Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

In John3:1-3, we encounter a profound dialogue between Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a ruler among the Jews, came to Jesus under the cover of night, and his greeting, “Rabbi,” reveals respect, recognition, and humility of Jesus as a teacher.As a Pharisee, Nicodemus believed that he had to uphold the laws found within the Old Testament in order to be saved and be seen as righteous before God. But Jesus met Nicodemus and presented to him the new law. What is crucial to grasp here is that Nicodemus’ character, though marked by moral uprightness, power, kindness, respect, and extensive knowledge, could not save him. He was a man of great standing within the religious community, but he was far from the truth he sought.

LEARN

This passage reminds us that our character, our good deeds, our titles, and our accomplishments, while important in many aspects of life, are insufficient when it comes to the eternal matters of salvation. Just as Nicodemus could not rely solely on his character, we too must recognize that our own righteousness and achievements are insufficient to save us from the spiritual darkness that surrounds us.

APPLY

The key takeaway is that our salvation is not rooted in our own merit, but in a profound transformation—a rebirth—that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. This passage challenges us to acknowledge that our efforts, no matter how noble or respectable, cannot secure our place in the kingdom of heaven. Salvation is not a reward for good character but a gift of God’s grace. It beckons us to humble ourselves, like Nicodemus did in his quest for truth, and to recognize that our character, no matter how commendable, is insufficient to bridge the gap between our fallen nature and God’s holiness. Only through faith in Jesus, the Son of God, can we experience the new birth and find our place in God’s eternal kingdom.