Hi everyone, it’s Monday again,
Recently, I went through The Gospel of John chapter 3. In my study of the chapter, it started with a private meeting between the Pharisee, Nicodemus, and Jesus. It was how Jesus responded to Nicodemus’ appraisal of Him that struck me, let’s look at it in John 3:2, “This man [Nicodemus] 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.”” To many people, if an appraisal of this sort is given to them, the response would definitely flow in context with what was said, but Jesus’ response was quite different from what one would have expected. Jesus responded immediately in John 3:3, “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”” This most likely wasn’t the response Nicodemus would have expected from Jesus. So why did Jesus reply this way?
As I compared translations, I found out that the Message Bible made verse 3 quite clearer, which says, “Jesus said, “You’re absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it’s not possible to see what I’m pointing to—to God’s kingdom.” MSG. Even as clear as this could be, the question still looms, why Jesus answered this way, but the reason is simple. Jesus didn’t want Nicodemus to be so carried away from the focus of His coming, which was about the kingdom of God, in other words, even though everything Jesus did came from God, He made it clear that the miracles, signs, and wonders were not the main messages of His coming, but for one to be born anew, thus the establishment of a brand new kingdom, where only those who are born of that kingdom could belong to that kingdom.
Jesus reply was sort of saying, there could be others who are not of God who could come and deceive people that they are from God, when they are not, such as false prophets, and this was the reason why Jesus quickly chipped it in that unless a person is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Also establishing a point that true servants of God are born again, born anew.
Why did I bring this up today? The reason is that many people have been carried away by miracles, signs, and wonders from anyone who claims to be from God. A person who is from Christ carries the true message of Christ and that cannot be hidden. The message of Christ is the message of His resurrection and the victory He obtained for us, every servant of God who does these signs and wonders would always give the glory to God, and would explain to the people gathered the victory Jesus obtained for us through His resurrection, thus giving the glory to God, thereby showing to all that it was by Grace that we all received the victory of God.
The essence of any signs and wonders is to draw closer to God, and you can only draw closer to God through faith in Christ Jesus, thus believing in Him and His finished works on the cross through His resurrection, which would lead to becoming born again. This may sound very deep now compared to how Jesus responded to Nicodemus, but the world is getting more corrupt by the second and the Devil is using every means possible to deceive mankind, which is why we must know the Truth, because the Devil would never want you to give glory to Jesus even by accident.
The purpose of Jesus coming must be seen in every spiritual gift He has given us when they are used. This is the essence, and that was the essence of the signs and wonders Jesus showed us while on earth, to manifest God’s love for man and giving us a feel of the kingdom of God through the signs and wonders. He didn’t do it to gain popularity, but that the name of the Lord is glorified. This is why He would always say that all that He does is what He sees His Father do, [ref.: John 5:19; 14:10], which is a clear sign of humility. Do not be deceived, for the Devil is moving about like a roaring lion, looking for whom he may devour, [ref.: 1 Peter 5:8].
May the LORD bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you. May the LORD be gracious to you and lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. AMEN.
Why not accept Jesus today if you haven’t. Pray out loud, “Jesus, I confess that You are my Lord and Saviour. I believe in my heart that God raised You from the dead. By faith in Your Word, I receive salvation now. Thank You for saving me!” Congratulations, you’re born again, you are now brand new!
Log on next time.
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GOD BLESS YOU.
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Unless otherwise stated, the following scriptures are gotten from New King James Version (NKJV)
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