Text: John 3:1-2

1, There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2, 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.

Introduction:

We are considering the importance of John 3:16. (This is sermon 4 of 4)

In John 3 Jesus tells Nicodemus what he must do to have everlasting life. 

John 3:16

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.

But what do we do after we accept Jesus? What do we do after John 3:16?

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    1.      An Encounter with Jesus will change your life

    a.       Came to Jesus by night

John 3:1-2a

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 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.

John 7:50

Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

John 19:39

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

Each time we see Nicodemus he is identified as one who “came to Jesus”

Your encounter with Jesus should define you.

    2.      Nicodemus struggled with his identity

    a.       In Nicodemus time, everyone took side concerning Jesus

John 7:43

So there was a division among the people because of him (Jesus).

John 7:28-31

28 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.

29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

31 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?

    b.      Jesus invitation

John 7:37

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.

John 7:44-48

44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

    c.       Nicodemus tried to stand for Jesus

John 7:50-53

50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

53 And every man went unto his own house.

John 12:42

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

Why do we struggle? New Birth. Not a regiment but a relationship. 

    3.      Nicodemus gets it right

Judas Betrays (Luke 22:47-48)

Peter denies (Luke 22:61-62)

The disciples run (Matthew 26:31)

The woman weep (Luke 23:27-28)

But Nicodemus grows up and stands up for Jesus.

John 19:38-42

38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

    4.      Closing

John 3:36

36 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.