know they were sincere in their commitment to Christ at this time. These verses seem to refer to all men or man in general. Deep inside man has nothing to draw from to offer God making us just before Him.

In John 1:5 it tells us that the Light that came to this world came to darkness, not goodness. In essence our position was/is completely hopeless. Without God’s intervention in our life and world we would gravitate toward total and complete darkness or depravity. In looking at the first 2 chapters of this Gospel we see God’s love revealed to us in that He had pity on our desperate situation and because of His love He devised a plan willingly going out of His way to rescue us. As we will see, this is the message of John chapter 3. It was God’s love and commitment to us in spite of our hopeless situation that made the difference. It is true that when we come to Christ we offer Him our selves including our gifts and talents, but our salvation really stems from our realization and need for a Savior knowing that we are hopeless without Him, we need Him.

This is what kept the Pharisees from coming to Jesus. It was their self-righteousness, saying to Christ/God, ‘I am good enough…here God take this, I offer to you my goodness and good works’. As we will see in this Gospel and the other Gospels as well Jesus had some very harsh words concerning this approach to God. This dark nature can be termed as man’s blind side. The Pharisees were oblivious to this and at times so are we. It is not easily identified or recognized for it lies deep below the surface of man’s awareness.

If asked those present in 2:24-5 would have denied any possibility of such betrayal happening. Peter denied its existence in him. So did those that heralded Christ as King one day and cried crucify Him shortly thereafter.  But, Jesus knew the possibilities and decided here in chapter 2 that this was not the time to share His plans. He would give them more details later when it was time. Rom. 3:9-24

These verses at the end of John chapter 2 are not verses of condemnation, but are verses of mercy as we will see explained in John chapter 3 verses 17-21. These are verses that are essential for us to understand if we are to receive God’s full mercy and the peace that He offers to us knowing God’s full and complete forgiveness. In understanding and receiving God’s Full forgiveness we find peace. Full and complete. All of Israel’s religious leaders were blind to this and received verbal condemnation and judgment from our Lord for their blindness. That was all except one who shows up at night asking questions…the right questions.

John Chapter 3

It is from these events and setting that many believe that chapter 3 begins. Chapter 3, v. 1-2, begins with a ruler of the Jews, a Pharisee, coming to Jesus at night to ask Jesus some personal and inquisitive questions. He was troubled. He may not have been able to sleep. We do not know at what time of the night he came, but his conscious, his heart had moved him to take action and do something about his uneasiness. God’s conviction and dealing with his heart had overcome his deep Pharisaical pride and you have to give him credit, Nicodemus took a bold step and swallowed his pride and came to Christ… with real questions.  

Maybe it was Jesus’ 3D message in the temple that got him thinking? There is a good chance that he had seen Jesus make a scene at the Temple during this Passover. If so, it might have got him to thinking about the traditions of men vs. the truth of God prompting him to action seeking out the real truth.

The Pharisees pretty much across the board were a proud bunch depending upon their good works to justify themselves before God. Although they generally led moral dedicated lives they were also self righteous and as such were blind to their sinfulness and need for a Savior. (Read Matt 3:7 Scofield note concerning Pharisees)  In Matthew chapter 23 we see Jesus denounce them publically and very pointedly pronouncing harsh judgment upon them for their self righteousness and their denial of their heart condition and need for a Savior. Like many in our world today, religion and the practice of their religious beliefs made it nearly impossible for them to come to the Lord on His terms. Our day is plagued with the philosophy of the Pharisees many claiming self righteousness offering to God instead their plan of justification rejecting the truth that our Lord is about to share with Nicodemus.

Nicodemus setting aside his pride for a moment knew that he was missing something and had to see if he could find the answer looking to fill his heart with what he could not explain nor put into words he could not come up with. His inability to put his finger on the truth of John 2:24-5 led to an awkward conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, but Jesus knowing his heart and what he needed and what he was looking for gives him the real answers that he is looking for.

This brings up a tangential discussion that we need to take a look at. So too, we often fill these wrestles urgings of life with fillers, things that have no substance. He could have filled his troubled and possibly lonely soul with pills or drugs, or wrestles activities, or a movie, or pleasure, or an endless number of things. Our world is filled with endless possibilities to attempt to temporarily fill these empty longings for God. Temporary thrills, incomplete pleasures… But, we have to give Nicodemus some credit here. Although, he could not put his finger exactly on what was troubling him expressing it in words, innately he knew down inside, too deep down inside to bring it up, that those afore mentioned things, fillers, would not do. Neither would find his incomplete religious understanding and beliefs enough.

