Author: Larry Grays

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a respected ruler, sought Jesus under the cloak of night. Fear and curiosity warred within him. He had witnessed Jesus’ miracles, heard His profound teachings, and felt a stirring in his soul. “How can these things be?” he questioned, grappling with the concept of being born again.

Jesus’ words, like seeds in fertile ground, began to sprout—though hidden from the harsh light of his peers’ judgment. The night symbolized his internal struggle, the wrestling between tradition and the allure of something new.

Time passed, and the seeds grew. When the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus, Nicodemus dared to speak—a flicker of defiance against the gathering darkness. His voice, though perhaps trembling, offered a defense, a plea for justice.

Then, at the foot of the cross, Nicodemus emerged fully into the light. With Joseph of Arimathea, he brought spices—a lavish display of devotion—and helped lay Jesus’ body in the tomb. The night’s uncertainty had yielded to the day’s boldness. Nicodemus’ journey from secret inquiry to a public act of faith was complete.

Reflection:

• In what ways is your faith becoming more public?
• What step can you take to move from curiosity to commitment?

Suggested Prayer:

Jesus, I don’t want to be a secret believer. Grant me the courage to follow You boldly and with joy. Amen.

A seasoned sailor can prepare his boat—hoist the sails, check the rigging, and position the rudder—but without the wind, the boat remains motionless. No amount of rowing, pushing, or wishing can generate the power of the wind.

Jesus told Nicodemus that spiritual birth works the same way: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8, ESV). Just as the wind moves the boat in ways beyond the sailor’s control, spiritual rebirth is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. We cannot manufacture it; we can only surrender to it.

Nicodemus, who craved logical clarity, was challenged to understand that the Spirit works beyond human prediction. This verse teaches us that faith involves trusting in a dynamic, unpredictable power rather than relying on our own calculations. It reminds us that our attempts to control spiritual outcomes are futile and that true transformation comes from surrendering to God’s sovereign, unseen work in our lives.

Allow yourself to be surprised by God’s work, even when it defies your plans. Choose to trust His timing, even in uncertain circumstances.

Reflection:

• Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit leading you in an unexpected direction?
• What is one way you can be more open to the movement of God’s Spirit in your life?

Suggested Prayer:

God, help me to trust Your Spirit’s work, even when I don’t understand. I surrender my plans to You. Amen.

A world-famous sculptor once attempted to create the most lifelike statue ever carved. He chiseled every detail with precision—the folds of the skin, the depth of the eyes, even the veins beneath the surface. When completed, it looked stunningly real. A crowd gathered in awe, but when someone whispered, “Come to life,” nothing happened. No matter how perfect the statue, it remained lifeless—because only God can give life.

In the same way, religion, morality, or effort can make us appear spiritually alive, but only the Spirit can truly bring us to life (John 3:5–6). Jesus declares that spiritual rebirth is not manufactured by human effort but is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus, a man of logic and tradition, struggled with the concept of being “born again”—a mystery that defies natural experience.

Jesus’ words challenge us to recognize that genuine transformation arises from divine intervention rather than self-made efforts. This passage invites us to surrender our self-reliance and embrace a renewal that is essential for entering God’s Kingdom and experiencing eternal life. Let go of self-reliance and seek His renewing power daily. Surrender your personal efforts and allow God to mold you into His image.

Reflection:

• Have you ever tried to change yourself instead of allowing God to transform you?
• What does being “born again” mean in your life?

Suggested Prayer:

Holy Spirit, I surrender my efforts to You. Transform me from the inside out. Amen.

This passage teaches that Jesus is not merely an admired teacher but the divine Savior who descended from heaven. His comparison to Moses lifting the bronze snake illustrates that faith in Him brings life and healing. Nicodemus, initially captivated by Jesus’ wisdom, is challenged to move from mere admiration to an intimate, transformative relationship that grants eternal life. The text calls us to embrace a deeper commitment—one that transforms our hearts rather than just our minds.

C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, uses the analogy of a man building a house. He argues that Christianity isn’t just about accepting a set of intellectual propositions, like agreeing that two plus two equals four. “The difference is that in the first case [mathematics], you have only got to understand, whereas in the second [Christianity], you have got to do something. It is more like learning to swim than learning about swimming. You throw yourself into the water. And in Christianity, you have to throw yourself, in a sense, on Christ.”

Reflect on whether you are simply reciting words or truly experiencing Jesus’ saving power. Pursue a relationship with Christ that goes beyond intellectual admiration. Let His sacrifice inspire you to live a life marked by genuine commitment.

