Nicodemus was a learned man who seemed to be looking for further instructions on how to improve himself from the man of God. The rebirth was not a given at that time so none could understand His 'heavenly speech'. Judas differed from Nicodemus at Christ's death. One showing love at the burial and the other killing himself. The difference seems to be in their nature. That nature was what Jesus was saying to Nicodemus that needed to change to a new birth. It produced a change in all but Judas.
We really have to place ourselves in Nicodemus’ shoes at this particular time to figure out what he was thinking, where he was spiritually, and why he did what he did.
Yes, Nicodemus was a learned man, but Jesus looks beyond any person, virtually avoiding the words spoken by the person and sees what is on the heart and mind of the person. Jesus sees a huge problem on the heart and mind of Nicodemus a conflict within him, which we should be able to derive from what we know.
When anyone approaches Christ, we can be assured Christ will address where they are at that moment to help the individual move up the spiritual latter of development. The very best place to start with anyone is with the truth they are certain of, but are personally refusing to do. You are putting the question back on them and it is not intellectual but life changing response needed. I try to ask questions and start with what we agree on but Christ would not have to ask questions.
Nicodemus is part of the Sanhedrin which knows OT scripture extensively, but at this time might not be certain Jesus is the Messiah. What they are certain of by this time, is John the Baptist is a messenger from God teaching the truth. They avoid the topic of John and John himself, because John is speaking out against the Religious leader’s hypocrisy (which they knew was true and they were hypocrites), so they instituted the kicking out of the Sanhedrin anyone who was baptized by John the Baptist.
I am sure: Nicodemus would love to have a nice intellectual discussion with Jesus, but where would Jesus want to begin with Nicodemus?
Jesus would start with what Nicodemus
knows is true, but is refusing to do, but Jesus will also force Nicodemus to think and force him to confront the truth he already knows. Jesus does not have to tell Nicodemus what Nicodemus already knows, since that would also suggest Jesus did not know what Nicodemus knew (that would make Jesus words a lie [like Jesus did not know something already]).
Jesus just cannot say: “You need to accept John’s baptism and be baptized”, because Nicodemus knows that and Christ knows he knows that. Christ does not want us doing stuff just because we have been “ordered” to do it, but because it is our choice to do it out of Love. Nicodemus will come to the realization Jesus knows what he is even thinking, but it may not come at that very moment. Nicodemus will leave still hypocritically refusing to accept John’s baptism to really stay in the Sanhedrin.
John’s baptism in this case is referring to being born again and for Nicodemus to submit John’s baptism would be a born again experience since he would be leaving the Sanhedrin.
I think arguing for position moves away from flesh and onto intellect ... and had they the knowledge of what that kingdom entailed they would have thought about it differently, I`m sure. They were still not spiritually minded.
OK but Judas was not spiritually minded at this time either.
None. All would have been unregenerated at that time.
Was anyone regenerated prior to Pentecost?
Running off from a band of soldiers is not the same as leading the soldiers to Him. Fear vs betrayal .. let me think ... ya I would say so.
If Judas felt leading the soldiers to Jesus would not really get them anything, but would get him 30 pieces of silver, what’s the big deal?
How is that directing carried out?
Like when the prodigal son brought himself to his senses by his own poor conduct, each of us over time will be brought to our senses and can make the choice to be macho going on fighting or wimp out and quit fighting God (surrender).
What does James the brother of Christ have to do with this conversation
James saw a lot of Jesus but he like those at this time (after the feeding of the 5000), was not a “follower”, but that does not mean he would be lost.
God taught can only mean revelation from God to mankind. I don`t know why you object to saying it as God opening spiritual eyes ... we should blame the fact of not responding to revealed heavenly things as what is blamable!
A earthly teacher (even a false teacher) can present God’s revelation, so in that respect their spiritual eyes were open, but what is the difference between those who open their eyes and those who keep their eyes closed?
I was giving examples of fleshly pursuits on the disciples that Jesus turned away, but this is an intellectual pursuit that is an improvement from just wanting to be fed. They had aspirations for the kingdom of God. Like when Mary poured the oil for Jesus`burial Judas`mind was only on the money it could have brought in.
Being on Jesus’ left and right side in an earthly kingdom (which is what they were thinking at the time) is not just some “intellectual pursuit”?
Judas merely held the money bag to distribute to the poor, it says nothing of him gathering revenue from any other than their own who contributed to their cause. (the women disciples fi)
I think that Jesus knew his nature and so gave him that temptation in an attempt for Judas to overcome the nature of a thief which he was unable to do.
What? Judas wanted the 30 pieces of silver for himself not to put in the group’s money bag.
“God (Christ) tempts no one”.
The whole situation Judas created would allow Judas to truly have the very best opportunity to repent, but he chose instead to kill himself.