This week’s story begins with Nicodemus seeking the Light in the dark of night. We don’t know why Nicodemus came to inquire of Jesus at night. Jesus was controversial, and Nicodemus was part of the establishment. Perhaps Nicodemus was curious but did not want to be seen by his peers.
Jesus was also very popular and tended to be mobbed by the crowds during the day. Nicodemus may have wanted to have a private conversation with Jesus and simply came for a one-on-one discussion at night. Either option is possible.
Results of the Light and Dark
Jesus concluded His conversation with Nicodemus by comparing the light and the dark. John 3: 18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him (Jesus). But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.
19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” [1]
The darkness of evil destroys God’s creation and prevents people from walking into the light. Unbelief leaves us in the darkness; we must be willing to expose our sin to come to light. The amazing thing is that when we come confessing our sins, Jesus removes them!
Why Do Some Refuse the Light?
Very simply people prefer to stay in the dark because they want to continue in their sins. The Light exposes their sin, and they are uncomfortable with it. Some may see their refusal to come to Jesus as an intellectual decision. But in reality, what prevents people from coming to the Light is moral and spiritual blindness from the enemy.
The Light exposes our motives as we follow Jesus with actions resulting from our faith. Others can see the change that Jesus has made in us and give glory to God for the transformation. There are times when our journey from dark to light takes time. Nicodemus appears as a confused seeker at the beginning of the Gospel of John. After Jesus is crucified, Nicodemus helps embalm and bury Jesus (John 19:38-40).
Nicodemus realized the Son of Man who was lifted up was truly the Messiah. Where is your journey from the dark to the Light? Jesus continues to call us into His Light and maturity in His Light.
To learn about light in the dark, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-and-nicodemus
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 3:18–21). Tyndale House Publishers.