Digging Deeper – Jesus Doesn’t Hate Tax Collectors

Avatar photo Chris Boggess on March 18, 2025

 

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9 Jesus said to him, today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 19:8-9; 13-14 (ESV)


JESUS DOESN’T HATE TAX COLLECTORS

Sometimes, it’s hard to see the good in people. Or maybe it’s just me.

A couple of years ago, someone suggested a TV show to me and told me how great it was. They described the show’s general plot, and it sounded exciting, so I gave it a watch. Three episodes in, I quit watching. When my friend asked me how I liked it, I admitted that I gave up because all the characters were so bad and kept making wrong choices. I couldn’t root for them or find a hero. Then my friend responded that this was exactly why they watched—it would be great if one of them had a change of heart. My friend saw the potential for good in them. I just saw broken people.

When Jesus was faced with tax collectors—the people everyone considered the worst kind—He always used them to show that no one is beyond redemption when God is in the equation.

Look at when Jesus meets a tax collector earlier in Luke:

Luke 5:27-31
“After this, he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at the table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ 31 And Jesus answered them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.’”

This tax collector not only followed Jesus but also invited a bunch of his tax collector friends. Jesus’ approach to sinners—viewing them as sick people in need of healing—was very different from the Pharisees’ approach of shunning and shaming them. This tax collector is identified elsewhere in the Gospels as Matthew, who became one of Jesus’ disciples.

A few chapters later in Luke, we see another contrast in attitudes in this parable:

Luke 18:9-14
“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt: 10 ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’”

And we see this again with Zacchaeus, the sinner and outcast whom Jesus calls by name:

Luke 19:5-10
“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’ 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’ 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ 9 And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’”

The world saw sinners, but Jesus saw future saints.

What would our lives look like if we saw people with the same potential as Jesus?

Take a moment and pray. Pray that God will give you eyes to see past the sins of the people around you and recognize their potential. Pray that you will be able to set aside your negative opinions of others and begin to view them as sick people in need of a physician. Pray that Jesus will start to change their hearts, just as He did with the tax collectors.

 

Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.

Digging Deeper: Hearing Before Seeing

Avatar photo Sellers Hickman on March 14, 2025

 

46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

 

Mark 10:46-52 (ESV)


HEARING BEFORE SEEING

 

When I think of the quote, “You have to see it to believe it,” I immediately think of the movie Now You See Me. The premise of the movie is about illusionists who perform mind-blowing magic tricks—while secretly stealing money from their audience members. The first time I watched this movie was with my wife’s family, and they had all seen it before. They had a great time watching me react to each and every illusion on screen.

In the second movie, there is a crazy scene where the main characters pass a card around while being searched (using the real magic of CGI). It was one of those moments where I had to rewind just to process how they pulled it off.

This movie was a wild story that you had to see to believe, but ultimately, it was just a fictional story meant to entertain. However, the story of Bartimaeus in Scripture is also one that might seem hard to believe at first, yet I assure you—it is completely true.

It’s easy to put our faith in things we can see and trust. But put yourself in Bartimaeus’ shoes for a moment. He had never seen Jesus perform a miracle. He had never watched as Jesus taught the crowds. He probably didn’t participate in any of the other stories written in Scripture because of how difficult it would have been for him to get there. Yet, he had full faith in Jesus as the Son of David, the promised Messiah.

I wonder how Bartimaeus even heard about Jesus. Maybe it was as others walked past him on the side of the road, sharing stories of healings and miracles. Maybe it was from people he used to spend time with before his blindness isolated him from society. Imagine how much faith it must have taken to fully believe in something he had only heard about but never seen for himself. His faith was not based on sight but on trust in what he had heard about Jesus’ power and goodness.

This is the same place where many of your friends might find themselves today. Maybe they are familiar with who Jesus is or have heard the stories of the Bible, but those truths haven’t yet taken root in their hearts. We must fully depend on the Holy Spirit to open our eyes so we can truly understand and receive the Word of God. This is why two people can read the same verse—like John 3:16—and have completely different reactions. One person may be unmoved, while another may be so deeply convicted that they put their trust in Christ on the spot. It’s not just about hearing the Word but having the spiritual eyes to see and believe it.

