Jesus Christ is well known for using physical parables and illustrations to teach spiritual truth. The Gospel of John chapter 3 is no exception. In this case, Jesus is witnessing to a religious ruler, Nicodemus. In this conversation, Jesus presented salvation by the use of illustrations. We can learn from Jesus in our personal soul winning presentations. In this article, I would like to share with you two soul winning illustrations of Jesus that are still relevant to us today. When Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, Christ began to illustrate the Gospel in two well-known, powerful examples:
1. An Illustration of Birth. John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus began to explain the new birth. Nicodemus was first confused, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Jesus explained that being born again is a spiritual birth by the Spirit rather than the physical birth by water. Birth is a great opening illustration because we can all relate. Everyone has been born once, however, Jesus is offering a second birth. Being born again is the only entrance into the kingdom of God. The conversation continues…
2. An Illustration from History. John 3:14 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” In Numbers 21, the Israelites sinned against God. He sent “fiery serpents” that were biting the people. The poisonous snakes lead to death which became the consequence of sin. God offered deliverance from this death. He had Moses fashion a brass snake on top of a pole. If the victims would only look at the snake, they would be saved. This story became an illustration for eternal salvation. We as humans have sinned against God. The consequence of sin is death. Similar to the snake on the pole, Jesus was lifted up on the cross. If we would only look to Jesus in faith, we will receive deliverance from our death penalty.
These two age-old illustrations will never expire or lose their effectiveness. Illustrations are so effective for simple-minded humans. We as modern-day soul winners can use Christ’s examples today to present the Gospel. Let us always preach the message “Ye must be born again.” (By Matt Shold)
