How does John 7:48 connect with John 3:1-2 about Nicodemus' faith journey? Setting the Scene • Early in John’s Gospel we meet Nicodemus, “a ruler of the Jews,” coming to Jesus at night (John 3:1). • Four chapters later the Sanhedrin scoffs, “Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him?” (John 7:48). • That sarcastic question lands while Nicodemus—the very man introduced in John 3—is sitting in the room. Nicodemus at Night: the Seed of Faith (John 3:1-2) “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God, for no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.’” • Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus’ divine backing: “We know … God is with You.” • He approaches quietly, protecting status yet pursuing truth. • Jesus’ response (“You must be born again,” John 3:7) plants truth that will grow. The Pharisees’ Taunt: “No Ruler Believed” (John 7:48) “Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him?” • Spoken during the Feast of Tabernacles when officers report, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46). • The religious elite dismiss the crowd and claim unanimous rejection among leaders. • Their statement is factually wrong—Nicodemus is present. Connecting the Dots—Nicodemus in Chapter 7 “Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who himself was one of them, asked, ‘Does our Law convict a man without first hearing from him to find out what he is doing?’” (John 7:50-51) • John reminds readers of Nicodemus’ earlier encounter (“who had gone to Jesus earlier”). • Nicodemus doesn’t yet proclaim open faith, but he risks reputation to ensure Jesus a fair hearing. • His measured question subtly counters the council’s claim in verse 48. Nicodemus’ Growing Courage Trajectory across the Gospel: 1. John 3 – Private seeker. Faith seed planted. 2. John 7 – Cautious defender. Faith sprout pushes through the soil. 3. John 19:39 – Public disciple: “Nicodemus, who earlier had visited Jesus at night, brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.” He joins Joseph of Arimathea in burying Jesus—an expensive, public act of devotion. Additional parallels • John 12:42 – “Many even among the leaders believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they would not confess Him…” Nicodemus moves beyond that fear. • 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear…”—the very transformation Nicodemus experiences. What We Learn Today • God patiently nurtures faith; initial curiosity can become courageous confession. • Religious environments hostile to Christ can still house sincere seekers. • A single brave question (John 7:51) may pierce groupthink and keep the door open for truth. • Nicodemus refutes the council’s blanket dismissal in John 7:48, proving that Christ’s reach extends even into the highest religious ranks. |
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