DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP
DBF-001-049
Today’s Scripture
John 3:2 (ESV)
“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.’”
Opening the Scriptures
John has just told us that Jesus “knew what was in man.” He now introduces us to a particular man named Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was not an ordinary visitor. John has already identified him as a Pharisee and “a ruler of the Jews.” He was a religious leader, a man who knew the Scriptures and occupied a respected position among his people.
Yet this respected religious man came to Jesus.
John tells us that Nicodemus came “by night.” We should be careful not to claim more than Scripture tells us about why he chose this time. John does not explicitly say that Nicodemus was afraid or ashamed. What we do know is that he came personally to speak with Jesus.
Nicodemus began respectfully: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God.”
He had seen or heard about the signs Jesus was performing and reached an important conclusion. These works could not simply be dismissed.
But Nicodemus had not yet understood who was standing before him.
He called Jesus a teacher from God.
Jesus was far more than that.
Living God’s Word Today
Nicodemus reminds us that it is possible to know many correct things about Jesus without yet understanding who Jesus truly is.
He recognized that Jesus was a remarkable teacher. He recognized that God was at work through Him. He recognized that the signs required an explanation.
But correct observations about Jesus are not the same as saving faith in Jesus.
Many people today speak respectfully about Christ. They may call Him a great teacher, a moral example, a prophet, or an extraordinary religious leader.
But John has already told us who Jesus is.
He is the eternal Word who was with God and who is God. He is the Word who became flesh. He is the Lamb of God. He is the Son of God. He is the Christ to whom the signs point.
Nicodemus had considerable religious knowledge, but he still needed Jesus to teach him the most fundamental truth about his spiritual condition.
This should make us examine our own hearts.
Years of church attendance cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
Biblical knowledge cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
A position of leadership cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
Christian service cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
Even believing correct facts about Jesus cannot substitute for personally trusting Him.
Nicodemus came with knowledge and religious credentials, but Jesus knew what was within him. Jesus was about to show this respected religious leader that his deepest need could not be solved by education, position, morality, or religious achievement.
He needed a work of God within him.
The same is true for us.
Christianity does not begin with making ourselves slightly better people. It begins with recognizing that our deepest need is something only God can provide.
One Concrete Practice Today
Take a few minutes today and consider how you would answer this question: “Who is Jesus Christ to me?”
Do not answer merely with your church background, years of Christian service, theological knowledge, or ministry experience.
Open John 1 and slowly review what John has already revealed about Jesus. Then thank God specifically for who Christ is, not merely for what He has done for you.
Closing Encouragement
Nicodemus came to Jesus with knowledge, respect, and questions. Most importantly, he came to the right Person.
You may have questions that remain unanswered. You may recognize areas of your spiritual life that need correction. You may even discover that some things you have believed about Jesus are incomplete.
Do what Nicodemus did correctly.
Come to Jesus.
But do not stop where Nicodemus began. Jesus is not merely a teacher sent from God.
He is the Son of God, the Savior, and the Lord.
Question for Today
Do you merely know important truths about Jesus, or are you personally trusting and following Jesus Christ as Lord?
Respond: “Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I will trust and follow Him.”
DBF-001-049
Today’s Scripture
John 3:2 (ESV)
“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.’”
Opening the Scriptures
John has just told us that Jesus “knew what was in man.” He now introduces us to a particular man named Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was not an ordinary visitor. John has already identified him as a Pharisee and “a ruler of the Jews.” He was a religious leader, a man who knew the Scriptures and occupied a respected position among his people.
Yet this respected religious man came to Jesus.
John tells us that Nicodemus came “by night.” We should be careful not to claim more than Scripture tells us about why he chose this time. John does not explicitly say that Nicodemus was afraid or ashamed. What we do know is that he came personally to speak with Jesus.
Nicodemus began respectfully: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God.”
He had seen or heard about the signs Jesus was performing and reached an important conclusion. These works could not simply be dismissed.
But Nicodemus had not yet understood who was standing before him.
He called Jesus a teacher from God.
Jesus was far more than that.
Living God’s Word Today
Nicodemus reminds us that it is possible to know many correct things about Jesus without yet understanding who Jesus truly is.
He recognized that Jesus was a remarkable teacher. He recognized that God was at work through Him. He recognized that the signs required an explanation.
But correct observations about Jesus are not the same as saving faith in Jesus.
Many people today speak respectfully about Christ. They may call Him a great teacher, a moral example, a prophet, or an extraordinary religious leader.
But John has already told us who Jesus is.
He is the eternal Word who was with God and who is God. He is the Word who became flesh. He is the Lamb of God. He is the Son of God. He is the Christ to whom the signs point.
Nicodemus had considerable religious knowledge, but he still needed Jesus to teach him the most fundamental truth about his spiritual condition.
