The same came to him by night, and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.” John 3:2 WEB
Nicodemus was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He most likely sought out Jesus in the night to avoid the scrutiny of others. As a respected Pharisee, Nicodemus was part of a group that largely disapproved of the teaching of Christ. Jealousy and the traditions created by religious men made the popularity and obvious spiritual power of Jesus frustrating for the ruling class of religious leaders and scholars.
Despite the trouble some religious leaders had in accepting Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, the miracles and teaching Jesus presented caused many to believe that he came from God. As Nicodemus said, “no one can do these signs you do unless God is with him.”
However, in addressing Christ as Rabbi, Nicodemus likely sees Jesus as his equal and seeks to bring him into the fold of elite religious teachers. The encounter he has changes this dynamic immediately. Jesus is not merely a Rabbi or teacher, he is the Son of God, the Savior of sinful mankind.
Teaching the Teacher
Rather than being flattered by Nicodemus referring to him as a fellow Rabbi, Jesus takes the lead, teaching the teacher about the saving grace of God. The Lord challenges Nicodemus to understand the spiritual necessity of rebirth in order to attain eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus’ lesson further demonstrates to Nicodemus that God is with him.
Ultimately, Jesus reveals his purpose to Nicodemus and his identity as the Savior, the very Son of God. From their conversation, we get some of the most famous words of the New Testament as Christ says in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. WEB”
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for the lessons you teach. Give me wisdom to share the truth of your word with my fellow man. Help me to spread the truth of the gospel effectively. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Be Strong in the Lord
