The Most Famous Conversation Ever
Nicodemus was a man well respected in the community as a religious leader, yet he finds himself sneaking around late at night going to talk to a homeless carpenter from Nazareth. He comes and and pays Jesus a compliment saying that he knows he is a great teacher from God, probably expecting Jesus to return the compliment. Jesus does not. He gets right to the point and says, 'unless you are born again, you can't get to heaven.' Nicodemus is really confused and probably thinks it is a bit of a joke. After a few minutes it became quite clear that Jesus wasn't joking around.
Think about it though, how much work did you do when you were born? Nicodemus lived in a culture that preached works to get to heaven, and Jesus was totally turning that idea inside out! Your mom did all the work when you were born the first time, and God is going to do all the work the second time! You can't earn your way to heaven, it is a gift of grace.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
Probably the most well known verse of scripture. Sometimes it almost becomes cliche. But take a few minutes and look at the hope that springs from this verse. God isn't an angry God waiting to send us all to hell! It says He loved us so much He would rather send His son to die than send us to hell! All we have to do is believe and follow. Amazing. Nicodemus was the first to hear these words of hope, it what may have been the most famous, and most important conversation of all time.
Enjoy the Journey
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