John 3:1-17

A certain man came to Jesus. A learned man, a Pharisee of status in Israel, comes to Jesus with a concession: “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you do unless God is with him.” He probably felt quite magnanimous—perhaps even proud—of this deduction. He is confident and feels quite competent. He keeps the law, and he teaches it. His words have weight. He’s celebrated. And yet, dwell just a moment on the gulf between his conclusion and the One to whom he is speaking.

In the conversation that follows, Jesus doesn’t commend his insight. Instead, he tells this seasoned ruler that all his learning is insufficient. Jesus uses the phrase, “I tell you the solemn truth,” as he emphatically schools Nicodemus in heavenly realities. “Unless you are born from above, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Moreover, “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”

Being born again is a gift. Something we can experience but never control, like the wind. Something we cannot earn even by perfectly keeping the law. It is something spiritually miraculous. AND Jesus speaks of what He has seen and what He knows. He speaks as the One Daniel foresaw—the “Son of Man” who stood before the Ancient of Days and was given authority, glory, and sovereign power. The One sent not to condemn the world, but to save it.

Is anyone else struck by how casual we can be in our approach to Jesus? After seasons of emphasizing God’s judgment, we have perhaps swung to the other extreme. We wear shirts with slogans and sing, “I am a friend of God.” That is true—to a point. But have we lost some of the awe this passage reveals? Do we tremble and worship? Nicodemus was confident in his achievements and had respect for Jesus as one rabbi to another, yet he did not grasp who stood before him.

Can we see ourselves in Nicodemus? Is there a gentle invitation to open ourselves up to an even deeper understanding of Jesus? To read the Gospels again, watch Jesus interact with others, and listen closely to his words to those he came to save. To appreciate the way he responds to those who try to test him by addressing their deeper concerns. To come to him not with what we already know—but with a desire to know him more.

Lord, restore to us a right and deeper understanding of who You are—and a humble realization of who we are. Foster in us a vision of your magnificent glory, that we may approach you with reverence and holy awe.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father help me not become so assured of what I know from my walk with you that I become overly familiar or forget to be in awe of your glory. Going forward, please open my eyes to your majesty in the world and in your Word. During this lenten season, prepare me for the amazement, joy, and understanding your resurrection brings. Amen.

Pam Barton
Spiritual Formation Team

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