Now let me ask you: What are you believing in God to do before you ever see the fruit of it? What do you trust Him to do because of His faithfulness to His promises so far? So often, we wait for visible proof before trusting in God’s plan, but faith calls us to trust before we see.

Can I assure you today that if Jesus accomplished the work of bringing us new life spiritually through the cross, then truly anything is possible? He is still faithful, still working, and still calling us to trust Him… even when we haven’t yet seen the full picture.

 

Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

 

Digging Deeper: The True Response to Healing

Avatar photo Sellers Hickman on March 13, 2025


And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

Mark 10:51 (ESV)


THE TRUE RESPONSE TO HEALING

 

In 2021, I went to the Braves’ World Series parade to celebrate with my wife and friends the fact that they had finally pulled it off! It was an interesting day, filled with huge crowds of people all trying to squeeze to the front of the barricades for the best view of the players. We waited for hours, and it finally started. The first bus turned the corner, and the moment had arrived… but we didn’t see any players. This bus was filled with front-office workers. Then came the owner. Then the manager. Then Blooper. Now, I have a deep respect for each of these men and all they did to bring a title to the A, but I was here for the players.

I wanted to see Freddie, Dansby, and Soler. These were the guys who played in the game. These were the men who blasted a 446-foot home run to put us up in Game 6 against the Astros. I wanted to see them! And finally, it happened. The first players’ bus came. Everyone was cheering, excited to see the team!

Excitement in a city is not a new concept. I would argue that, in the Bible, there was an even greater sense of excitement in a city—with its tightly knit communities, festivals, and celebrations. But there was something different in the air on the day we read about in Jericho. The people around Bartimaeus were probably running to get as close as possible to whatever barricades had been set up. He probably lay there, wondering what was happening. Then he heard it… Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

The moment finally arrived. Bartimaeus was healed and could see. I wonder what that moment was like. Scripture doesn’t tell us how Bartimaeus ended up in this condition. Was he born blind? Was there an accident? Had he ever seen before? In this moment, he stood eye to eye with Jesus.

This story has an unexpected conclusion. Bartimaeus was healed by Jesus, and he was given the opportunity to go his way. Jesus gave him full permission to return to life however he chose. Would he return to his family, who had likely abandoned him? Would he go help the people he had once begged alongside? Would he check off all the items on his bucket list?

Bartimaeus chose to do none of these. Scripture says he immediately recovered his sight and followed Jesus on His way. He knew what he had found was special, and he wanted to do everything he could to be with Jesus.

If you turn to the next chapter in the book of Mark, you’ll see that after a 15-mile journey from Jericho to Jerusalem, the next event recorded in Jesus’ life is the triumphal entry. This marked the beginning of the last week of His life—a week that would end with His arrest and crucifixion.

Imagine the shock Bartimaeus must have felt. The Healer he had just met, the man who had given him sight, was now being led to His death. Jesus had been clear in His conversations with His followers in the final weeks of His life—He was going to die. They just didn’t want to believe it. The disciples struggled to grasp it, and I can’t help but wonder if Bartimaeus did too. He had followed Jesus, expecting more life, more healing, and more miracles… only to witness his new leader being crucified.

Unfortunately, we don’t know the rest of Bartimaeus’ story. Some of the disciples hid after Jesus was arrested, but Jesus made sure to restore them by appearing to them. Bartimaeus is never mentioned by name again, but I truly believe he must have been among the 500 followers who saw Jesus ascend, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15.

Seeing Jesus changes everything. For Bartimaeus, it meant leaving behind the life he knew and stepping into a journey of faith. For us, it means that when we truly encounter Christ, we can’t just go back to who we were before.

Have you seen Jesus for who He really is? And if so, how has it changed the direction of your life?

 

Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

 

Digging Deeper: What Do You Want Jesus to do for You?

