Weekly Sermon Insights: Nicodemus John 3

You must be born again

May 10, 2026

Chuck Thornberg

Message Notes

Study Notes: Sermon on Nicodemus (John 3:1–21) + Mother’s Day Reflections

Opening Illustration – Spiritual Motherhood

• Not all mothers have biological children.

  • Example: The Faust sisters (nurses) who cared for neighborhood kids by warning them about playing in the street — acted as mothers even without their own children.

Main Text: Nicodemus’ Encounter with Jesus (John 3)

Background on Nicodemus

• Pharisee and ruler of the Jews (member of the Sanhedrin).

  • Pharisees originated during the Maccabean period (2nd century BC) to resist Hellenistic influence and preserve Jewish law/purity.

  • Over time, they became highly legalistic, adding traditions that overshadowed the spirit of the Law.

• Nicodemus stood out: He was genuinely curious, desired truth, and recognized Jesus’ signs as coming from God (“No one can do these signs unless God is with him”).

The Conversation (John 3:1–21)

• Nicodemus came by night (likely to avoid attention from other Pharisees).

• Jesus bypassed small talk and went straight to the heart:“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (v. 3)

• Born again = born from above / born of the Spirit (spiritual rebirth, not physical).

  • Nicodemus misunderstood literally (“How can a man enter his mother’s womb a second time?”).

  • Jesus clarified: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (v. 6).

• Born of water and the Spirit (v. 5) — commonly understood as the Word of God + work of the Holy Spirit.

• Illustration of the Wind (v. 8):

  • You hear it but cannot control or fully explain its origin/direction.

  • So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

• Illustration of the Bronze Serpent (John 3:14; Numbers 21:4–9):

  • Israelites bitten by snakes → looked in faith at the bronze serpent on a pole → lived.

  • Parallel: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (on the cross).

Core Gospel Message (John 3:16–21)

• John 3:16 — God’s love for the world → gave His only begotten Son → whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

• God sent His Son to save, not to condemn (v. 17).

• Light has come into the world → men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil (v. 19).

• Those who practice truth come to the light so their deeds may be clearly seen as done in God.

Later Evidence of Nicodemus’ Life Change

• John 7:50–52 — Defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin (“Does our law judge a man before it hears him?”).

• John 19:38–42 — Assisted Joseph of Arimathea in burying Jesus (brought ~75–100 pounds of spices).

• Possible broader influence:

  • Many priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).

  • Some Pharisees believed (Acts 15:5).

Applications & Takeaways

• Genuine seekers find Jesus (even if they come secretly or at night).

• You must be born again — not by heritage (Abraham), law-keeping, or tradition, but by the Spirit through faith in Christ.

• Old Testament hints of new birth (Ezekiel 36:26–27 — new heart and Spirit; Psalm 51:10; etc.).

• Faith = looking to the lifted-up Son (the cross), just as Israel looked to the serpent.

• Contrast: Knowing the letter of the Law vs. understanding the Spirit of the Law.

• Jesus confronts with truth but does so with love and clarity.

Closing Prayer Emphasis

• Thanks for God’s grace and the gift of the new birth.

• Thanks for the Holy Spirit who convicts, teaches, and gives life.

• Prayer that we would have curiosity like Nicodemus and boldness to share the truth like the transformed Nicodemus.