The Chosen - Episode 7
The Gospel is not so much an argument to assent to (though there are many arguments one can make for the Gospel); but more than this, the Gospel is a person that you place your confidence in.
Episode 7
Nicodemus is the main focus in this episode.
John 3:1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night…
He did not want his friends and fellow council members knowing that he had a meeting with Jesus, so he came at night. He was wealthy, part of the elite ruling class in Jerusalem, and a popular teacher of religion. He occupied one of seventy-one seats on the Judean supreme court. He has credentials and clout. He also practiced a very strict observance of Judaism and was a Pharisee. They always discussed God – reaching God, pleasing God, appeasing God. But religion wasn’t enough for Nicodemus. Sacrifices and purity laws and holy days left him feeling empty. There was a hole in his life. He longed for something more.
That’s when he met Jesus. There was something different about Jesus. Virtually everywhere he went, Jesus confronted disease, depression, and death and left behind him life, health, and joy. Life was a generous flow that came out of him to others. Nicodemus began to think that this really was the Messiah, Savior of the world. But, he had to see for himself. A man with as high a profile as he had, needed to be cautious about how he met this Prophet from Galilee. So, he meets him under cover of darkness.
Why so much secrecy? John 12:42-43 42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
To be “put out” formally like this, was total social rejection. Jesus told him that he needed a spiritual birth in his life. Think about that. Nicodemus was a very moral, successful religious person and yet he needs new birth. But he struggled with what all of this might cost him professionally and personally.
Do you need new birth? Are you willing to come out of secrecy as a follower of Jesus? Don't miss your opportunity today.