(John 3:1-3)
Can you picture this old man? I see him cloaked in black in order to hide his face from anyone who might see him with Jesus. He comes at night to the Rabbi, because he is afraid of his fellow council-men. They wouldn’t agreed with this meeting. They didn’t like Jesus. He was a threat to their power. But Nicodemus couldn’t stay away.
Jesus didn’t waste time with formalities in their conversation. He got straight to the point…the reason why He had come to this earth. The old Pharisee was not holding a conversation with a prophet, he was staring into the eyes of Salvation.
Nicodemus is probably one of my favorite characters in the Bible. Despite his fears, he meets with the Rabbi who will change his life forever. He is confused by Jesus’ words, struggles with this whole “born again” concept, but in the end, it is Nicodemus who argues for fair treatment of Jesus in John 7, and who helps take down the body of the crucified Messiah to lay Him in the tomb (John 19:38-42).
I believe Nicodemus was indeed born again the night he met Jesus despite his misguided questions and fears. His life was changed forever. Let’s follow this man. Be yourself with Jesus. Ask the stupid questions. Meet Him at night in the shadows. And stare into the eyes of Salvation. We’ll never be the same.
Much love,
andy