The trouble with this world is that there are too many things that can temporarily fill the urgings of our heart and soul that are saved or reserved for God. Our trouble in our current culture is that we are an instant culture and when something moves us inside we all too quickly want to and expect to fill or quench the longing or uneasiness doing something to at least scratch our itch. Give me anything, just make it quick. After our attempt to quench our longing, we often tend to pause and say to our self ‘That was not exactly what I needed, but I guess it will have to do’…Fillers…The fillers of life. Not what we really need and not what we are really looking for, but they are quick, they are available and they are easily applied. But, they do not really meet the need in our heart.

One of these fillers that Nicodemus could have chosen and maybe had chosen in the past was ‘religion’. Religion and philosophy are often deemed as the two of the biggest obstacles to finding God and the answers to our problems. These two areas coupled with pride are often impregnable to the work of the Holy Spirit. But, Nicodemus let down his guard …for a moment and gave into his heart admitting that he did not have all of the answers, even as a leader, and came by night to the best shot that he had seen in a long time. Maybe it was the only thing that he had ever seen that had these possibilities.

In all likelihood, Nicodemus had been pondering and had been troubled by what was in his heart for a while. However, he had never been met by an opportunity like this that had likely possibilities of getting some real answers.  In coming to Christ he did not know what he was going to say. He didn’t know how to put it into words. But, he decided to wing it and be bold, pushing aside his pride for a moment and took the first step coming at night in his ignorance to the Answer.

This was an incredible step for Nicodemus. He was a religious leader. In essence he was the pastor or church elder. He had led the service, teaching, training, telling others what they should do to serve and please God. But, in this moment Nicodemus saw and realized and was honest admitting that he did not really know the way. He was kind of like the ‘Wizard of Oz’ who claimed to and was expected to know the way and have all the answers, but probably for the first time in his life he admitted to himself that he was lost and in reality had no idea where he was going.

Jesus brings this point home to him a little later in this chapter, v. 10, pointing out to him that he should already know these things because of his position. Jesus was not being mean, but wanted him to admit his lost-ness to himself. You cannot be found or find your way unless you first admit that you are lost.

It has been said that he was the only Pharisee recorded in the Gospels that ever came to Jesus inquiring of Him seeking the truth. That means that what Nicodemus did in coming to Jesus was not a popular thing among his peers. As a matter of fact there was a good chance that coming to Jesus asking the questions that he did, honestly looking for the truth as he did could have had some serious reprimands and repercussions. In all likelihood this is why he came to Jesus at night, not to be seen. But, he had to come. He could not help himself. He took a risk although at night and reach out for help. Jesus had caught his attention. Someone was dealing with his heart. The Holy Spirit was at work here. The wind had blown in his direction. V. 8

In v. 2 Nicodemus makes his opening formal greeting recognizing Jesus’ gifts and abilities, but in reality pretty much flattering Him not openly admitting the real reason for his visit. It is good here that a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, acknowledges Jesus as a spiritual leader stating the proofs of Jesus’ ability to go with it. But, Nicodemus was still playing the proud, saving face game, not being totally honest with Jesus, beating around the bush not asking Him what was really on his heart and mind. The answers that he was looking for were serious and so often the inability to obtain and receive the answers that one desperately needs is lost in dialog. Too much chit chat. Too many formalities. But, Jesus cuts through the formalities and meets him in his heart focusing on the real issue.

In this interchange between Jesus and Nicodemus we see Nicodemus express the volley between being openly honest with his self and his pride. We all too often are found playing this game, not realizing the seriousness of what is at stake and that pride often wins out if we are not careful. But, Jesus in v. 3 understands what is happening and what is at risk and speaks truth into the situation and to his heart. In the next few verses Jesus and Nicodemus have real dialog…an honest chat, Jesus being kind but frank and Nicodemus replying honestly willing to hear the truth. This is a rare place for a man to find himself…being frank and openly honest with himself and his need. In reality Nicodemus is looking for the answers to life.

 Jesus begins by witnessing to him about the spiritual realities of life. In these verses we will not find spiritual suggestions, but Jesus here is telling Nicodemus how things are, v. 11. How things work. A mystery that is not often easy for man to understand. These are spiritual things that are too deep for the mind alone and are best understood in the heart. They can in reality only be understood with some help, help from God and His Holy Spirit.

The work of the Holy Spirit,..now there is an interesting mystery. In Jn. vs. 5-8 Jesus shares the workings of this mystery with a well educated religious man, a religious leader of the people and nation and when it was all over telling him about these things to Nicodemus it was still a mystery. This was not just a conversation meant for Nicodemus only, but what we see here would in reality apply to any person looking for the truth. Jesus here is witnessing to the world concerning spiritual truths for all men find themselves in essence in the same position as Nicodemus when faced with these truths and the real questions of life. The truths stated here are realities that any or all of us need to understand and act on.

