There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:1-3). Nicodemus pursued Jesus as he just had to know more about the mystery of salvation; the mystery of God’s love that offered “new life.” His finite rational mind wanted to know the infinite work of God and gain some Light. Nicodemus was a very knowledgeable man, a ruler of the Jews, who understood sin and separation from God meant death. Jesus told him that salvation was for everyone because all of us have sinned (1 John 1:8). No one has ever lived a sinless life apart from Christ. Since we are accountable to God, we need a way to be free from the penalty of sin.
Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus at night? Was it pride; because he didn’t want others to see? Was it fear? Maybe Jesus was leaving town the next day; certainly Christ moved from place to place. Regardless of the reason, here is an example of a learned man in Greek, Roman, and Hebrew cultures who was compelled to find a greater truth. Each one of the cultures, in which he lived, brought a piece of truth. For the Greeks, truth could be found in the arts and philosophy. In Roman culture, the government enforced their version of truth. The Hebrews sought to fulfill truth with rituals and laws. But all of these ways, left people empty, frustrated, and needs unmet; even Nicodemus.
Only God can provide what we need through grace–to be spiritually born anew. Jesus tells Nicodemus that this new life is experiential; so don’t try to grab hold of salvation with your rational mind. God’s love for humans is truly a mystery; can you understand the love that would come from heaven, take on human form, and die on the cross for the sins of others? We really don’t love that way, but God does. When you and I accept the love of God found in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can enjoy a “new life” connection that lasts for eternity. The Light of Christ is not a one time experience; it’s much, much more. Actually, Truth’s (Jesus) invitation is to be spiritually renewed in God’s power and to live in the Light of love every day. Do you need some Light? Connect to Christ and live for the glory of God.
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6