Session 11

Nicodemus

From Journey To Change

Nicodemus thought he was doing everything right. He was a Pharisee, a religious leader of the time, and upheld every Jewish law in the book. He had Scripture memorized and was a part of the prestigious Jewish council — a group of leaders who made important decisions for the religious community. He was revered for his knowledge of the Bible.

Nicodemus was doing all the right things and knew the right information about God, but he didn’t know God. Nicodemus saw Jesus teaching at the temple and, regardless of the other religious leaders’ opposition of Jesus’ teaching, Nicodemus wanted to know more.

In John 3, Nicodemus snuck out in the dead of night to meet Jesus and hear more about what Jesus was teaching. His curiosity and desire to understand Jesus’ teachings led to more than he bargained for. Jesus boldly told him that only through being born again could he truly know God.

God is after our growth, and growth takes time.

Though Nicodemus had an encounter with Jesus that night, it wasn’t until he and Joseph buried Jesus’ body that he went public with his faith. Change for Nicodemus happened steadily over time, and that's OK! God isn’t looking for instant perfection in our relationships with Him. God is after our growth, and growth takes time.

Reflect:

• Relationships take time and effort. How intentional are you about getting to know Jesus?
• Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus? How has your faith grown since you first met Jesus?
• What steps can you take today to continue growing in your relationship with Jesus?