One conversation can have eternal results. Jesus was alone in the safety of darkness, and Nicodemus approached him. Nicodemus was an educated man, part of the elite group of the Pharisees. He was a member of the Sanhedrin, Israel’s ruling body.
Several things stand out about the Lord. Nicodemus knew He was a teacher of the Word of God. He recognized Him from the Temple where He was teaching. The Lord also made a lasting impression by cleansing the Temple of the money changers (John 2:13-22). Nicodemus even knew where to find Him.
Nicodemus initiated the conversation by acknowledging the Lord’s authority. No one can do the things Jesus did unless God empowered him, Nicodemus thought. The Lord told Nicodemus that no one would see the Kingdom of God without being born again. This statement aroused the curiosity of Nicodemus.
The Messiah referred to Moses, lifting the brazen serpent in the wilderness. Those who looked upon it would receive divine healing from the poisonous snakes (Numbers 21:9). This was an illustration of the unredeemed looking to Jesus for redemption who would soon suffer on the cross of Calvary.
So, what does it take for someone to know God?
Jesus spoke the most famous verse in the Bible to this religious elite at night. It was Nicodemus and Jesus talking. No one else around. Just the two of them.
It was then Jesus spoke John 3:16 to Nicodemus. Did you catch that? Only Nicodemus heard these words in a one on one conversation with the Lord. The verse that we teach our children was said to an adult first. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (KJV). This verse must have echoed through Nicodemus’ mind.
But verse sixteen came with a warning. Two verses later, it said if one does not believe Jesus is the Savior, he is already under condemnation. Why? Because he didn’t believe in Jesus as the way to heaven. It was good for this religious person to hear these words. This Pharisee took the discussion seriously.
Fast forward to the Lord’s crucifixion. Nicodemus helped prepare the Lord’s crucified body for the nearby tomb (John 19:39,40). This born-again, nightly visitor of the Lord honored His Savior by bringing the spices for His burial.
An individual will not know this side of heaven what a conversation regarding the Lord will bring. It can bring eternal dividends.
All we need to do is honor the Lord with our mouth as the Lord gives us opportunities. Can we do that?
