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I am Nicodemus

I, like many have heard or read the John 3 exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus. I have read this story countless times and have never seen the passage as I do now.

There have been many salvation messages preached out of this text. And rightfully so, however, there is so much more to this story that I have never seen or heard. You probably got this a long time ago, but for me I was so elated with emotion that I could not wait to fully develop this into a blog and hopefully a sermon.

Image created by Matt Wade

Before we dive in, let me pose a question: How many times was the terminology “born again” used in scripture?

The answer? Only 3 times. 2 of those times are in the same conversation with Nicodemus. The other is found in 1 Peter 1:23.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus would use the words “born again”on a teacher of the law as opposed to a sinner? Why not the woman caught in adultery in John 8, or with Zacchaeus the unfair tax collector or even the woman at the well just one chapter later in John 4?

Jesus didn’t even use this terminology with His disciples? Why would Jesus choose a Pharisee who knew the Old Testament scripture and served God faithfully? Why a hard-nosed, teacher of the law?

In verse 10 of John 3, Jesus said, “You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things?”

Why Nicodemus?

This is the key question that I believe will lead us to a neat truth in this particular text.

Jesus chose to share this life changing truth with Nicodemus because He of course wanted Nicodemus to know a better or another way. What’s more, Jesus wanted us to know that there is something about teachers/preachers that Jesus wants to make new.

Let me back up for a moment and say this: I am not suggesting that salvation is not for everyone or just for those who teach and preach. Of course it is for the whole world. I am not saying that being born again and being saved are two different things as I know they are the same. But it is unique that Jesus only used this term one time in His ministry.

I do feel that there is a truth that Jesus was giving us in this passage that is life altering for those of us who are teachers of scripture.

As leaders, pastors, teachers, or whomever, we are teachers of the scripture just like Nicodemus. Yes, there is a major covenant difference. But just like Nicodemus, we too can become so stuck on our version or viewpoint of the message of the Bible that Jesus has to meet us in the darkness of our minds and teach us how to be born again…again as leaders.

“Nicodemus”, Jesus says, “You must be born first of water and then of the Spirit”.

Nicodemus replies with a crazy response, “How can a man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Nicodemus, a man of the letter/law wanted Jesus to give him a very orderly, mapped out, and a to-the-point process. Jesus responds in his creative way and says, No Nicodemus, its like the wind. You don’t know where it comes from and you don’t know where it goes.

Jesus instantly tears down the system in which Nicodemus would try to limit Jesus’ salvific power.

Later on in the scriptures we see Nicodemus appear again in a unique fashion. Let’s read it. John 19:39 - After the death of Jesus we read: ”He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.”

He seeks Jesus in private, but ends up loving him publicly.

This Jewish/Pharisee leader confesses the Lord Jesus publicly by his gift at the burial of Jesus. He was a teacher of the scripture, who was finally born again.

I too am Nicodemus who must have my state of Biblical living challenged by Jesus and His “wind-like ways”. You?

Discussion Question:
What are the ways in which you have been challenged in your thinking as a teacher/leader in the last 6 months?

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6 Ways to Survive Shifting Theology

This is a guest post that I wrote for Matt Steen of Church Thought.

In 2005 while pastoring my first church, I collided with a wall theologically and/or doctrinally. I mean I hit it hard. I began questioning aspects of what I held as my sacred foundation of Christ. These fundamentals were so connected to my salvation that the mere idea that I would dare to question such foundation pieces was to admit that I might be “backsliding”. What’s more, I could possibly be walking toward the eternal fiery abyss.

What’s worse than going to hell over questioning your theology? CONTINUE READING

5 Ways Jesus Was Human Like You

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John tells us in his gospel that, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only son of the father, full of grace and truth.” (1:14)

I like saying it from this perspective, “God’s best idea became human, to be like us, to live with us…”

Often times as both believers in Jesus and non believers, we place majority emphasis on the divinity of Jesus and neglect that He was flesh and blood like you and I.

His divinity and his humanity stand as two distinct attributes. We see the humanity of Jesus in a very distinct way during his life, before His death and resurrection. Afterward we see Jesus in a much more “divine” manner.

Here is an example of Jesus before his death and resurrection and then one afterward.

Before Resurrection: He was born of a woman. He was raised as a normal child. His heart was to do the will of His father. He depended upon and believed God for supernatural ability to heal and perform miracles, just like you and I.

After Resurrection: He passed through a wall of a house. He ascended into the clouds. He looked different to Mary after His resurrection.

Jesus was 100% human before his death and resurrection. It was only after His resurrection that He became divine or glorified. Jesus even prayed in John 17 for His father “glorify” His so that He can glorify His father.