This in reality is a complex dynamic at work here. On the one hand you have Nicodemus representing the spirit of man, his person, his understanding, his viewpoint and his ignorance or lack of understanding of spiritual things at this point. We know from Scripture that the natural man is spiritually dead. Spiritually dead means no awareness of true spiritual things around him as defined by God. In this case it is referring to the realm of God or the realm of the Holy Spirit which is life. In essence he represents to us man and his approach to God.

On the other hand you have Jesus reasoning with Nicodemus representing the natural man about things that he, the natural man cannot understand. This appears to be an impossible situation. But, Nicodemus is not without help. There is a third party here. God’s Holy Spirit is at work here quickening Nicodemus’s spirit and understanding that he may begin to understand the truths of God that Jesus is sharing with him.

We see in this dialog through v. 21 that even with God’s help the natural man, Nicodemus, is slow to understand. We must remember that He, God, is dealing with a dead man who by himself is not normally responsive to life. The principles that Jesus is sharing with Nicodemus are reserved for the living. That is, those who are spiritually alive. But God’s Spirit is persistent. He is in the process of quickening Nicodemus’s spirit, preparing him to experience that which He had talked to Nicodemus about at the beginning of this chapter.

In v. 3, 5 and 7 Jesus states a requirement or necessity for entering God’s Kingdom. He states that to enter God’s Kingdom one must be born not only physically, but Spiritually. A couple of words stick out in these passages. One is the use of the word must in v. 7, the other two verses stating essentially the same only using different wording. Must is equivalent to essential. He did not give Nicodemus any room for other possibilities here. He did not say that being born again is what happens in most cases and doing other things sometimes also works. His statement here was clear concerning the realities of entering the Kingdom of Heaven, coming down to one event. i.e. the new birth or being born again. This left Nicodemus with only one way or choice if he was going to enter God’s Kingdom. However, this did not make sense to the natural man. At this time Nicodemus did not fully understand this truth, mentally or spiritually.

In v. 6 another interesting component of this required new birth was given to Nicodemus. Jesus tells him that that was required was the work of the Holy Spirit of God and does not come from man or of his ability. Jesus goes on to in v. 8 to explain again spiritual concepts and principles saying in essence to Nicodemus that the Spirit moves as He chooses and His way is not easily understood, if at all, but that the work of this birth or regeneration is the Spirit’s work and not man’s.

Nicodemus responds to these things with a very much of this world response…’How can these things be’?...or, this does not compute. In essence Nicodemus is responding saying, ‘I am not programmed to understand such things or reasoning’. Nicodemus here is only partially right for in I Cor. 2:14  it says ‘but, the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned’. But, Jesus gives us another perspective saying at the end of v. 11 that Nicodemus is in actuality being stubborn and is choosing not to receive these spiritual truths that Jesus is offering. In reading v. 11 we find Jesus’ response to Nicodemus appears to be a rebuke for his unbelief of these spiritual things.

In explaining these spiritual principles to him Jesus in v. 10 asks him a pointed question. He does not ask Nicodemus this question to rub it in so to speak, but to point out to him that he is missing some key components in understanding how this God thing works. Nicodemus like all of the Pharisees held a flawed doctrine requiring works or ritual/observance to obtain favor with God. But, these principles that Jesus shared did not contain any of their principles.

In V. 11-2 Jesus makes a clear statement that what He is sharing were facts and not just here say or supposition and goes on with His rebuke saying that the things that He is explaining to him are spiritual principles relating to this earth and should be easily understood by someone who is looking for truth and going on to say in essence that spiritual truths in the heavenly realm are much more difficult to understand by the natural man even with some help from God. Jesus here is not saying that these heavenly truths are impossible for man to understand, but as we have seen here in chapter 3 and in other parts of this Gospel that they are only understood with the help of the Holy Spirit.

 In v. 13 Jesus again continues to point out Nicodemus’s reason for his inability to understand these spiritual truths pointing out his, and our, flawed approach in trying to ascend or make our own way to God. He, Jesus, makes a definitive statement not only to Nicodemus, but to all mankind saying here that we cannot get to God by our own effort. In telling Nicodemus that ‘no man has ascended up to heaven’ Nicodemus and most of us would flash back in our mind to an image of the ‘Tower of Babel’, man’s best try and attempt to reach up to God by his own efforts. In doing so we would also have a visual image of ruinous end of that attempt.

