Daily Devotions
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night … [Jesus said] “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 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 3:1-2a, 16-17)
I think in my heart I’ve blamed Nicodemus for years. He came to Jesus by night—why? I’ve always assumed he was afraid. Afraid of what the other religious leaders might say or do, afraid for his own reputation. Right or wrong, I condemned him, if only silently, in my own mind.
But Jesus didn’t. He welcomed him. He spoke with him about the kingdom of God. And Nicodemus became a secret disciple of Jesus, until the day when he helped another leader bury Him.
Jesus doesn’t condemn us, either. He welcomes us, even if we come to Him secretly, even if we are struggling with our faith. His door is open 24 hours a day.
Jesus reminds us, “God so loved the world ….” How did He love us? Too much to condemn us or shut the door in our faces. He loves us with a love that brings us face to face with Him and teaches us what we need to know. He loves us by dying for us on a cross, and then rising again to give us—even us!—everlasting life.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, bring me to You in trust and love. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Do you ever feel judged or condemned by other people?
* Do you ever worry that God will condemn you?
* How is Jesus your comfort when you fear rejection?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.