Jesus being a man gives me great hope as a human. Why? Because He was like me.

Hebrews 2:14-18 says, Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Did you see it? Notice the highlighted portion of this passage. He was made like us in every respect. He suffered when He was tempted. He was flesh and blood and partook of the same things as we.

Here are 5 ways in which Jesus was #HUMANLIKEYOU

1. Did Jesus ever become impatient with people? Yes.

Matthew 17:17 Jesus said, “How long do I have to stay with you people. You are a perverse and evil.”

2. Did Jesus ever get angry? Yes.

John 2:13-17 Jesus goes into the temple and gives them a good ole’ country tale beating. His anger was evident because of the sin that was happening in the temple.

4. Was Jesus ever sad? Yes.

Matthew 14:1-13 Jesus heard that His cousin and friend John the Baptist was beheaded, so He withdrew Himself to a solitary place. He was sad.

Did Jesus ever cry? Yes.

John 11:35 Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus. This is another picture of Jesus being sad.

5. Did Jesus ever deal with fear? Yes.

Matthew 26 Jesus is the garden of Gethsemane before His death and asks, “Father, please, if there be another way, please let this cup pass from me.”

This is fear. We seem to always want to quote the super hero part, “Nevertheless, not my will be thine be done.”

We tend to paint a picture that this was a one line prayer. But, remember, Jesus had asked them to pray with him for a least an hour. So, it is obvious that this is only a portion of what Jesus prayed.

His fear of the awful death and torture He would face came through the words of His prayer.

Discussion Question:
Do you have any objections to seeing Jesus as a Human? If so, what are they?

4 Reasons God Does Not Hate You

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For most of my life I have believed in God’s love. Well, in reality I believed in God’s love to the extent that I had a revelation of God’s love.

If I can state it plainly without offending you I would say it like this,
“I knew that God loved me, but I also thought He was eternally pissed at me.”

I hope you understand my intention of that statement. But this is how I truly felt about God.
Since I have discovered grace as a way of life I have seen the love of God in unique and incredible ways. I also figured out that God loves me and is not angry at me.

My pastor, Pete Wilson said in his message this past Sunday,

“One of the greatest misconceptions about God is that He loves us but He is disappointed in us.”

Here are 4 reasons God does not hate you and is not disappointed in you:

1. God can’t hate you cause His son Jesus loves you. Romans 5:8
2. God does not hate you because it is not in His nature to hate His own image. Genesis 1:26
3. There is nothing to hate about you. All sin – past, present, and future has been satisfied. Hebrews 10:14
4. God originally created man as “good”. Sin made us fragmented. Jesus made us whole. Therefore, we are now good again. I wrote on this subject HERE. Genesis 1:31 & Romans 5:19

Jesus love me this I know, for the Bible tells me so….

5 Ways To Recognize Grace

When I speak to preachers (some are friends) about grace, they sometimes give me that sideways look. You know the look…

Most say the same thing to me: “Matt, I believe in grace!” Then of course they go through a list of things they DON’T believe in. I always wonder why I get a list of rules or “do not’s” after they tell me they believe in grace. Col. 2:14

It seems to me that many enjoy the idea of grace more that they enjoy the life of grace.

Some do not know how to enjoy grace because they have a fearful view of what grace is and what grace is not.

I want to give you 5 things that grace is not and then I want to give you 5 ways to experience grace.

Grace is not a list of rules to follow. Col. 2:14
Grace is not a means by which to live in sin. Romans 6:1-3
Grace earned or kept. Ephesians 2:8
Grace is not behavior modification. Ephesians 2:9
Grace is not for Christians only. Titus 2:11

Here are 5 ways to recognize and experience grace:

You must realize that Grace is not a theology or a doctrine. Grace is a person – the person of Jesus.
To experience grace, I recommend reading books on Grace by trusted authors and pastors.
Grace will be most realized in your life when you give it to others.
If you are DOING a lot to please God, then you have not experienced or recognized grace. Grace isn’t about “doing”, it is about “believing”.
To experience grace, look to the finished work of the cross and not to a list of rules or the Old Testament commandments.

Here is a truth for you: Grace is here. He – Jesus, is here. Jesus finished paying the sin debt for you. That’s grace. You can’t pay for something once it’s already been satisfied. It is satisfied once and for all. That’s right – forever. This is grace. It’s a life of freedom that none deserve but all who believed have gained.

Don’t you think it’s time to experience and benefit from this kind of grace?

Many are afraid to preach this kind of grace out of fear that people will live immoral, un-dedicated lives. Quite the contrary. When this kind of message is preached, people begin to live free lives that are filed with “loving God, and loving thy neighbor as yourself”.

