John and Nic

Ok so I‘ve decided to go ahead and do a little write-up on the time Jesus spent with Nicodemus and contrast that with the teachings of John the Baptist because Jesus, while speaking with Nic, made it clear that being “born again” was the first requirement to seeing the kingdom of God.

He tried to explain that it is not merely the Jesus had to make it clear that being born of flesh is not enough to be called a child of God. Even if you are a descendant of Abraham which Nic was. Physical birth does not equate to a spiritual birth. You are still spiritually dead until you are born of the Sprit. Nic couldn't understand what Jesus was tying to tell him even though Nic was a “teacher of Israel.” Jesus then made it clear that “we speak of what we know” and Nic couldn't understand because although he had theological training, had no genuine experience with the Spirit or heaven. Jesus then goes on to explain where He had received His authority to teach (John 3:13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.) Think about it, in order to ascend you must first descend so Jesus just told Nic that not only was He from heaven but He had also gone back up to heaven since coming down! On a side note; that was essentially an open invitation to go to heaven while we are still here on earth!!!

Now lets contrast that with the teachings of John the Baptist: when his ministry was waning he maid it clear that “a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” This already shows John's wisdom and understanding of the kingdom above and beyond what is naturally discerned. He had no desire to build his own ministry only to fulfill his calling. He then goes on to share the truths which answered the questions Jesus was attempting to lead Nic too.

John 3:31-36 "He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth He who comes from heaven is above all. What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

It's a beautiful picture the author John paints for us denoting the difference and importance of the proper source for our learning and that all the book learning in the world is worthless without the aid of the Spirit of God. More important than that however is that Christ who is from heaven is “above all” and that He “gives the Spirit without measure!!!!” read over it one more time and chew on it cause it's soooo good. Focus on all the times he says “all” and the message John istrying to get across. If jesus is above all then that means there is nothing He is not above! Duh, but how often do we live as though this is not the case.

P.S. He gives the Spirit without measure!!!!