A Meeting at Night
There was a man from the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the
Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we
know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these
miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
John 3:1,2
Read Psalm 25:1-9
John’s gospel contains a number of discussions which the Lord had with
individuals. Over the next several days we will listen in to the conversation
the Lord Jesus had with Nicodemus, a Pharisee. This religious group is usually
regarded in an unfavorable light. If someone refers to you as a Pharisee,
it is not received as a compliment. Yet we must be careful that we do not
have mistaken notions about them. They lived an earnest life and were busily
engaged trying to keep God’s law, to which they even added various rules
and regulations. We would say of them today that at least these people take
life seriously and are not frivolous. Alas, their serious lifestyle was often
merely external. They lived this way to induce respect from society around
them. But the Lord Jesus called them white washed sepulchers; these tombs
looked beautiful and bright on the outside but death reigned on the inside.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee. This sect, for the most part, did not have much
regard for the Lord Jesus. That is probably why Nicodemus visited the Lord
at night; then other people would not see him. He wanted to remain undetected
by society at large, while at the same time to have a personal meeting
with the Lord.
Through his question, we notice that he regarded Jesus as an important
teacher, a rabbi who had been sent by God. He acknowledged that God was
with Him, but did not recognize Jesus as God. There are many people today
who also regard the Lord Jesus merely as an inspiring teacher and a good example
to be emulated. They place Him on the same level as Mother Theresa
or Martin Luther King JR. They do not regard the Lord Jesus as He really is,
the Son of God who came to deliver mankind from sin.
Thought: Have you learned to see the Lord Jesus as the Saviour who alone
can deliver you from your sins?
Psalter 415:2 (based on Psalm 25)
Unto me, O Lord Jehovah, Show Thy ways and teach Thou me;
So that, by Thy Spirit guided, Clearly I Thy paths may see.
In Thy truth wilt Thou me guide, Teach me, God of my salvation;
All the day for Thee I bide, Lord, with eager expectation.
