One could transfer this “teacher of Israel” named... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Jesus answered and said to him (Nicodemus): Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3

One could transfer this "teacher of Israel" named Nicodemus to our time and perhaps call him an outstanding theologian. He had heard much about Jesus and was impressed by the miraculous signs He performed.

From what Nicodemus had seen and heard, he judged that this man, Jesus, must have come from God, because no one else could do such signs. And in this he was right.

The miracles that Jesus did were "signs" by which He proved Himself to be the One sent from God. Nicodemus wanted to take advantage of the presence of the Messiah; he could still learn from Him. But what every person needs, and what even Nicodemus needed, is not to improve one's religiousness. We need a fundamental change. This point was addressed by the Lord Jesus in no uncertain terms when Nicodemus sought conversation with Him by night.

"Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus couldn't understand this. Therefore, the Lord added, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (v. 6). The new birth is a spiritual process resulting in new, spiritual life. It brings about a new way of thinking and acting, a life in accordance with God - that is, a change that comes from within by God's power.

Three years passed, and new birth was evident in the life of Nicodemus. Together with Joseph of Arimathea, he buried the body of Jesus. He had understood Jesus' words and had become His disciple.

Today's reading: Numbers 10:11-36 · Matthew 7:13-23