The gospel of John is divided into 2 parts. The first 11 chapters are devoted to 7 miracles of Jesus. Beginning with turning water into wine, each preceding miracle illustrates Jesus being master over a specific thing: elements, time, distance, quality, quantity, illness, life and death. The final 10 chapters focus on the passion week, from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday.
Whether you have been a Christian for a year or many years, it is easy to allow yourself to become comfortably numb with the Easter Message. The same passages are read annually, with similar songs as well as a familiar message. However, one of the greatest stories of Easter in the gospel of John is the transformation of Nicodemus. Initially ashamed to be associated with Jesus in John 3, the words of John 3:16-17, unsettle Nicodemus’ stubborn heart as a Pharisee.
Based upon the accounts of John 7:45-52, Nicodemus begins to stand up for Jesus, remembering his words spoken at night during their face to face conversation. While the disciples were afraid they might be arrested or be killed due to their allegiance with Jesus, Nicodemus comes full circle in John 19:38-42. During passion week, something clicked inside of Nicodemus’ heart. Maybe it was Jesus’ innocence, the brutality of his public beating or simply his response to his critics while dying on the cross, Nicodemus became born again.
As Easter Sunday quickly approaches, don’t forget the story of Nicodemus. There will be many people like Nicodemus entering church tomorrow like him in John 3, skeptical of the gospel. However, the power of the Word of God is immense, living and active, Hebrews 4:12. Get ready to celebrate the greatest miracle of all time! Remember the passion week and the resurrection power which has transcended history, 1 Corinthians 15:54. Christ is risen indeed!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 