14 Jun Sermon Recap | New Testament Characters | Nicodemus
Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee leader, sought Jesus in the darkness of the night. There the rules and knowledge that Nicodemus had built his life upon were shattered. From his story we learn that nothing is more blinding than knowledge and that Jesus is not an add-on to the life we already have or desire to live. Rather, Jesus wants to remake and transform us to the core of who we are. This is what He does for Nicodemus. When we later meet him, he is wrapping the body of Jesus with spices in broad daylight with the understanding that Jesus is not looking to fix our problems, but rather deliver us from what we know and from the judgment we deserve.
Scripture References
-Nicodemus comes to Jesus with the pride of his position and status. In what areas of your life is knowledge blinding you from the truth? What is it that you know, assume, or take for granted that keeps you from trusting Jesus on His terms?
-Nicodemus came with expectations of how Jesus could help him. How are you seeing Jesus as a plugin or an add-on in your life?
-How can your prayer be restructured around the idea that Jesus is transforming you and is not just there to fix your problems?
-In what ways might you, like Nicodemus, be using your knowledge and status to feel more worthy of salvation?
Thoughts to Consider
-We feel like we are entitled to the love of God, but in reality, we are entitled to the judgment of God.
-Part of being a creature is that we can’t comprehend the truth fully; we can only apprehend it. We must recognize that we can only know in part and trust God that He knows the truth fully as it applies to everything.
-Our pedigree, knowledge, or status isn’t enough to enter God’s kingdom. We have to receive Him as He offers Himself and allow the Holy Spirit to intervene in our lives.
“We can only apprehend the truth—we can’t fully comprehend it.”
“Nothing blinds you more than what you know.”
“It’s not deliverance from our problems we need—it is deliverance from our sin.”
“We aren’t entitled to God’s love—we are entitled to God’s judgment.”
“We aren’t called to understand Him fully—just trust Him fully.”
