Today’s Gospel:  John 3:13-17

REFLECTION
Nicodemus of today’s Gospel was one of the outstanding teachers of his day. Even the Lord acknowledged him to be THE teacher of Israel. The possibility exists that this learned man instructed students and prepared ministers for the pulpits of his time. John 7:50 reveals that Nicodemus held positions of great authority and was entitled thereby to speak in the highest council of the nation. Yet in spite of great learning and academic distinction, this Master of Israel knew nothing of a very important truth. When Christ informed him that he needed to be “born again,” Nicodemus was bewildered, and could only reply, “How can these things be?”

“Ye must be born again.” It is hardly possible to appreciate the implications of this message until one fully understands what is sin. The Bible teaches that sin is a nature and not merely an act or word. Sinful deeds are the product of a sinful life. Sweet melon does not grow on sour kamias trees. This is taught in the early stories of the Bible. When God created man, Adam was sinless and without blemish. It was quite impossible for temptation to arise from within; Adam was not a sinner. Therefore the evil suggestion had to come from without. However, once man yielded, the first spot of moral poison fell into his soul, and he became guilty. Had Adam thereafter observed every law of God, that would not have atoned for his failure. The damage had already been done, and man was no longer without blemish. Ultimately, sons were born to Adam and Eve, but when those boys became adults, Cain rose up and murdered his brother. Yet we do not read that Satan came to tempt him. The idea originated in his own mind and heart. What had been impossible for the father, happened with the boy. The life transmitted from parent to child was, in itself, tainted. It is not foolish to suggest that long before a child knows the difference between good and evil, it is possible, sometimes, to see evil in the child’s action. Often in embryonic form the evil temper of a parent is faithfully produced in the small body. David declared, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 57:5).

The Bible teaches that sin is a nature. This is important to every student, for if Christ had been born as we were, He would have been born a sinner. It was necessary for God to perform a miracle, for without the virgin birth, there could not have been redemption. “And the angel said unto Mary, Fear not, Mary.…thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.…Then said Mary, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:30–35). Strictly speaking, the Lord Jesus was neither Jew nor Gentile - He was the God-Man. Against this setting, it was possible to appreciate the teaching of the new birth. God’s purpose in Christ was not the improvement of an old nature but rather the transformation of a new one. This was something of which the leader of the Jews had never heard.

“Ye must be born again.” It is easy to imagine how the Lord gently emphasized the urgent necessity for this event. To be denied entrance into God’s kingdom would be a tragedy of eternal dimensions. However, until this moment the only necessary preparation had been conformity to Pharisaic law, the observance of temple ritual, the commendation of Mosaic teachings. That all this was now to be superseded was a staggering statement. Nicodemus was almost speechless as the Lord emphasized the importance of receiving a new life.

Yet to us, the words of Christ are not surprising. The old life may be trained in a university; but it remains the old life. It may become cultured, refined, admired, commended by all kinds of people. It may be religiously inclined; might even earn a living doing the work of God, and still be the old life. It may appear to be wonderful and yet not be wonderful; may invoke the praises of men, but since the final word rests with God, the commendation of men is insufficient. If God says man’s best righteousness is as filthy rags, no argument can change His opinion. Improvement of the old nature may fit one for a place in society; but only the incoming of a new nature entitles one to a place in God’s family. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

“Ye must be born again.” Did the face of Nicodemus register surprise as he was reminded of his own need? Was he upset when he was informed that his need equalled that of the people to whom he ministered? “Great Teacher, if the Heavenly Father desires to give me a new life, please tell me how this takes place.” The Lord’s answer was sublime. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Our world urgently needs a renaissance of spiritual thought. Higher education is excellent, but without the life of God, it may be used to harm oneself or other people. Academic distinction is to be desired, but without Christ, it only produces more clever sinners. All men should remember that every day brings eternity a little nearer. There is a kingdom which is not of this world; to be denied entry means indescribable loss. That is why Jesus came: for Nicodemus and the people of his time, and for the Nicodemuses of our time, including you and me.

Today’s Reading:  Phil 2:6-11

PRAYER
Lord, without you we would have been lost in eternity.  By your coming you gave us access to a new spiritual birth that took away the curse we inherited by our biological birth. We can only repay you by making ourselves worthy of you.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.