“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’”
John 3:3
Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, was well known and respected. As a Pharisee and a teacher of the law, it was his duty to protect the people of Israel from false prophets. So he guarded his reputation and came at night to Jesus, trying to ascertain His authenticity. He addressed Jesus as Rabbi and acknowledged that no one could perform miracles unless God was with him. When Jesus used the term “born again,” it made no sense. Nicodemus would need a new perspective. His life was about to be changed.
Encountering Jesus is life-changing. Even those who seem moral and upright will be reborn into a whole new kind of living. My mother, an honest and “good” person by appearances, acknowledged the depth of darkness in her heart and life long before hearing and receiving the good news of salvation.
Nicodemus came on the scene two more times in John’s gospel, showing a new boldness against the religious leaders who sought to condemn Jesus (7:50-51), and showing compassion as he helped prepare Jesus’ body for the tomb (19:39).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yvonne C. Swope
This is the fourth Anchor that Yvonne Swope has written for Haven. Her work as a counselor coupled with experiences on her own life’s journey provide the motivation for this month’s theme. She loves spending time with her grandchildren, reading, writing, gardening, and birdwatching. She also deeply values the women’s small group at her church which has given new friendships, a particular joy as most family members now live far away. She and her husband of 62 years enjoy life in Colonial Williamsburg, in the companionship of their two amusing cats.
Encountering Jesus is life-changing. Even those who seem moral and upright will be reborn into a whole new kind of living. My mother, an honest and “good” person by appearances, acknowledged the depth of darkness in her heart and life long before hearing and receiving the good news of salvation.
Nicodemus came on the scene two more times in John’s gospel, showing a new boldness against the religious leaders who sought to condemn Jesus (7:50-51), and showing compassion as he helped prepare Jesus’ body for the tomb (19:39).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yvonne C. Swope
This is the fourth Anchor that Yvonne Swope has written for Haven. Her work as a counselor coupled with experiences on her own life’s journey provide the motivation for this month’s theme. She loves spending time with her grandchildren, reading, writing, gardening, and birdwatching. She also deeply values the women’s small group at her church which has given new friendships, a particular joy as most family members now live far away. She and her husband of 62 years enjoy life in Colonial Williamsburg, in the companionship of their two amusing cats.
Scripture Focus
John 3:1-21
Insight
“For all have sinned …, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)
Bible In A Year
- Job 41-42
- Psalm 62
- John 19