Read: John 3:3-17
Why would a well-established and respected Pharisee such as Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, seek Jesus? He came to Jesus under cover of night with a respective tone and a heart pressing desire for deeper understanding.
Let’s be clear that Nicodemus was not an uneducated man, he was a scholar and knew the laws of the Jewish religion, won the respect of his colleagues in the council and the worshipers of the temple. He was, in the eyes of many, one who had a good life.
Yet, upon entering the room where Jesus was, Jesus’s statement met Nicodemus’s question before he could ask it - Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3)
Why would Nicodemus need to be born again? He was well versed in the scriptures/laws of the Jewish religion and taught in the synagogue. We realize that Nicodemus was seeking a deeper conviction in spirit that would renew, refresh and replace the dwindled fire in his spirit, something to ignite a “heart fire” that he had not felt before.
A physical rebirth was Nicodemus’s first thought of Jesus’ statement and its improbability. Yet Jesus explains to him in John 3:5-8 how it is - the “spirit” that is moving one into a new birthing of understanding, relationship and peace that transcends the earthly things and allows one to walk in the spirit of heavenly knowing.
We can learn a lot from Nicodemus. He sought the conversation with Jesus, mediated on Jesus’ teaching of God’s redemptive love for us all, through his Son Jesus Christ, not to condemn us but to save us. (John 3:14-17)
Father God, it is with thanksgiving and gratefulness that we come before you in this hour on this day. We are seeking the “spirit” filled wind that is present against our skin and announces its presence and fans the fire within. Let us acknowledge the penetrating power of these encounters that come upon us to remind us of your sacrifice of your unblemished Son, Jesus Christ, our redeemer. Like Nicodemus, we are never so knowledgeable or “puffed up” with self that we do not seek more of your ways. We celebrate, honor and seek you even more during this Lenten season and beyond. Bless us all in your mighty name, through Jesus your Son and the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Amen.
Joyful,
Latitia Felus
Certified Lay Minister
Why would a well-established and respected Pharisee such as Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, seek Jesus? He came to Jesus under cover of night with a respective tone and a heart pressing desire for deeper understanding.
Let’s be clear that Nicodemus was not an uneducated man, he was a scholar and knew the laws of the Jewish religion, won the respect of his colleagues in the council and the worshipers of the temple. He was, in the eyes of many, one who had a good life.
Yet, upon entering the room where Jesus was, Jesus’s statement met Nicodemus’s question before he could ask it - Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3)
Why would Nicodemus need to be born again? He was well versed in the scriptures/laws of the Jewish religion and taught in the synagogue. We realize that Nicodemus was seeking a deeper conviction in spirit that would renew, refresh and replace the dwindled fire in his spirit, something to ignite a “heart fire” that he had not felt before.
A physical rebirth was Nicodemus’s first thought of Jesus’ statement and its improbability. Yet Jesus explains to him in John 3:5-8 how it is - the “spirit” that is moving one into a new birthing of understanding, relationship and peace that transcends the earthly things and allows one to walk in the spirit of heavenly knowing.
We can learn a lot from Nicodemus. He sought the conversation with Jesus, mediated on Jesus’ teaching of God’s redemptive love for us all, through his Son Jesus Christ, not to condemn us but to save us. (John 3:14-17)
Father God, it is with thanksgiving and gratefulness that we come before you in this hour on this day. We are seeking the “spirit” filled wind that is present against our skin and announces its presence and fans the fire within. Let us acknowledge the penetrating power of these encounters that come upon us to remind us of your sacrifice of your unblemished Son, Jesus Christ, our redeemer. Like Nicodemus, we are never so knowledgeable or “puffed up” with self that we do not seek more of your ways. We celebrate, honor and seek you even more during this Lenten season and beyond. Bless us all in your mighty name, through Jesus your Son and the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Amen.
Joyful,
Latitia Felus
Certified Lay Minister
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