January 21. 2024
Now there was a Pharisee, a man 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.”
—John 3:1-2
John 3 is probably best known as the chapter where Jesus tells us that God sent Him to save the world (John 3:16-17). Most Christians know these verses but forget to whom Jesus spoke them. Today, let’s look more closely at Jesus’ student Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee—a highly religious teacher who was well- respected in most Jewish circles. He would have been wealthy and sought out as a wise man. Additionally, Nicodemus was one of the most important people in his synagogue. Coming to Jesus and admitting He was from God could have gotten Nicodemus excommunicated. He stood to lose everythingand so he came to Jesus at night for answers to his questions.
Some people might scoff at Nicodemus for sneaking to see Jesus at night. Didn’t he know following Jesus was more important than any synagogue seat or material wealth? The truth is that Nicodemus didn’t know. He had to find out for himself and was willing to take that risk. Moreover, his risk was rewarded. He acknowledged Jesus was from God, got to know Himand went away fulfilled.
Many prospective Christians take similar risks today. Christianity is illegal in several countriesand becoming a Christian can mean death. At the least, it can mean loss of jobs, property and children as well as long-term imprisonment. Because of these penalties, millions of Christians meet underground and must hide their faith in public. Still, they take the risk.
When was the last time you took a risk in faith? Maybe you won’t face death or prison, but you could lose a friend, a job or respect and connections you need. If that’s the case, follow Nicodemus’ example. Ask Jesus for boldnessand then follow His lead—24 hours a day.