Devotions this week are based on Week 2: Temptation to Triumph: Transformation (WATCH HERE)
John 3:1–3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. He was a Pharisee, a respected religious leader, a teacher of Israel. He knew the Scriptures. He lived a moral life. Yet something in him stirred with questions he could not answer. So he came in the dark.
Night offered safety. In the shadows he could approach Jesus without risking reputation. In the darkness he could remain in control of the conversation. He addressed Jesus respectfully as Rabbi and acknowledged the miracles. But Jesus did not engage in small talk. He went straight to the heart. “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Darkness often feels safe to us as well. We may attend church, speak Christian language, and affirm right doctrine, yet still keep parts of our hearts guarded. We may admire Jesus as teacher while resisting Him as Savior. We may prefer curiosity over surrender. The darkness allows us to appear near Christ without truly yielding to Him.
Scripture tells us that “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light” in Isaiah 9:2. Light exposes, but it also rescues. The problem is not that light is harsh, but that it reveals what we would rather keep hidden. Later in John’s Gospel we are told that light has come into the world, yet people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Darkness hides pride. Darkness conceals self-reliance. Darkness protects our illusion that we can fix ourselves.
Yet Jesus does not shame Nicodemus for coming at night. He meets him there. This is grace. The Lord often begins His work in us quietly, patiently drawing us before He calls us into open daylight. The invitation to be born again is not condemnation but hope. It means there is more than religious effort. The gift of God is new life. As Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
What is the encouragement today? Nicodemus was curious. He came to Jesus. Maybe it’s time to get one of those questions answered. Ask a Pastor or trusted Christian friend. Maybe there are areas you keep Jesus at a safe distance, content with admiration but hesitant to align fully with him. What is it? Is there one specific area that you are hesitant to confess and bring into the light. Speak honestly to God about it. Confess quickly. Ask Him to begin His renewing work. Light is not your enemy. It is your rescue.
Reflect: Where am I approaching Jesus cautiously instead of surrendering fully to Him? What part of my heart feels safer in the shadows than in Christ’s light?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You see me completely, even the parts I try to hide. Thank You for meeting me with grace rather than condemnation. Shine Your light into my heart today. Expose what needs to change and give me courage to step out of the shadows. Begin again in me by Your Spirit. Amen.