Location: Israel
Time: Circa 30 A.D.
Primary Scripture: John 3:1-15 — Jesus and Nicodemus discuss being born again and the role of the Spirit in salvation.
Nicodemus stands at the edge of the city under the cover of darkness, his mind racing with the words of the Rabbi from Nazareth. He has come to Jesus before, under the quiet of night, seeking answers. Now, he speaks to a small gathering of seekers, fellow scholars, and followers of the Law who are questioning everything they’ve ever known.
Nicodemus Writes:
There is much stirring within me, my friends, and much I do not yet fully understand. As a Pharisee, I have spent my life committed to the study of the Torah, to understanding the Law of Moses and the teachings of our fathers. I have lived my life by the rules, by the traditions, by every letter of the Law. But now…now I find myself standing at the threshold of something new, something profound. And I see now that everything we’ve been taught, everything we’ve followed, has been preparing us for this moment — for the coming of Him.
We, the children of Israel, have waited centuries for the promised Messiah. We have endured exile, persecution, and captivity. And in every season of suffering, we have held onto the promise that God would send His Deliverer, His Anointed One, to save us. But what we did not know, what we could not have imagined, is how God has been preparing the entire world for this Savior.
I met Jesus of Nazareth one night, under the cover of darkness. You know the story. I asked Him questions, hoping He would reveal the secrets of His teachings. Instead, He spoke of things I could barely comprehend. He told me that unless one is born again, born of water and the Spirit, they cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Can you imagine? To be born again? How could this be?
