Respectful Curiosity and a Conversation with Jesus
Curiosity and an inquiring mind are triggers for gaining further information and knowledge about a particular topic. Recall a time when you carried out some research to become more deeply informed. Was it when buying a product, to obtain accurate facts, or just to enrich some prior understanding with a thirst for further knowledge?
What source of expertise did you use? A person, a book or “Mr Google”?
Read John 3:1–21
Here Nicodemus meets with Jesus, personally seeking guidance and deeper spiritual knowledge and understanding. Nicodemus was already seen as a religious authority, as he held prestigious positions both as a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling Council, the Sanhedrin.
So, what did Nicodemus want to know? What did the ensuing conversation with Jesus reveal?
Nicodemus wanted to further understand the concept of the “kingdom of God” and how it can be attained. Jesus tells Nicodemus that unless a person is “born again”, one cannot see the kingdom of God. This perplexes Nicodemus, who takes the phrase literally, asking, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
Jesus clarifies that he is not talking about physical rebirth but a spiritual one. He explains that being “born again” is a transformation of the heart and soul. It involves a renewal and cleansing of one’s inner being through the Holy Spirit. It is a profound change, a new life, and a fresh start in one’s relationship with God.
This idea challenges Nicodemus and prompts further inquiry. The conversation continues … Jesus emphasises that salvation is not achieved through religious rituals or good deeds alone but through a deep and abiding trust in him as the Saviour. Belief in his sacrificial death and resurrection is the key to being born again and obtaining eternal life. John 3:16: For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. (GN)
What a wonderful message of hope and rescue, offering a way for humanity to escape the darkness of sin and find everlasting light through faith in Christ.
Just as Nicodemus sought answers in the quiet of the night, we too can approach Jesus with our questions and doubts, trusting in his grace and love to lead us to a new life and eternal salvation.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to extend love, grace, and forgiveness to others, demonstrating your love through our actions. May we live our lives in such a way that the light of Christ shines through us, revealing the truth of your gospel to those around us. Amen.
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