Week 28 - The Great Encounter
“He came to Jesus at night…” (John 3:2)
As I type, the world awaits the results of the US Presidential election. The question on everybody’s lips is, “Who will be the next President?” It will be known by the time you read this.
Have you ever been troubled by a nagging question and suddenly, someone came along and gave you the answer?
A Pharisee and ruler of the Jews (like Paul) once had a question to which no one could give a satisfactory answer. He was wondering whether he had done enough to earn eternal life. If anyone knew the answer, it should be him because he had spent all his life studying the Holy Scripture and even taught it to others. Perhaps outwardly, everyone in his group put on a front as if they knew the answer, but only he was brave enough to say, “Hey, I don’t really know. Maybe I should check it out with Jesus who seems to be telling everyone that He knows the way to heaven.” By today’s standards, he would probably have e-mailed Jesus as follows:
Dear Jesus,
I saw you this morning in the Temple court with a great crowd following you. I understand from Peter that you are in Jerusalem for the Passover Feast and that you are staying in the Jerusalem YMCA. I live nearby in King David Park, a short distance away by donkey. Please may I come and see you at 11pm this coming Sabbath?
Shalom,
Nicodemus, PhD (Mosaic Law)
That Sabbath evening was the turning point in Nicodemus’ life. It was an encounter (
Firstly, the mode of his visit. Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. Why did he come to Jesus by night? Was it because he was ashamed to be seen coming to Jesus and had to come under the cover of darkness? This is the general view held. Perhaps Jesus was busy during the day and the only time to catch Him was at night, before he went to bed. Perhaps Nicodemus was also busy during the day and only had the time to see Jesus at night. Or maybe Nicodemus wanted to have a private and undisturbed time with Jesus so that he could pour out his fears and concerns to Jesus. Whatever the reason may be, Nicodemus came to Jesus and that is all that matters.
Are we so busy throughout the day (and night) such that we have no time to come to Jesus? We need to make time to commune with Him, to hear His voice and to respond to His Word.
Secondly, the purpose of his visit. The Bible did not mention the question that Nicodemus posed to Jesus. However, if we were to guess the question by examining the answer Jesus gave, it could well be, “How can I have eternal life?” because Jesus replied with these words: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (
Nicodemus went to Jesus by night with a question and he left before daybreak with an answer.
Perhaps you may have the same question as Nicodemus. Have you believed in Jesus and trusted Him to forgive your sins? Do you have the assurance of eternal life? If not, I encourage you to speak to any church leaders or pastors who will be able to help you.
For Your Reflection
Section titled “For Your Reflection”Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus must have been significant. He is mentioned again in