Avatar photo Sellers Hickman on March 12, 2025

51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”

Mark 10:51 (ESV)


WHAT DO YOU WANT JESUS TO DO FOR YOU?

 

Growing up watching movies and shows like Aladdin and The Fairly OddParents, I believed that by this point in my life, there would be at least one opportunity to have a wish granted. I’m sure many of you played the same game I did growing up—if you were given three wishes right now, what would you wish for?

In our story from Sunday, a blind beggar is faced with that very opportunity, but he doesn’t have a genie in front of him. He has the God of the universe.

Bartimaeus had been crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” because he knew of Jesus’ power. Jesus acknowledged him and asked him to come over. Bartimaeus threw off his cloak and ran to Jesus. Then, the moment finally arrived—he was face to face with Jesus (though still unable to see Him due to his blindness). And Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Imagine that—the God of the universe, who is far more powerful than any genie or fairy, asks Bartimaeus what he would like to happen. This decision was an easy one for him because he had probably thought every day about what it would be like to see again. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t bargain. He simply asked.

This verse is intentionally placed here to contrast Bartimaeus’ request with that of James and John in verses 35–37:

“35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ 36 And he said to them, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ 37 And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’”

These two disciples of Jesus were concerned with the glory and honor they could receive because they believed Jesus would establish an earthly, political kingdom. They wanted immediate attention and status. Bartimaeus, on the other hand, simply wanted to see again—so that he could give glory to God.

Even the way these men asked shows a major distinction. James and John told Jesus to do whatever they asked. Bartimaeus, however, humbled himself multiple times by crying out to Jesus. James and John approached Jesus out of pride, but Bartimaeus sought Jesus out of humility.

Let me ask you—if you had the opportunity to ask for one thing, what would it be? I pray that it wouldn’t be something as trivial as a little more money, comfort, or security. I want to encourage you to truly think about this: What is the one thing in my life that would be a miracle? What is something I physically cannot do in my own strength? What is something that only the God of the universe could accomplish?

When you determine what that is for you, I challenge you to pray for it daily. Believe God for it. But as we learned from James and John, seek God for it out of humility, not self-interest. And above all, may your greatest desire not just be for what Jesus can do for you—but for Jesus Himself.

 

Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

 

Digging Deeper: Throw Off Your Cloak

Avatar photo Sellers Hickman on March 11, 2025

And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.

Mark 10:50 (ESV)


THROW OFF YOUR CLOAK

 

I made a big deal a few months ago in one of my Sunday morning sermons about my love for the Michelin Star restaurant known as LongHorn Steakhouse. If you remember, I have a deep love for the best item on the menu—the chicken tenders. I cannot describe to you in enough detail the perfectly seasoned and breaded pieces of chicken, along with the perfectly paired complement of just the right concoction of honey mustard.

There is just one problem when I get to LongHorn. The waiter or waitress will come to my table, ask for my drink order, and then they’ll ask the dreaded question: “Would you like a loaf of bread?” Now, I have the willpower of a goldfish when it comes to anything bread-related, and it truly takes everything within me not to respond, “I’ll take a dozen loaves.”

Then that fateful moment happens—my perfectly prepared Michelin Star entrée arrives at the table… and I’m full. I’ve filled up on something good but not the best thing.

It can be hard to wait sometimes, even when you know something better is coming. Bartimaeus did not have that problem because he knew something much better had come. That something was Jesus.

When you read this story, the detail of Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak is a huge deal! For a blind beggar, his cloak was everything. It kept him warm. It allowed him to cover up and hide from the crowd. His cloak was probably beaten and battered from years in the elements. But one thing is certain—it was most likely the most important item Bartimaeus owned and the most loyal thing in his life.

Leaving his cloak behind was costly, but Bartimaeus knew that something better had come. And notice—he didn’t do this after Jesus healed him. He did it simply for the chance to meet with Jesus.

You may be thinking, “Well, duh, Sellers. Jesus is greater than blindness.” Friends, I would love to put before you that Jesus is greater than anything we could have in this life. Jesus is greater than running a Fortune 500 company. Jesus is greater than climbing Mt. Everest. Jesus is greater than becoming famous.

