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John 3:
Jesus was more gracious in his encounters with, for example, the Samaritan woman at the well. Why didn't Jesus elaborate on his answer so Nicodemus could better understand born-again? The elaboration would have benefited us.
James 3:
In the end, Nicodemus did believe.
Unlike some other Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law, Nicodemus was humble when meeting Jesus.1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
Jesus introduced the concept of born-again. Naturally, Nicodemus wondered what it was about and asked an innocent question.3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
After hearing Jesus' answer, Nicodemus still had trouble understanding the concept and followed up with a further innocent question.4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit b gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Nicodemus did not contradict Jesus. He seemed sincere in his questions.9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
You are Israel’s teacher. You should have known. The idea can be found in the OT.10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?
Nicodemus had not expressed unbelief. He merely raised questions, trying to understand what Jesus said. However, Jesus knew his heart: Nicodemus did not believe.11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe;
Jesus was more gracious in his encounters with, for example, the Samaritan woman at the well. Why didn't Jesus elaborate on his answer so Nicodemus could better understand born-again? The elaboration would have benefited us.
James 3:
Nicodemus was an authoritative rabbi and was blessed with a lot of talents. Jesus expected more from him. Jesus expected him to believe immediately. Nicodemus was capable of it. That's why Jesus had more patience with the Samaritan woman than with him. He should have understood the idea of being born again quickly instead of questioning the words of Jesus.1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
In the end, Nicodemus did believe.