John 3: 2b
“For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
Isn’t it interesting what Nicodemus says here? “For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Clearly, this line of thought was not common or popular in any form among his fellow Pharisees, and yet logically it seems like a very reasonable statement to make. After all, the “signs” that Jesus did while on earth were unique. No one else in history has claimed the power to do the things that Jesus did.
Q: How do you explain the fact that others saw Jesus do the same things Nicodemus saw and yet refused to admit what Nicodemus so reasonably admitted; that Jesus could not have done the things he did if God were not with him?
The eyes and ears to their heart have been shut,..
Personally I don’t think ole’ Nick would have come up with this on his own,..he was taught by others that have been saying these things about the Messiah for a very long time,..
People are of status and don’t like anyone reigning in on their parade,..even if it is the Son of God,..with eyes and ears to their hearts shut how can they see or hear the truth about God unless God opens their heart to see and hear?
Thanks John! Well said!
I like the “reigning” pun, too!!
Right on John.
The Lord makes an interesting statement in 2 Peter 1:9, But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off. My Toole commentary explains this as “spiritually blind and seeing only themselves.” I thought of this verse when reading your post which is spot on.
( I actually caught the pun also, careful about influence from that Jeff guy ) Blessings Brothers
When man loves sin, he will do what is right in his own eyes.
I thought a great deal about the question for today. I think the simplest answer is that Nicodemus was “on the lookout” for the Messiah. Nicodemus was a Pharisee. His chief purpose was the observance of the law. I think Nicodemus was wise to recognize that you can’t compartmentalize the scriptures. The point of God’s Word is to bring us closer to Him, not just to establish a set of rules to live by. I think Nicodemus had truly studied the scriptures and could see that God had a greater plan, and I think he welcomed it. I also think that others were content with the “system” and were also content with what “power” it gave them. I can see a direct correlation with how people treat the scriptures even today.
Chris,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this question. You rightly focus on Nicodemus, but you also include those who ignored the obvious. The psychology of those that denied God was with Jesus would make a fascinating study.
How do you explain the miracles? As we see in another place, they are okay with Jesus doing miracles as long as he follows their rules about when he can do them (See Matthew 12: 9-14). They appear so wrapped up in their own selves that they miss the meaning of the miracles all together.
This is a very interesting piece of the puzzle. I think there is a false sense of “safety” that comes with “following rules.” If one follows all the rules, and things go wrong, how could anyone put blame on you? Having been prior military I can relate. It brings joy to my heart to know that Jesus freed me from that. I believe in Matthew 12: 9-14 Jesus tells us that we are to put others before ourselves (one of many). There is no “right time” to help others other than when the Holy Spirit puts it on our heart.
Chris,
Another good comment! Thank you!
There is security in following rules if the one who makes the rules has the will and the authority to punish those who do not follow the rules. And what rules does God want us to follow?
“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 37-40)