Reflection:

• Do you see Jesus only as a teacher, or have you embraced Him as your Savior?
• How can you move from admiration to a committed faith as you embrace Jesus as Lord?

Suggested Prayer:

Jesus, You are more than a teacher—you are my Savior. Help me not just to learn about You but to truly trust in You. Amen.

Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, visited Jesus secretly at night, driven by genuine curiosity yet constrained by fear of public judgment. His covert approach reveals an inner conflict—a yearning for truth versus the burden of cultural expectations. Jesus’ miraculous signs and profound teachings challenged Nicodemus to rethink his understanding of faith. This encounter invites us to examine our own hesitations in pursuing spiritual truth and to approach Christ with sincerity, even when fear tempts us to remain in the shadows.

Pastor Tim Keller, in a 2018 sermon, humorously recounted a Sunday school boy who earnestly asked, “If Jesus lives in my heart, does that mean He’s got a VIP section?” The teacher’s witty reply—that Jesus must have a separate lounge—sparked laughter while revealing spiritual depth. This amusing anecdote reminds us that even simple questions can unlock profound truths. It challenges us to pursue our inquiries with both humility and humor, trusting that God welcomes our honest, childlike curiosity.

Examine your life for areas where fear keeps you from seeking deeper truth. Commit to spending quiet time with God, asking honest questions about your faith. Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor so you can grow together.

Reflection:

• Have you ever hesitated to ask spiritual questions? Why?
• What area of your faith remains unexplored?

Suggested Prayer:

God, help me seek truth boldly and overcome my fears to embrace You fully. Amen.

Have you ever tried to carry too many groceries in one trip? You’ve got milk in one hand, bread under your arm, and produce threatening to spill out of a bag balanced on your knee. As you wobble to the door, one tiny bag of grapes tumbles to the ground, starting a chain reaction. You think, If I could just grow an extra arm, I could hold it all together!  Thankfully, when it comes to life—not just groceries—there’s Someone who holds it all together perfectly. That Someone is Jesus.

Colossians 1:17 says, “He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” This verse paints a stunning picture of Jesus’ sustaining power. He didn’t just create the universe and step away; He remains actively involved in keeping it all in order. Jesus’ role as Sustainer applies to both the physical world and our personal lives. The same power that keeps planets in orbit and atoms from collapsing is at work in your everyday struggles. This truth echoes in Hebrews 1:3, which describes Jesus as “sustaining everything by the mighty power of his command.”

It’s easy to feel like you have to juggle everything on your own. Work, family, health, and faith can pull you in so many directions that it’s overwhelming. But Jesus invites you to rely on His sustaining power instead of your own strength. Start by surrendering your worries to Him in prayer. Be honest about the areas where you feel like things are slipping.

Reflection Questions:

1. What areas of your life feel like they are “falling apart,” and how can you trust Jesus to hold them together?
2. How does knowing that Jesus sustains the universe impact the way you approach your daily challenges?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for holding all things together. When my life feels chaotic, help me to trust in Your sustaining power. Remind me that I don’t have to carry everything on my own because You are in control. Strengthen my faith and teach me to rest in the truth of who You are. Amen.

A pastor once asked his congregation, “If Jesus walked in here right now, how would you respond?” Some said they’d fall on their knees. Others mentioned clapping or singing. But one young boy raised his hand and said, “I’d hug Him!” The room chuckled, but the pastor smiled and said, “That’s not far off—worship is about recognizing who Jesus is and loving Him with all you’ve got.” While we can show our love in many ways, worship begins with a deep acknowledgment of Jesus as God and our wholehearted surrender to Him.

Colossians 1:15–17 provides an awe-inspiring portrait of Jesus’ divine identity:
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” These verses confirm that Jesus is not merely a good teacher or moral example—He is God Himself. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. His supremacy is evident in His authority over Creation, His role as head of the church, and His victory over sin and death.

When we grasp the reality of who Jesus is, the natural response is worship. Worship isn’t just singing on Sundays; it’s a lifestyle of surrender, recognizing His rightful place as first in everything. As you reflect on who He is, let it move you to a deeper surrender of your heart, plans, and desires.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does worshiping Jesus as God look like in your daily life?
2. Are there areas of your life where Jesus is not yet “first in everything”? How can you surrender them to Him?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are God, and You are worthy of all my worship. Help me to live a life that reflects Your greatness. I surrender my heart, my plans, and my fears to You. Teach me to worship not just with words but with my whole life. May You always be first in everything I do. Amen.

