National Baptist world., 1894-09-07
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
international Lesson for September 8, 1894
Jesus and Nicodemus-John 3:1-1R.

GOLDEN IEXT.-CIOd so loved the world that
he gave his only begotten Son. that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish. but have
everlasting life.-John g. l6
PLACE IN THE HlSTORY.-First year of Jesus
ministry, The Year of Beginnings. and fourth
event. Q) The first disciples C2) The first
miracle 81 The first reform. (4) The first
discourse-the conversation with Nicodemus.
TrME-April, A D. 81 Soon after the last
lesson.
JEsUS.-30-3l years OF age Three months after
his baptism, and at the commencement of his
public ministry at Jerusalem.
LESSON NOTES.
The Seeker after Truth.-'"There
was man of the Pharisees, named
Nicodemus." Nicodemus is a Greek
name, meaning conqueror of the peo-
pie, but was in common use among the
Jews. All we know of him is recorded
by John. First-A Pharisee The strict
est and most religious sect of the
Jews, who believed in a future state,
studied the Scriptures and were look
ing for the Messiah, whom they ex-
pected to be temporal deliverer and
king. Second-A member of the San
hedrin. "a ruler of the Jews" This
phrase is indefinite, but it would ap-
pear lIOul OOuu l.CO JIld IIC DtlOUSc GU W
the Sanhedrin, body of about seventy
men, whose position was as dignifed
and as much respected as that of the
United States senate and the supreme
court combined. Third. A Scribe. An
authorized religious teacher, as we
learn from verse 10. Fourth. A Man
of Great Influence. Tradition reports
him to have been a man of great wealth
and a rigid observer of the Pharisaic
forms. Fifth. His Later Life. Twice,
later on, we obtain glimpse of Nico-
demus. After this interview he seems
to have become secret disciple, or at
least strongly inclined to accept of Je-
sus as the Messiah, for he, in man
ner, defended Jesus before the Sanhe-
drin year or SO after this interview
John 1850. But it was not till the
crucifxion that he came out boldly and
decidedly as disciple of Jesus John
19:39.)
''The same came to Jesus" after
he had seen Jesus bold deeds in the
temple, and other miracles, probably
not long after the Passover. It was
doubtless in some guest chamber, an
upper room which is always reached
by outside stairs, and thus without dis
turbing the family. ''By night" Why
by night? O The reason generally
assumed is fear of the Jews, but this is
not asserted by the Evangelist. AS no
bad motive is imputed to him, it is most
in accordance with Christian charity to
suppose that his motives were such as
God would approve, especially as the
Saviour did not reprove him. (2) AS he
was a member of the Sanhedrin, and
the business of that body would be
greatly increased at the time of the
Passover, the night might have been the
only opportunity for such an interview
as he desired. (3) Common prudence.
He would not commit himself as fol-
lower of the unknown teacher till he
was assured that he was really the
Messiah. 1t was costly step to take.
The Sanhedrin exercised terrorism
over those it opposed. His family, his
position, his reputation, his influence,
were all at stake. Common prudence
would require him to know for certain
what he was doing, before he launched
openly on an unknown sea. (4 Pub
licity at this time would have hindered
the freedom of his inquiries. (5) The
quiet evening hour, after the public
work and teaching of Jesus was over,
and the crowds had retired to their
/ homes, was by far the best time for
this purpose. (G) 1t is very probable
that he had mingled motives, and all
the above motives had more or less
influence. (7) It is well to note that
his going at all, implies strength of
character, unprejudiced desire for the
truth, earnestness, and honesty of pur-
pose.
The Teacher Sent from GOd.-"Rab-
hi, that Thou art a teacher come from
God" So much they were assured of,
but whether He was the Messiah or
some inferior prophet they did not
know. For no man can do these mir
acles (signs) that Thou doest except
God be with Him" See chapter 2:11,
%. Miracles were Gods signature in
dorsing those whom He had sent.
The true teacher was (D sent from
God, taught of God. (2) He knew the
truth Tvs. 11-13). (3) He taught the truth.
a. He came with proofs of His author
ity, deeds that showed that God was
with Him, and were signs of Gods good
will, kindness, power and opposition to
all evil.
New Life from Above.-''Except a
man (any one) be born again. or anew,
as in R. V. The Greek word more nat
urally and frequently means " from
above" (margin) But that meaning is
here unsuitable to the connection, for
it would make Nicodemus' answering
inquiry mere Stiffness. The meaning
anew is sometimes found, and here
suits exactly. Whoever is born again,
or anew, is necessarily born from
above. "He cannot see the Kingdom
of God" The declaration is explicit
that new spiritual life is necessary,
not only to enter into, but even to
form any correct conception Of the
Kingdom of God.
Except a man be born of water
and of the Spirit" ''Our Lord here
speaks of the second birth as completed
by two agencies, water and the spirit.
The Baptist baptized with water for
the remission of sins, but he was al
ways careful to disclaim power to b2D-