Jesus and Nicodemus
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:1–6)
As we wait in this season to celebrate the birth of Christ, I want to focus on another supernatural birth… our own. In John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus that our eternal destination will be determined by a supernatural rebirth. Those who have experienced the Spirit’s work in their lives are grateful for the transformative salvation that comes with their rebirth. The birth of Christ was the beginning of a life’s work culminating at the cross. The rebirth of a Christian is also a beginning of an eternal life’s work to become more Christ-like as we return the love God has for us.
However, for many “Christians,” especially those raised in a predominately Christian culture, the rebirth has not occurred. Though they celebrate Christmas and walk into the same churches, the Spirit has not yet worked a rebirth. We know these folks, work with them, and many of us, will sup with them on Christmas Day. Out of concern for these friends and family, there is a tendency for us to seize the controls and assume the role of the Spirit, trying to convert them on our own terms and schedule. However, such an attitude would be vain, ineffective, and often destructive. Jesus makes it very clear in John 3 that the Spirit is responsible for the supernatural birth.
We cannot directly channel the Spirit into the hearts of those we wish. So what is our role? Do we sit idly by and hope the Spirit will descend? In a season that brings a multitude of pressure, I advise persistence and patience. If you are like me, the Spirit did not provide my rebirth when I would have wished, but due to the persistence and patience of those around me, I found the word and the word opened my heart at the moment the Spirit determined. Be an agent of the Spirit. Invite these friends and family to pray with you (more boldly, ask them to lead the prayer). Invite them to a church service outside of Christmas Eve. Invite them to a Bible Study. Over coffee, invite questions about their spiritual life. Deliver the Truth to those who may only know a false gospel.
I am witness that a persistent, patient, and even gentle nudge can be the will of God, so that in the perfect moment, known to Him, a new birth brings a new brother or sister to our flock.
I also advise patience to his agents. We are easily discouraged and confused by God’s timing. I am sure Nicodemus walked away from his clandestine meeting with Jesus with more questions than answers, even though he received perhaps the most succinct delivery of the Gospel. On that night, his heart was prepared for a future delivery. Let us joyfully help in the preparation of hearts as Christ did on that night.
Your brother in Christ,
Thomas Goodrich