Why was Jesus not being more patient with Nicodemus?

[tonychanyt]

John 3:

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.”

Unlike some other Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law, Nicodemus was humble when meeting Jesus.

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Jesus introduced the concept of born-again. Naturally, Nicodemus wondered what it was about and asked an 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.”

After hearing Jesus' answer, Nicodemus still had trouble understanding the concept and followed up with a further innocent question.

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

Nicodemus did not contradict Jesus. He seemed sincere in his questions.

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

You are Israel’s teacher. You should have known. The idea can be found in the OT.

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;

Nicodemus had not expressed unbelief. He merely raised questions, trying to understand what Jesus said. However, Jesus knew his heart: Nicodemus did 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:

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

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.

In the end, Nicodemus did believe.

 

[AlexB23]

John 3:


Unlike some other Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law, Nicodemus was humble when meeting Jesus.


Jesus introduced the concept of born-again. Naturally, Nicodemus wondered what it was about and asked an innocent question.


After hearing Jesus' answer, Nicodemus still had trouble understanding the concept and followed up with a further innocent question.


Nicodemus did not contradict Jesus. He seemed sincere in his questions.


You are Israel’s teacher. You should have known. The idea can be found in the OT.


Nicodemus had not expressed unbelief. He merely raised questions, trying to understand what Jesus said. However, Jesus knew his heart: Nicodemus did 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.

In the end, Nicodemus did believe.

This is a good Bible study you have here, Mr. Chan. By the way, do not forget Galatians chapter 5:22-23, as it discusses patience as well. In John chapter 3, Jesus' interaction with Nicodemus could potentially be perceived as seeming impatient, but it is important to consider the context of their conversation and the reasons behind Jesus' responses.

Firstly, Nicodemus came to Jesus under the cover of darkness (John 3:2), indicating that he was cautious and hesitant in his approach. He began by expressing his admiration for Jesus' miracles/signs (John 3:2) but did not openly confess his faith or ask any direct questions about who Jesus was (John 3:1-2). Jesus' response was not impatient but rather a call for Nicodemus to truly understand the nature of his ministry and the necessity of spiritual rebirth (John 3:3-5).

Moreover, Jesus used metaphors like "the wind" and "water" (John 3:4-8) to convey the concept of spiritual rebirth, which may have been confusing for Nicodemus. Jesus' responses were not meant to be impatient but rather an invitation for deeper understanding and commitment (John 3:7).

Furthermore, in Galatians, the concept of patience is discussed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). In James, patience is described as being slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19), and it is not suggested that Jesus lacked patience with Nicodemus. Instead, His responses were intended to challenge Nicodemus to seek a deeper understanding of the kingdom of God and to spur him towards faith.

TLDR: Jesus' interactions with Nicodemus in John chapter 3 were not impatient but rather an invitation for deeper understanding and commitment. The lack of patience portrayed in James chapter 3 does not apply to Jesus' interactions with Nicodemus.

 

[tonychanyt]

TLDR: Jesus' interactions with Nicodemus in John chapter 3 were not impatient but rather an invitation for deeper understanding and commitment. The lack of patience portrayed in James chapter 3 does not apply to Jesus' interactions with Nicodemus.

Good analysis.

BTW, I did not assert that Jesus was impatient with Nicodemus.

 

[AlexB23]

Good analysis.

BTW, I did not assert that Jesus was impatient with Nicodemus.

Thank you.

 

[jonojim1337]

I like it how Jesus answers his question with two words, "water and Spirit", and pretty much nothing else. Nicodemous was a teacher of the law. He should know the definition of those words - meaning, they can be found in the OT. I think most people understand what Spirit means. I think very few understand water.

 

[tonychanyt]

I think most people understand what Spirit means. I think very few understand water.

Check out Born of WATER and the Spirit and follow up there.

 

[jonojim1337]

Check out Born of WATER and the Spirit and follow up there.

If we try to interpret water as a symbol I think we stumble upon some... trouble.

The first time water is mentioned is when God is creating the heavens and the earth. The water existed before anything else existed, except the Spirit of God.
The second time it is mentioned, is when God cleanses the world from sin.
The third time it is mentioned is when water pours from a rock and quenches thirst.

I am taking from memory, but I think these are the most important contexts.

So again - water is present when God is creating the world - and also when he is creating (giving birth to) the new man.
Water is the means by which he cleanses the world - and also the new man, from his fallen, sinful nature.
The water is able to quench thirst in any situation - in the world as well as in the man.

I think that, by whatever way we intepret the water, we need to understand it's power and purpose. It is what will bring us to newness of life.

 

[jonojim1337]

Also in hell there is no water - not even a drop!