John the apostle wrote, “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews”, and in chapter three and verse two of his book, John shared how Nicodemus, “came to Jesus by night” where we read:
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him.
The verse reads, “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him.” John began with the words, “the same came to Jesus” which means “the selfsame man, Nicodemus, approached and came forth to Jesus who is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate whose name means Jehovah is salvation” “by night” or “during the time of darkness when work ceases and the weary give themselves to slumber”, “and said unto him” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed to Jesus”, “Rabbi” or “teacher, master, honorable sir and great one”, “we know that you are a teacher” which means “we, the religious leaders among the Jews, you, Jesus, are an instructor” “come from God” or “arisen and shown forth apart and separate from the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised with God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. John shared how “Nicodemus” approached “Jesus” during the nighttime and acknowledged Him as a “teacher” who was sent by “God”.
The verse continues, “for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him.” John added the words, “for no man” which means “because, since and on account that no person whether male or female” “can do these miracles that you do” or “are able and capable to perform and produce the signs, marks and wonders performed by Jesus”, “except God be with him” which means “lest the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit is behind, amid and accompanying him”. John shared how “Nicodemus” knew no one would be able to perform the “supernatural wonders” Jesus did unless “God” Himself was “with him”.
When we think through John's words in this verse, we note how “Nicodemus” acknowledged who Jesus was because of His “teaching” and “miracle” workings. God the Father sent Jesus into the world to be the “Savior” of mankind, and He gave Him the ability to “teach” and “do miracles” in such a way that even “religious leaders” had to acknowledge Him. Mental assent toward Jesus, however, is insufficient. Just because “Nicodemus” “acknowledged” Jesus did not mean He “knew” Him, and Jesus will say more about this in the next few verses. Those who study Jesus will find Him a wonderful teacher, a miracle worker and the only One who is able to “forgive” them of their sins so they may forever live with His Father God.
Next time John shares how Jesus says, “except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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