Day 7-Wednesday. February 21st
Coming to Jesus
John 2:23-3:15
In a meeting that some have called the first “Nick at Nite”, the Jewish religious leader Nicodemus came to Jesus in the middle of the night. Why? Nicodemus was an important and influential leader on the high Jewish ruling council-a Pharisee. The Pharisees were a fundamentalist sect of the elite ruling council, the Sanhedrin, who were known for being legalistic and closed-minded.
For this reason, Nicodemus came secretly at night to speak with Jesus so that He could speak his mind without the ruling council knowing. Although the ruling council had dismissed the idea that Jesus could be the Messiah, Nicodemus was uncertain and wanted to know more.
While Nicodemus represented the people, his visit was a personal one and Jesus could read his mind. This response of Jesus took Nicodemus by surprise. The old ways, the adherence to the law, these things can’t bring salvation to this nation or to his heart. “You must be born again.”
This is one of the most important statements in the gospel of John. In it we find a beautiful transition from an emphasis on ritual to an emphasis on relationship. Jesus is telling Nicodemus “Nicodemus, even though you are a faithful and Godly man, your righteousness cannot save you. I will soon give myself as the lamb of God, a sacrifice for all time. Place your trust in me by faith alone and I will cover your sin and make you completely new.”
These words speak just as loudly today in our “pull yourself up by the bootstraps culture”. Although our culture may teach “good people go to heaven”, Jesus is still saying to all today, “You must be born again.” We cannot save ourselves.
Some may fault Nicodemus for coming to Jesus in secrecy, but the truly important thing is that, when no one else dared, Nicodemus came, and I have to believe his life was changed. This is what the journey of Lent is truly about-coming to Jesus to be renewed and restored. May we come to Jesus as well!
Question to consider:
Are you ready today to trade simply going through the motions(ritual) to walk closely with God each day (relationship)?
What changes will you need to make for you to make this trade?