APRIL 8 READING…JOHN 3
There was a religious leader that approached Jesus, his name was Nicodemus. Nicodemus was no light weight, he was a ruler of the Jews…he was a high member of the Sanhedrin. He was so worried about his reputation that he came to Jesus by night. He had heard and seen what Jesus was teaching and what Jesus was doing. He was very curious about Jesus, and knew that Jesus had come from God because of all the things Jesus was doing. If there ever was anyone who was right with God from a religious perspective, it would have been Nicodemus. From all accounts he was a good man, very orthodox in the practice of his faith, and he was a sincere practitioner of his religion. He served in the Temple, and ruled the people by his understanding of the law of Scripture. Yet, Nicodemus needed something he did not have…salvation. Jesus, knowing Nicodemus’ heart, moved right past the niceties of Nicodemus’ compliments and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. I remember many years ago the media saying that it was President Jimmy Carter who coined this phrase when asked about his faith. But, it was not President Carter…he was quoting the words of Jesus. Jesus went on to explain to Nicodemus that this new birth was given by God. We all have a physical birth, and we all need a spiritual birth. This new birth happens as we put our faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of our sin, and trust in Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only one we can trust in to have this new birth, and enter the kingdom of God. God loved us so much that He sent His Son, and if we would trust in Him we can have the promise of everlasting life. Jesus did not come to condemn humanity, for we were condemned already in our sin. He came to offer us the gift of eternal life through faith in Him. Don’t be deceived those who practice evil do so because they love the darkness and reject the light of Christ. Those who come to the truth of God have come to the light of Christ…they walk and live in the new life they have received in Christ because they are born again.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…JOHN 4