David MacDonald - March 1st, 2026 - How Can These Things Be?

John 3:1-21 , John 3:1-2

The Man Named Nicodemus -

Religious -Pharisee - pledged to keep all the law. 

Rich – according – Talmud - one of four richest men in Jerusalem. 

In John 19:39 – he brought costly myrrh and aloes when Jesus was buried.

Ruler – Name is Greek, means "victor over the people."  Ruler, archon in Greek.

Teacher - He was "the" teacher in Israel (vs. 10). Famous,  sought after lecturers.

A member of the Sanhedrin – the elite of the religious rulers

Later defended Jesus at His trial

Assisted Joseph of Arimathea in the burial of the Lord Jesus Christ

Met with Jesus at night – reason unknown

Respectful of Jesus Christ – “Rabbi”

Spiritual curiosity brought him to Jesus

The Source of New Life – Heaven – vs. 9-12

Exodus 3:6-8

The Cost of New Life – Death (vs. 14-17) John 3:14-17 , 1 Peter 3:18 , Isaiah 45:22 NKJV

John 20:30-31

Missing the New Life – judgment (vs. 18-21)

John 3:17-21 , Romans 8:1

the invitation to New Life (vs. 21)

John 3:21 CEV , Romans 4:5 NKJV , Acts 16:31