Preaching this kind of grace produces disciples – not mere followers. Preaching this kind of grace brings peace to the soul that struggles with sin on a daily basis.

Are you not tired of trying to get God to love you? Give up. You will never measure up. He has broken the measuring stick! You do not have to measure up to His perfection. He made you perfect through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus.

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Since We are Flesh

Sometimes, it seems a little odd for me to think of Jesus as flesh and blood – like me. Why? I have always heard of him as Lord or Savior and as Deity – but never flesh and certainly not as my brother.

However, scripture is clear in Hebrews that Jesus became a sibling to you and I. Read the following scripture. I have skipped 3 verses for the sake of blog length. You can read those in your Bible at your convenience.

Hebrews 2:11 & 14 – 18

¹¹ Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.

¹⁴ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil

¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

¹⁶ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.

¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

The humanity of Jesus is what gives me peace. Yes, to me He is Lord and Savior and Deity. However, there is something that His humanity does for my spirit. To know that He was just like me makes Him more believable.

How would I ever be able to know a perfect human if He was only God or complete deity with no humanity to show?

The scriptures above give us a glimpse of the human Jesus. Jesus is fully God and fully man. Human nature was added to His divine nature, and both natures existed in one Person, Jesus Christ.

According to Old Testament narrative, God gave dominion to man to rule the earth in Genesis. After man rebelled and lost such authority, Jesus recovered that dominion/authority on the cross. This is one of the reasons Jesus became flesh – like you and me – so that He alone could break the power of the evil one and give dominion to you and I. (John 1:14) (also reference Psalm 8:4-6)

Although the notion of dominion over the earth and the enemy is empowering – for me - it is more intimate than that.

It means that I get to know God through the flesh of His son Jesus. This means you and I no longer have to feel bad about being human.

We no longer have to desire to “get outta the flesh” to be effective in God’s kingdom. Jesus was flesh and blood 100%, while being God 100%. There was no mixture of the two. He was fully God and fully man.

We are like Him!

Do you not know your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? (1 Corinth. 3:16) We live in the flesh while we are fully housing His Eternal Spirit.

Beloved, hear this: Flesh is the form in which God chose to create you and I. Why would this be bad if He chose it? He is perfect in all He does.

Realize that our flesh and our spirit were made new because of that which Christ our brother did on the Cross. Being flesh and blood AND righteous is not by our own efforts – but by His obedience. (Romans 3, 4, 5)

Our brother has come to our rescue and made us heirs to his righteousness – because he was flesh.

So – since we are flesh, let us identify with our brother Jesus and draw closer to Him.

Discussion Question:
What has been the biggest struggle for you as it relates to knowing Jesus?

6 Things That Have Changed

The past 14 years of ministry have been a time of great stretching and transition. I can’t imagine what lies ahead for my life.

The subject of change is one that has been written about, sermonized, and even demonized at times. However, change is constant.

Early on in my life and ministry I developed these certain rules or standards. My mindset was basically: “This will never change about me”. Oh was I naive…

I fought many of them – and in some ways still do at times. So, I wanted to share with you a few of the major things in my life that have improved or changed over the past 5 years.

Some of these may disappoint some of you, for others you may think “whats the big deal?” But keep in mind – culture plays a major role in many people’s beliefs, politics, and/or theology. It has mine.

6 Things That Have Changed

I always thought I would know what I believed theologically. There are several key things in scripture that I wrestle with often. I have changed in my theology in several ways.
Sometimes I feel wrong about some of my political views. Sometimes I don’t know my political views. Sometimes I don’t care. I used to think one side was the only side.
I use to believe you could be saved on Sunday and die in sin on Monday. Your theology changes based on need many times. I needed grace – I’ve never been able to be as perfect as other Christians. You?
Marriage has changed me in ways that I cannot explain. Marriage is the best thing that has happened to me since Jesus. The list would be too long to share – however, the biggest change… no more anger. The grace and love of my wife has delivered me from anger. I used to be such a jerk in private.
I am no longer a judgmental, self-righteous person. The Holy Spirit said to me while driving down I-59 south, “Matt, one day you will need the grace that you will not give someone else.” From that moment on I was changed forever. I realized that I did not pay the price for sin, therefore I cannot judge it.
I have ceased to struggle with people who live a life, theology, or religion that is different from mine. My responsibility is to love every human that I come in contact with – whether Christian or Muslim, Homosexual or Heterosexual, Poor or Rich, Influential or Non-influential, Jew or Hindu, Homeless or Homeowner, Black, White, or Hispanic.