Jesus was reminding him that man is not a trustworthy source for the truth and in looking for real answers one should continue their search and look elsewhere. In this verse Jesus reveals Himself as the only trustworthy source for the Truth as unlike man He came from the Truth or God coming from heaven to earth. Nicodemus had been using religion to try to build a bridge, or in other words climb a ladder to God. Jesus states that no man has ever ascended or done well enough to gain entrance to God telling him in essence that no matter how long he practices or got good at his religion that it would never be good enough. In saying this to Nicodemus Nicodemus probably would have immediately thought of a number of men in the Scriptures that were much more spiritual than he realizing that if they did not measure up that he would surely not have a chance.

In the second part of v. 13 Jesus begins to replace Nicodemus’s self effort with God’s Provision for the problem saying that the Son of Man came down from heaven to help man out pointing the way to God. Although Nicodemus probably did not fully understand Jesus’ visual in v. 14 he would at least have been able to visualize what Moses had done in the OT following God’s direction and would have begun to ponder it’s possible importance and application to their conversation. By this time in the conversation he probably would have connected Jesus’ reference to the Son of Man as being applied to Jesus Himself. Much of the conversation at this point was still a mystery and not very plain, but he was sure that Jesus’ reference here was too Jesus Himself. Now the wheels in Nicodemus’s mind were turning.

In v. 15 Jesus begins to challenge Nicodemus with a bigger picture making reference to eternity. He challenges him to change his whole perspective from self effort to putting his trust in a person. This would have been difficult for a Pharisee to do for they were to only worship God. But, in v. 16 Jesus makes the claim that this Person that He is referring to is just that, claiming that he is referring to God’s only begotten Son. He makes it clear in this verse that transferring belief and trust from our self and self efforts transferring belief and trust to the One that will be lifted up will result in life that will not end and is not earthly. Jesus is doing all the talking at this time. From what we are told here in the next few verses, it seems that Nicodemus is all ears and appears to be processing it all. The Holy Spirit is at work…

In vs. 17 and 18 again Jesus makes reference to the Son of Man come down from God. There is a good possibility that Nicodemus, as other Jews would have, saw this coming of God as one of coming in judgment, to at least to judge their enemies. But, I am sure to his surprise, Jesus paints for him a different picture. In these verses He points out that a sentence of judgment has already been issued and tells him that His coming was not to carry out this judgment at this time, but was to offer a pardon to all who would accept His terms of peace referring to His point made to Nicodemus in v. 14 concerning the ‘Son of Man being lifted up’. This is God reaching out to man making an offer of peace and pardon that should be a no brainer for man to accept or receive costing him nothing, God paying for and taking care of all the debt and details. But, as yet, we do not see Nicodemus respond to His offer. Nicodemus would not have fully understood exactly what Jesus meant by His offer referenced to Moses and the serpent or the Son of Man being lifted up. However, in time he would, and Jesus knowing what was in store for Nicodemus lays the groundwork for what most believe will be his future faith in the Messiah.

But, Jesus reminds him of a few other details that Nicodemus had not as yet fully acknowledged. In vs. 19-21 Jesus again refocuses on the dilemma between God and man pointing out to Nicodemus man’s desperate situation. In v. 19 He points out the nature of man without God’s intervention saying that by nature man does not just make an occasional mistake, but that in essence man left to his own would naturally seek out darkness or that which is against God making it perfectly clear at the end of v. 19 saying that man’s deeds are evil. By now Nicodemus in all probability was a little uncomfortable beginning to understand that he too might fall into the category that Jesus was describing.

In saying these things to Nicodemus He tells him essentially that while he, and also man for that matter, was in darkness that man’s ways were not seen for what they were being dark and that now that the Light had come man now had to make a choice. A choice between the Light and darkness.

In doing so not all would make the right choice. As a matter of fact, many or even most would chose darkness and continue to seek out dark places so they can continue to perform dark deeds avoiding the Light. Oddly enough, Jesus had placed the Pharisees and their religious deeds that to some appeared to be good on that dark side. Jesus in essence was asking Nicodemus which he would choose. Jesus had exposed his deeds for what they were, self righteous and not necessarily righteous according to God and His standards. The spotlight was now on Nicodemus. Would he stay and deal with what he saw needing himself a Savior or would he bolt and flee from the exposure of the light to the darkness? Staying in the light was uncomfortable and required changes adopting God’s ways and standards.

We are not told for sure what decision Nicodemus makes at this point. It is yet to be determined. We will pick up with Nicodemus and his journey later in this Gospel. When we rendezvous back with him we will see that it appears that he had decided to stay in the light and work through the details seeing his thoughts and beliefs being reshaped as the light exposed the error of his religious foundation choosing instead to adopt God’s truths as his own. In watching Nicodemus’s journey we will see a process involved though occurring over time to reach his destination. His faith was not demonstrated at least to us right away during this encounter found here. However, at the end of this Gospel record we find Him interestingly enough at the Cross.