John 3:1-2
I recently read that the president of Mott Community College, Shaunda Richardson-Snell, is being accused of questioning individuals about their faith during official college events, including allegedly asking a Navajo Nation member if they accepted Jesus Christ at a campus event in October 2025. That’s pretty bold if it’s true, and I love it.
That is the opposite of what happens in the beginning of John 3. A pharisee named Nicodemus was intrigued by Jesus. It’s likely that he was aware of his miracles, and he was interested in hearing more of his teachings. The one big problem with that was that Jesus was “public enemy #1” with the religious leaders of that day. He was a threat to their established system of control and abuse. At many times, Jesus had “called them out,” and they did not take to it too kindly. Remember, John the Baptizer also criticized the Pharisees for their self-righteous and hyper-hypocritical lifestyles even before Jesus came on the scene.
Nicodemus was also a member of the Jewish Supreme Court named the Sanhedrin. He was in a position of power and authority, and politically it was not advised for him to seek out Jesus, yet he did. He was a seeker. He was searching, and he believed that Jesus had the answers to his questions. As a teacher himself, he came to Jesus to be taught. Remember, that no matter how much education that you have, it’s always a wise thing to be “teachable” looking to learn something new and effective for yourself, your family, and those around you who need Jesus. So, Nicodemus came to Jesus with an open mind. Do you come to the church gathering and weekly Bible study with an open mind?
In those days, men of stature like Nicodemus could have sent a personal assistant to see Jesus, but that’s not what he did. He came to Jesus himself, and he came to him at night. Remember, the Pharisees were greatly jealous and antagonistic toward Jesus. For Nicodemus to “seek out” Jesus, he was taking a big-time risk. It’s likely that he came at night to avoid any attention to himself. It’s interesting that often when it comes to our spiritual growth, it requires “taking a risk.” Most likely we are not going to take a major risk at first, but normally, once a person is impacted by Jesus, he or she is willing to “throw all caution to the wind” in commitment to him. Nicodemus had a lot to lose, so he was careful.
What’s pretty incredible about this story is that Nicodemus couldn’t help but be convinced by the evidence of Jesus’ ministry. Before approaching Jesus, he had heard of or witnessed the miraculous signs in Jerusalem and Galilee of water being turned into wine, demons being cast out of people, and various physical healings. These powerful and effective signs convinced him that Jesus was a “teacher” sent from God for a purpose.
Let me encourage you with something that will be the watershed moment of your life - FOLLOW JESUS! He is the miracle-worker! He is the one who can remove the “chains!” He is the one who gives purpose, peace, and production to your life! He is the Lord God Almighty! When you commit to follow him, you will see things that you could have never imagined! Why is that? It’s because his kingdom is moving forward in ways that are remarkable! He is the unstoppable and unfailing God!
Finally, don’t be embarrassed when you’re afraid to follow Jesus! There is definitely sacrifice required to do so. Nicodemus was about to find that out. When the time came, his timidity would turn to tenacity as he would later speak boldly to all who would hear of Jesus the Messiah of Israel. For now, he had much to learn as do all of us. When it comes down to it, have enough faith to have the “initial conversation” with Jesus no matter the risk. You will never be sorry!
That is the opposite of what happens in the beginning of John 3. A pharisee named Nicodemus was intrigued by Jesus. It’s likely that he was aware of his miracles, and he was interested in hearing more of his teachings. The one big problem with that was that Jesus was “public enemy #1” with the religious leaders of that day. He was a threat to their established system of control and abuse. At many times, Jesus had “called them out,” and they did not take to it too kindly. Remember, John the Baptizer also criticized the Pharisees for their self-righteous and hyper-hypocritical lifestyles even before Jesus came on the scene.
Nicodemus was also a member of the Jewish Supreme Court named the Sanhedrin. He was in a position of power and authority, and politically it was not advised for him to seek out Jesus, yet he did. He was a seeker. He was searching, and he believed that Jesus had the answers to his questions. As a teacher himself, he came to Jesus to be taught. Remember, that no matter how much education that you have, it’s always a wise thing to be “teachable” looking to learn something new and effective for yourself, your family, and those around you who need Jesus. So, Nicodemus came to Jesus with an open mind. Do you come to the church gathering and weekly Bible study with an open mind?
In those days, men of stature like Nicodemus could have sent a personal assistant to see Jesus, but that’s not what he did. He came to Jesus himself, and he came to him at night. Remember, the Pharisees were greatly jealous and antagonistic toward Jesus. For Nicodemus to “seek out” Jesus, he was taking a big-time risk. It’s likely that he came at night to avoid any attention to himself. It’s interesting that often when it comes to our spiritual growth, it requires “taking a risk.” Most likely we are not going to take a major risk at first, but normally, once a person is impacted by Jesus, he or she is willing to “throw all caution to the wind” in commitment to him. Nicodemus had a lot to lose, so he was careful.
What’s pretty incredible about this story is that Nicodemus couldn’t help but be convinced by the evidence of Jesus’ ministry. Before approaching Jesus, he had heard of or witnessed the miraculous signs in Jerusalem and Galilee of water being turned into wine, demons being cast out of people, and various physical healings. These powerful and effective signs convinced him that Jesus was a “teacher” sent from God for a purpose.
Let me encourage you with something that will be the watershed moment of your life - FOLLOW JESUS! He is the miracle-worker! He is the one who can remove the “chains!” He is the one who gives purpose, peace, and production to your life! He is the Lord God Almighty! When you commit to follow him, you will see things that you could have never imagined! Why is that? It’s because his kingdom is moving forward in ways that are remarkable! He is the unstoppable and unfailing God!
Finally, don’t be embarrassed when you’re afraid to follow Jesus! There is definitely sacrifice required to do so. Nicodemus was about to find that out. When the time came, his timidity would turn to tenacity as he would later speak boldly to all who would hear of Jesus the Messiah of Israel. For now, he had much to learn as do all of us. When it comes down to it, have enough faith to have the “initial conversation” with Jesus no matter the risk. You will never be sorry!