When Jesus meets Nicodemus in John 3 He is beginning the story of the resurrection. Nicodemus has a great 'institutional' pedigree but Jesus tells him that this means little to his ultimate salvation. Whether Nicodemus is a great Jewish teacher who keeps the law and leads others to do the same Jesus is clear. For those who do not believe in Jesus (Jesus says He IS the resurrection and He IS life) will receive judgement ... in fact Jesus says they are already judged. This does not appear, in context, to be a good thing since those who believe in Jesus are given eternal life and others appear (John 3:16) to perish. It is also clear that Jesus' desire is for 'everyone' to believe in Him. But what does this mean?
There is a new book out (I forget the author) about being a fan of Jesus but failing as a follower of Jesus. This is close to the point being made in John 3 as Jesus talks about the word belief. The word (in the Greek) does not mean being a fan. It does imply being a person who is filled with the power of the resurrection, following Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. It is believing in Him to the point of investing yourself in His message.
I find many people who follow the church, place their faith in Scripture and say they 'love' Jesus. OK ... let me know how this love is manifested. Show me where your time and energy is spent. Do you follow in how you do your work? Do you follow in where you place your priorities? Is there evidence in your home, your activities, your spending and your living that Jesus is first? That is what John 3:16 means when Jesus says "believes in him."
The good news is that Jesus is saying that regular people, redeemed Pharisees, single mothers, business people, athletes, and those who are confused and messed up are all invited to the party. His desire is for all to believe ... but not the shallow "fan-like" belief I see so often. He invites you and me to a life of resurrection power and peace. Everyone is born of the water of the human womb. "But the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life" [John 3:6]. That is the birth and life to which you are invited! Pastor Randy
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