There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus.
“Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
John 3:1-3
Like many people today, Nicodemus thought he would be saved by being “good” enough: by adhering to the religious teachings and performing certain ceremonial rituals. And while the other Pharisees antagonized Jesus in the daylight, Nicodemus had an important appointment with Jesus at night. He liked what he saw and he wanted to know more. So Jesus invited, He welcomed, and He explained who He is.
Nicodemus was an unlikely convert, but Jesus reaches and saves those who seem unreachable. Nicodemus believed his salvation was imminent, but Jesus teaches us the truth: salvation can only come through Him. Nicodemus was confused about the new life Jesus promised, but Jesus explains through His Word that when He gives us new life, He gives us new everything: a new heart, a new mind, new emotions, new sensitivity to sin. He changes our perspective and He changes our priorities. Our social positions, our church attendance, or our Bible knowledge can’t save us. Only Jesus can save us when we understand who He is and what He has done, and when we say yes to His invitation to follow Him. (Luke 9:23) Of all the choices we make in our lives that will be “life-changing”, only this one is truly life-giving.
Jesus will meet you day or night. Make a daily appointment with Him and keep it! He will answer your questions, not only the ones you ask, but also the unspoken ones in your heart. He doesn’t care about the “good life” you’re living according to the world’s standards; He cares about you accepting the invitation to eternal life, which is heaven’s standard. He doesn’t care about your rituals or your religious training; He cares about the genuine, heart-to-heart relationship you have with Him. Jesus invites, He welcomes, and He explains who He is. If you have said YES to Him, go share Him with some unlikely converts. They will like what they see, and they will want to know more! You are deeply loved!