Nicodemus looked at the flickering flame that seemed to mirror the flickering and fluttering of his heart. He had come after dark. He had come in the quiet. He didn’t want his peers to know where he was, but he had to come see. He had to meet with Jesus. The things Jesus spoke of were captivating. Being born again? Eternal life? “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. 

That’s a question we relate to when we hear the ways of Jesus, as well, isn’t it? We read stories of salvation, healings, miracles, and we seem to be okay with those, but as soon as we think about Jesus transforming us to a person of joy and peace, we begin to have questions. As soon as we think about Jesus healing us from our deepest pain, we ask the question, “How is this possible?” Jesus responds with, “As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up…” This story with Moses was familiar to Nicodemus. It was a story of healing and deliverance for God’s people. Could Jesus be bringing that, as well? 

Jesus’ next words shook the foundations of the world, but also the foundations of Nicodemus’ heart. I invite you to hear them with fresh ears, and read them with fresh eyes. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” 

All of these things are possible because God has given His Son Jesus to save the world through giving us all eternal life. 

Like Nicodemus, we come to meet with Jesus during this season of Lent. We ask Him the questions, and we are met with the answer of the cross – Jesus lifted up to save us and give us eternal life. Today, will you gaze upon your deliverance? Today, will you see your salvation? His name is Jesus.