Day 22
Today’s reading: John 3:1-21
Letting Go of the Dark
〰️
Letting Go of the Dark 〰️
Reflections
To enter the kingdom of God, one must be born of the Spirit. But what does it mean to be born of the Spirit? It means receiving new life—life that reflects the characteristics of the Spirit, including eternal life, a life that sin and death can no longer conquer (John 3:15). How does one receive this new life? By believing in Jesus, who was crucified, resurrected, and glorified. Belief in His death and resurrection is the way God shows His love for us, offering a path that prevents our condemnation.
The reason some people refuse this simple path is that they love their sinful deeds so much they are unwilling to give them up and come into the light. They are afraid to let go of their indulgences and comforts. While they may acknowledge that the gospel message could be true, they hesitate because they fear the changes it would require. It’s not God who condemns them, but their own love for evil that keeps them in darkness. This message was particularly relevant for Nicodemus, who, still attached to the world and the opinions of men, came to Jesus under the cover of night. True salvation comes only when we wholeheartedly love and believe in Jesus. You cannot love the world and love Jesus at the same time. You must come to a place of total surrender to God where nothing in our lives is off-limits for His touch.
Study Questions
Why was Nicodemus confused about Jesus’ first statement in 1:3? What was Jesus try to convey and what did Nicodemus misinterpret it to mean? Hint: look up the Greek word anōthen in a lexicon; it has dual meaning.
What does it mean to be born of water and spirit? See 3:15,
In what ways do you still fear the opinions of others in professing your faith? How does this impact your relationship with God?
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:17 ESV
