I have been accused of being selfish at times and for that I am sorry to those who believed I live based on selfishness. Selfishness leads to destruction as pointed out in Romans 8:13. On the other hand, I have been recognized as a teacher or facilitator helping others to gain understanding. Understanding will lead us to a greater purpose. My message this week is selfishness versus understanding. It is good to be motivated and agreed that it takes a certain amount of focus on ourselves to accomplish many things in our lives. I believe we get into trouble when we become focused on self and not on purpose. I believe we should let go of our selves and let God control our actions to accomplish our purpose. Read about Nicodemus and his process to overcome self to understand the bigger picture in John 3:1-17.
Jesus taught many people through small groups, large crowds or individuals. One individual taught was Nicodemus. Jesus explains to Nicodemus that, to enter the Kingdom of God, you must be born of spirit not of flesh.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a leader of the Jews, or as Jesus put it a teacher of Israel. As a Pharisee, the very thought of him conversing with this stranger from Galilee would have put him in an uncomfortable position. He came to Jesus at night, so he could avoid detection. Imagine him traveling through the back streets of Jerusalem avoiding contact with anyone that would recognize him. Nicodemus was totally out of character as he secretly met with Jesus under the cover of night trying to understand.
Jesus prepared Nicodemus to understand and accept salvation. Jesus explained the concept of being born again. The concept of being born from anything other than the flesh is strange to Nicodemus so he questions how can this be possible? He then uses an analogy that Nicodemus can understand. He uses the wind as an example of hearing it, but not knowing where it came from or where it goes. Jesus reveals his identity as the son of Man. He then prophesies his crucifixion by referring to Moses in the wilderness lifting the serpent. As Nicodemus follows the life of Jesus, the miracle is revealed to him at the cross. God prepares us for the miracle of salvation through the stories of Jesus.
Let the true meaning of God’s word shape our understanding.
T