Devotional - John 3:9-16

Passage To Study:

John 3:9-16

[9] Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” [10] Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? [11] “Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. [12] “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? [13] “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. [14] “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, [15] “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. [16] “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

What are the facts of the passage?:

Nicodemus admits his lack of knowledge and tacitly acknowledges Christ as his teacher.
Jesus underscores Nicodemus' lock of knowledge (and his past hypocrisy) and emphasizes His own direct knowledge of the things of which He will speak.
He points to the Cross as the means by which God will draw all men to Himself.
In this context He gives the famous verse 16.

What do those facts mean?:

It is interesting that Nicodemus came voluntarily and yet still needed to be challenged in regard to the authority of his own mind versus God's Authority. He also needed fu be reminded of his own lack of righteousness, especially because of his position as a religious teacher in Israel. It is noteworthy that we see no word of rebuke or argument, indeed, no sign at all that Nicodemus rebelled at the statements Jesus made. O that I would receive God's rebuke as well and as humbly.

How do those facts apply to my life?:

I need to be sure that I am ready and willing to hear whatever God hos to say to me good or bad with this some kind of teachable spirit.

What should I do in response?:

Build humility and "teach-ability" into my life. I reed to be less confident in my own ability and perception and more anxious to hear all of what God has to say to me.

Day

Jesus And Nicodemus (Part 2)