John 3:1-8
People ask: Where did I come from?
Why am I here?
Where am I going?
Harrison Ford: "I still haven't found peace."
I. Good Man -- Man of Pharisees, Member of Jewish Ruling Council
A. Looked religious--robes, head dress
1. here comes a religious man
2. many today look religious
B. Sounded religious
1. prayed 5 times/day
2. quoted scripture
C. Acted religious
1. ceremonial washings
2. in church every time doors open
D. Came to Jesus
1. saw something in Jesus after watching from afar
2. figure out uniqueness
II. Great Savior:
- Some say "Good Man"--conceived of Holy Spirit, born of virgin, lived sinless
- Some say "Good Teacher"--claimed to be the only way to heaven, John 14:6, claimed to be resurrection and life
- Some say "Prophet"--He didn't just tell us about God, He said "I am God", “I and the Father are one,” “seen me -- seen Father,” John 1:14
A. Loved sinners
1. met with Nicodemus
2. pattern of life
3. had a meal with Zacchaeus
4. forgave women caught in adultery--talked to woman at well about living water; "I have come to seek and to save that which was lost"
B. Told them the truth
1. the greatest thing we can do--tell people the truth
2. he told Nicodemus "you must be born again"; "all your religion is not enough" (came as a shock)
a. he made it personal--"you"
b. he made it urgent--"must"--not a suggestion
c. he made it challenging--"born again"-"mother's womb?"-- a spiritual transformation ("the wind blows…")--invisible, but real
C. Demonstrated greatness by:
1. healing blind man--"darkness to light"
2. healing cripple--"lifted him up; placed his feet on solid ground"
3. turned water into wine--"demonstrated creation"
4. calmed the storm--"power over nature"
5. raised Lazarus--"power over death"; foreshadow of resurrection
6. died on cross--"dealt with curse of sin"; showed his mercy
7. rose from dead--"dealt with curse of death"; showed his grace
III. Glorious Gospel (v 14)--"as the serpent was lifted up in the desert" (Numbers 21:8-9); "if I be lifted up”
A. Look to Jesus--only way to be saved--Jesus plus nothing!!
B. Not your good works, baptism, inheritance, etc.
