Devotion Corner

John 3:1-2 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi….

When we think of the Pharisees, we think of the collective being united in their hatred of Jesus. This was not the case however, as there were those like Nicodemus, who treasured the Lord Jesus. Nicodemus sought out the Lord Jesus in the quiet of the night so that he could gain precious one to one time with Christ. Normally, Jesus would’ve permanently surrounded by a large crowd throughout the daytime. So, Nicodemus sought out Christ when he hoped he might gain precious one to one time with Jesus, that being in the quiet of the night. We would do well to similarly seek the Lord Jesus in the quiet stillness of the night. Those silent hours free from the distractions of the world where we can speak with Jesus intimately.

When Nicodemus came to Jesus, he did not list a series of demands or grievances, something we often do when we begin our prayers. He came with a desire to understand Christ and the path of salvation through Him. Again, we would do well to come to Christ with a deep, heartfelt desire to know Him above all our worldly concerns. For in Him lies the answer to our hopes, our fears and our sorrows. 

Finally, Nicodemus spoke with deepest of respect and reverence, calling Jesus ‘Rabbi’ or ‘Master’. He acknowledged the power of Christ Jesus and humbled himself before Him. Though Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews as a part of the Sanhedrin, he placed himself below the seemingly insignificant carpenter’s son from Nazareth. Yet because Nicodemus humbled himself before Jesus, he was received by the King of kings. His questions were answered with a personal tenderness that soothed his heart. It is a reminder to us all that when we come to Christ in humility, seeking to know Him truly, He will receive us gladly and show us that the path to eternity lays in Him. Amen.