The story of Nicodemus is fascinating and intriguing. Nicodemus came to Jesus secretly by night, probably because he didn't want anyone to see him. He came to Jesus with a compliment. He said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him" (John 3:2), thinking that Jesus, like most people, would be impressed by a compliment. He came wanting to discuss theology, assuming that Jesus would be interested in a good give-and-take battle of the mind. Before he got very far, Jesus interrupted him with an astounding remark which shook his foundations: "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:3). Jesus told Nicodemus that he must ex…