A man once fell into a deep pit and couldn’t climb out. A pessimist walked by and said, “You’re going to be stuck there forever.” An optimist came next and said, “Don’t worry, it’ll get better.” A religious scholar muttered, “You must have done something wrong to end up there.” Finally, a friend came along, jumped into the pit, and said, “I’m here to help you out.” Surprised, the man asked, “Why would you do that?” The friend replied, “Because I know the way out.”

This is exactly what Jesus has done for us. While others might observe from a distance, Jesus stepped into our brokenness to rescue us. Colossians 1:18 declares, “Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.” This verse highlights Jesus as the One who rescues sinners, giving new life and a new identity.

The phrase “supreme over all who rise from the dead” speaks to Jesus’ victory over sin and death. His resurrection not only proved His divinity but also made it possible for us to be rescued from sin’s grip. Through His sacrifice, Jesus brought reconciliation, offering us a way to be restored to God. Recognizing Jesus as our Rescuer means accepting His gift of salvation and allowing Him to transform us. It also means living in freedom—free from guilt, shame, and the power of sin.

Reflection Questions:

1. How has Jesus rescued you from sin or struggles in your life?
2. What steps can you take to trust Him more deeply in areas where you feel stuck?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for rescuing me from the power of sin and death. I am in awe of Your sacrifice and love. Help me to live in the freedom You’ve given me and to trust You more in the challenges I face. Use my life to point others to the hope and rescue that only You can provide. Amen.

A group of engineers at NASA once joked that designing a spacecraft was the ultimate puzzle. “Every piece has to fit perfectly,” one said, “or else things don’t hold together.” Another added, “And don’t forget, it’s all spinning through space!” Their laughter trailed off when someone muttered, “And yet we still can’t figure out how to make a sandwich taste good up there.” While the brilliance behind spacecraft design is awe-inspiring, the universe is far more intricate. And at its core is Jesus, the Creator who designed and sustains it all.

Colossians 1:15–17 gives us a breathtaking perspective on Jesus as Creator:
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”

Every star, every atom, and every unseen spiritual force owes its existence to Jesus. He didn’t just start the work of creation and step away—He continues to hold all things together. This truth is staggering: the same Jesus who walked on dusty roads in Galilee is the eternal Creator who spoke the cosmos into being. Jesus is also described as “supreme over all creation.” The phrase “through him and for him” reminds us that Jesus is both the source and the purpose of all existence.

Understanding Jesus as Creator reshapes how we see the world and our lives. It’s easy to feel like life is random, chaotic, or meaningless, but Jesus’ creative power reminds us that there’s a plan and purpose. He’s not just a distant Creator—He’s actively involved in sustaining everything, including you.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does knowing that Jesus created and sustains the universe impact your trust in Him?
2. What are some ways you can honor Jesus as Creator in your daily life?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for creating this incredible universe and for holding everything together by Your power. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, remind me of Your control and care. Help me to see Your handiwork in creation and to live with awe and gratitude for who You are. Amen.

A little boy was drawing furiously with crayons when his teacher leaned over and asked, “What are you drawing?” Without looking up, he replied, “God.” The teacher smiled and said, “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat, the boy shot back, “They will when I’m done!” While the boy’s confidence was endearing, he wasn’t alone in wanting to “see” God. Throughout history, humanity has longed to know what God is like. The good news? We don’t have to guess—Jesus reveals Him.

Colossians 1:15 tells us, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.” Everything about God—His character, power, love, and holiness—is fully revealed in Jesus. When Philip asked Jesus to “show us the Father,” Jesus responded in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?”

Jesus isn’t just a representative of God; He is God. Colossians 1:19 affirms this truth: “For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ.” The same God who created the universe, called Abraham, and led Israel now stands before us in the person of Jesus. Through Him, we understand that God is not distant but present and relational.

The fact that Jesus reveals the Father means we can stop wondering about who God is and start embracing a relationship with Him. In your daily struggles, Jesus shows us the Father’s compassion. When you feel unworthy, Jesus reminds you of God’s forgiveness. And when you face uncertainty, Jesus points to God’s sovereignty.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does knowing that Jesus reveals the Father change the way you view God?
2. What step can you take this week to deepen your understanding of Jesus as the image of God?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father to us. Through You, we see God’s love, power, and grace in action. Help me to draw closer to You so that I may know the Father more deeply. Let my life reflect Your goodness and truth to those around me. Amen.