Yet, how often do we fill up on things that aren’t bad, but aren’t the best? We chase success, approval, comfort, and security, thinking they will satisfy—only to find ourselves full yet unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Jesus is offering us something so much better: Himself.

For you today, what would you be willing to throw off to get to Jesus? What are you holding onto so tightly, thinking it’s essential, when in reality, Jesus is offering you something far greater? Now, I’m not saying you should abandon all your earthly responsibilities—we are called to care for the things around us. But maybe, just maybe, there’s something in your life keeping you from fully embracing Jesus. And if that’s the case, it might just be time to let it go.

 

Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

 

Digging Deeper: An Interruptible Mission

Avatar photo Sellers Hickman on March 10, 2025

46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”

Mark 10:46-49 (ESV)


AN INTERRUPTIBLE MISSION

 

Having two kids now, I have learned one thing as a parent: my plans and schedule do not matter one bit to my kids! Proverbs 16:9 was instrumental in my life as I made college decisions. It says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

If that verse were rewritten today for parents, it would probably say, “The heart of parents plans their ways, but their children determine their steps.” It can be frustrating at times to be interrupted so much while trying to get out the door, put them to bed, or clean the house. But I have learned that in those moments of interruption come some of the sweetest interactions—when I have the right perspective.

Being interruptible can be incredibly difficult, but it is something that Jesus models consistently throughout the Gospels. Jesus was interrupted by a leper in Mark 1. In Mark 2, the roof was torn off while He was teaching, and a paralytic man was lowered down. In Mark 6, His sleep was interrupted by His disciples. None of these moments were seen as a nuisance by Jesus but as opportunities to care for people who were hurting. The Savior of the world took time to stop for people, even when it could have been seen as “inconvenient.”

Our story today is another example of Jesus being interrupted. He was entering Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. Jesus had a mission to accomplish—He was headed to the cross. But even with His eyes set on the cross, He took time to stop for a man whom society had forgotten.

Imagine the weight of that moment. Jesus, fully aware of the suffering He was about to endure, could have easily justified keeping His focus on what was ahead. He could have ignored the cries of a blind beggar, reasoning that His mission was too great to be delayed. But instead, He stopped. He saw the person in front of Him. He acknowledged the need. That single act of stopping not only changed the life of the blind man, but it demonstrated the very heart of Christ—a heart that values people over projects, presence over efficiency, and compassion over convenience.

For you today, what will your response be to being interrupted? Maybe it’s at work, with your children, or simply at the grocery store. Will you see interruptions as obstacles or as opportunities? How often do we rush through our days, missing the moments God places in front of us because we are too focused on our own plans?

What if, instead of growing frustrated, we saw interruptions as divine appointments—moments where God is inviting us to love, serve, and be present for those around us? Jesus didn’t just tolerate interruptions; He embraced them as part of His ministry. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

This week, ask God to help you slow down, be present, and see the people He puts in your path. You may just find that in the midst of the interruptions, He is doing something greater than you ever expected.

 

Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

 

Digging Deeper: From Curious to Committed

Avatar photo Larry Grays on March 7, 2025

 

Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

John 19:38-42 (NLT)


FROM CURIOUS TO COMMITTED

 

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.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: The Spirit is Moving and Cannot Be Predicted

Avatar photo Larry Grays on March 6, 2025

 

“The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

John 3:8 (NLT)


THE SPIRIT IS MOVING AND CANNOT BE PREDICTED

 

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.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Spiritual Life Cannot Be Manufactured

Avatar photo Larry Grays on March 5, 2025

 

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”

John 3:3-6 (NLT)


SPIRITUAL LIFE CANNOT BE MANUFACTURED

 

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.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Jesus is More than a Teacher

Avatar photo Larry Grays on March 4, 2025

 

No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

John 3:13-15 (NLT)


JESUS IS MORE THAN A TEACHER

 

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.

 

Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.