This should make us examine our own hearts.
Years of church attendance cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
Biblical knowledge cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
A position of leadership cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
Christian service cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
Even believing correct facts about Jesus cannot substitute for personally trusting Him.
Nicodemus came with knowledge and religious credentials, but Jesus knew what was within him. Jesus was about to show this respected religious leader that his deepest need could not be solved by education, position, morality, or religious achievement.
He needed a work of God within him.
The same is true for us.
Christianity does not begin with making ourselves slightly better people. It begins with recognizing that our deepest need is something only God can provide.
One Concrete Practice Today
Take a few minutes today and consider how you would answer this question: “Who is Jesus Christ to me?”
Do not answer merely with your church background, years of Christian service, theological knowledge, or ministry experience.
Open John 1 and slowly review what John has already revealed about Jesus. Then thank God specifically for who Christ is, not merely for what He has done for you.
Closing Encouragement
Nicodemus came to Jesus with knowledge, respect, and questions. Most importantly, he came to the right Person.
You may have questions that remain unanswered. You may recognize areas of your spiritual life that need correction. You may even discover that some things you have believed about Jesus are incomplete.
Do what Nicodemus did correctly.
Come to Jesus.
But do not stop where Nicodemus began. Jesus is not merely a teacher sent from God.
He is the Son of God, the Savior, and the Lord.
Question for Today
Do you merely know important truths about Jesus, or are you personally trusting and following Jesus Christ as Lord?
Respond: “Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I will trust and follow Him.”
DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP
DBF-001-049
Today’s Scripture
John 3:2 (ESV)
“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.’”
Opening the Scriptures
John has just told us that Jesus “knew what was in man.” He now introduces us to a particular man named Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was not an ordinary visitor. John has already identified him as a Pharisee and “a ruler of the Jews.” He was a religious leader, a man who knew the Scriptures and occupied a respected position among his people.
Yet this respected religious man came to Jesus.
John tells us that Nicodemus came “by night.” We should be careful not to claim more than Scripture tells us about why he chose this time. John does not explicitly say that Nicodemus was afraid or ashamed. What we do know is that he came personally to speak with Jesus.
Nicodemus began respectfully: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God.”
He had seen or heard about the signs Jesus was performing and reached an important conclusion. These works could not simply be dismissed.
But Nicodemus had not yet understood who was standing before him.
He called Jesus a teacher from God.
Jesus was far more than that.
Living God’s Word Today
Nicodemus reminds us that it is possible to know many correct things about Jesus without yet understanding who Jesus truly is.
He recognized that Jesus was a remarkable teacher. He recognized that God was at work through Him. He recognized that the signs required an explanation.
But correct observations about Jesus are not the same as saving faith in Jesus.
Many people today speak respectfully about Christ. They may call Him a great teacher, a moral example, a prophet, or an extraordinary religious leader.
But John has already told us who Jesus is.
He is the eternal Word who was with God and who is God. He is the Word who became flesh. He is the Lamb of God. He is the Son of God. He is the Christ to whom the signs point.
Nicodemus had considerable religious knowledge, but he still needed Jesus to teach him the most fundamental truth about his spiritual condition.
This should make us examine our own hearts.
Years of church attendance cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
Biblical knowledge cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
A position of leadership cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
Christian service cannot substitute for knowing Christ.
Even believing correct facts about Jesus cannot substitute for personally trusting Him.
Nicodemus came with knowledge and religious credentials, but Jesus knew what was within him. Jesus was about to show this respected religious leader that his deepest need could not be solved by education, position, morality, or religious achievement.
He needed a work of God within him.
The same is true for us.
Christianity does not begin with making ourselves slightly better people. It begins with recognizing that our deepest need is something only God can provide.
One Concrete Practice Today
Take a few minutes today and consider how you would answer this question: “Who is Jesus Christ to me?”
Do not answer merely with your church background, years of Christian service, theological knowledge, or ministry experience.
Open John 1 and slowly review what John has already revealed about Jesus. Then thank God specifically for who Christ is, not merely for what He has done for you.
Closing Encouragement
Nicodemus came to Jesus with knowledge, respect, and questions. Most importantly, he came to the right Person.
You may have questions that remain unanswered. You may recognize areas of your spiritual life that need correction. You may even discover that some things you have believed about Jesus are incomplete.
Do what Nicodemus did correctly.
Come to Jesus.
But do not stop where Nicodemus began. Jesus is not merely a teacher sent from God.
He is the Son of God, the Savior, and the Lord.
Question for Today
Do you merely know important truths about Jesus, or are you personally trusting and following Jesus Christ as Lord?
Respond: “Jesus Christ is my Lord, and I will trust and follow Him.”
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