George Hutcheson
THis Chapter containeth; First, Christs conference with Nicodemus concerning regeneration and faith in him, for attaining salvation, to v 22. Next, Johns last testimony concerning Christ, some occasions whereof are recorded, to v. 27. and the testimony it self, from thence to the end.
1 THere was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jewes.
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that then art a Teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
The occasion of this Conference and Sermon of Christ, is, Nicodemus (a Pharisee, and not one of the common sort, but a Ruler and Member of the Councel) his coming to Christ by night, and in his discourse giving him reverent titles, and testifying that he and the rest of the Pharisees were convinced by Christs miracles, that he was a teacher sent of God, however their malice drave them over the belly of their light. Whence learn, 1 So great is the excellencie of Christ, and the riches and efficacy of his grace, as he can not only convince, but will even, (when he pleaseth) convert and draw in greatest enemies to him: for, Nicodemus a Pharisee and ruler of the Jewes came to Christ, and albeit the beginnings were but small, yet they came to further maturity afterward. 2. Even Persecutors and haters of Christ may be so for convinced of his excellencie in his Ministry, as in cold blood they will be forced to see God shining in it; for, saith Nicodemus in name of his associates, the Pharisees and Rulers, Rabbi, we know that thou art a Teacher come from God: and the like thoughts may men be forced to have of his working and presence in and with good Ministers, who yet have not found enough evidences of grace for all that. 3. There may be alike conviction and light in mens minde, which yet doth not work alike on their will and affections; but many who know as much as others, being left to the natural corruption of their hearts, do yet sit still, when these others by the power of grace are drawn to Christ; for, saith Nicodemus, we know, &c. and yet onely he came to Jesus. 4. Great places, and honour, and credit prove oft-times great snares to men, to hold them from Christ, or from such an open avowing of him as becometh; for, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, as fearing to lose his place and reputation with the rest, or to sustaine some damage, or being unwilling to be found ignorant, and one that needed come to be taught. So great cause have men to be content with their mean estate which hideth them from many snares, and to pity and have charity to others who have greater tentations. 5. Men may seeme to have very high thoughts of Christ, who yet come farre short of that estimation that is due to him; for, all he saith is, Rabbi, thou art a Teacher come from God, or, an extraordinary Teacher, whereas he was God over all. 6. Christs miracles were known, even to enemies, to be done by no jugglery, and to be such as could be wrought onely by divine power, and to be a proof of his authority; for, it was acknowledged, no man can do these miracles that thou doest (of which see chap. 2.23.) except God be with him.
