“Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” (John 3:10-12)
After an explicit declaration and explanation of doctrine is given. Again Nicodemus expresses his lack of understanding in this area of spiritual regeneration. Jesus scolds him for this because of his position of authority.
Nicodemus was a very respected teacher in Israel. Not a teacher of ordinary men, he was mostliky the head of a seminary. He had attained a high position because of his learning. It is unacceptable that one of such importance would not understand the necessity for spiritual cleansing and regeneration. The scriptures that Nicodemus was an expert in teaches that all men are born sinners. Needing not only forgiveness but a change in their heart. This teaching is common throughout the Old Testament.
“And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.” (Deuteronomy 30:6)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psa 51:10)
“And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:” (Eze 11:19)
Nicodemus had come to hear of heavenly things that he had not heard before. However, he was confronted with the things that he had knowledge of but did not understand. How could he ever hope to understand heavenly mysteries if he did not understand his need for a new birth?
How often do we take great pains to understand the complex texts of scriptures, while at the same time forgetting to practice what is plainly understood?
“No man can understand the Bible fully unless he is a humble Christian, and the easiest way to comprehend the truths of religion is to give the heart to God and live to his glory.” – Albert Barnes
Questions to Ponder
Do you live to the glory of God or self?
What simple teaching in the Bible do you struggle to practice?