Many people have questions about Christianity once they hear the gospel. Is it worth the effort to follow? Is Jesus real? What can He do for me?
Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, had questions too about who Jesus really was and what He was about.
John 3:1-3 – Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus was special, although Nicodemus was a Pharisee. Back in BC times, the Pharisees despised Jesus because they knew deep down that He was greater and more powerful than them. Based on that situation, this is why Nicodemus came to meet Jesus at night because he did not want anyone to know that he went to see Him.
John 3:4-7 – Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
Nicodemus didn’t want to ask the question publicly, so he went to Jesus privately. He didn’t want anyone to know he was seeking Jesus because he was a ruler. However, Jesus already knew what Nicodemus wanted to know before he asked.
Nicodemus sought out the person who he knew could give him THE answer. No matter how intelligent, knowledgeable, or talented you are, you must come with an open heart and mind so He (Jesus) can teach you the truth about God.
After Nicodemus found out who He was from the direct source and not from others, he then was able to boldly talk about Him to others. We must examine Jesus for ourselves. Others cannot do it for us. If we believe He is who He is, then we can speak up for Him boldly.
God specializes in finding and changing people who we deem out of reach. God had patience with Nicodemus who was seemingly an undercover believer.
He came out of the conversation with a whole new knowledge of not only himself, but God. That’s the grace of God, Jesus Christ, in which we are saved. We go from living a life full of sin to a life full of grace, peace, and wisdom.