The story of Nicodemus is always a touching one and is the story which contains the immortal encapsulation of the gospel message which has brought hope into so many lives throughout history.
Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews and was likely a very knowledgeable man in matters of scripture and the prophecies and interpretations contained therein. He knew Jesus came from God because no one could do the miracles Jesus did unless God were with him.
Jesus pointed out that the only way a man could see the kingdom of God (and thus have God with him) was to be born again. I can only imagine what went through the mind of Nicodemus. How odd! Born again? Did that mean he would have to re-enter his mother and be reborn? That wasn’t possible!
And physically, it wasn’t. This rebirth must be of water and of Spirit… through no other way could a man enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus told Nicodemus of his entire mission on earth, tying it all back to Old Testament prophesy.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jesus wasn’t here to condemn… he was here to save. He was here to save ANYONE who would believe. Not just Jews, but Greeks, Romans, Samaratins, free and bond, rich and poor, whole and maimed. He was the Saviour of the WHOLE WORLD with no exceptions.
The only caveat to this mind-blowing promise… you had to believe in Him.
What an amazing blessing! I don’t know if Nicodemus accepted Jesus as the Saviour; the Bible never tells us. I like to think he did, but I don’t know. What I do know is that I do accept Jesus as my personal Saviour and fully believe that he died for my sins so that I can live with him forever in heaven.
Amen!
THAT is exciting!
