Scripture Reading(s)
John 3:1-17
3:1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.
3:2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.”
3:3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”
3:4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?”
3:5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
3:6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.
3:7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’
3:8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
3:9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”
3:10 Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
3:11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony.
3:12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
3:13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
3:14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
3:15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
3:17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Reflections
Nicodemus was an educated teacher of the time. He understood the laws and what he had been taught. However, the scriptures did not have a lasting impact on his life. He did not have a full understanding of the Gospel and Salvation.
The concept of being “born again” is not a physical one but a spiritual renewal. It is heart change and change of life style that no longer desires to do the things of this world. It is a major heart make-over and your life is now filled with a desire to follow after God and His word and grow into a deep relationship with Him each day.
We are able to grasp and live out this concept due to God’s love for us and His work on the cross. Our lives are completely changed at the point of conversion. Not only have we shifted our heart to following after God but we are now secure in our eternal place with Him. His love is what changed our once fate to perish and be judged for our sin.
The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus is so powerful because it outlines for us that the Gospel is above any head knowledge or earthly accomplishment that we can ever attain. It is a gift that saves our souls and gives us a hope and joy that we cannot find anywhere else. Nicodemus was a prominent leader among the Pharisees and scholars of the time. Yet all of that meant nothing without firstly having an going relationship with Christ. This is shown to be true because Nicodemus seeks out Jesus for answers and a deeper understanding to what it means to truly attain a relationship with Christ.
Nicodemus, like many others have been exposed to the Gospel message. God answers those who truly seek Him and the Christian life does not promise that it is going to be easy. What it does guarantee is that we are able to find an eternal joy and hope in Christ no matter what we face and we are also secure in knowing that at the end of our life here on earth, we will spend eternity with Him.