“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night” (John 3:1-2 ESV). Nicodemus came to speak with Jesus at night. Perhaps he wanted a private conference and night time was the only time Jesus wasn’t surrounded by crowds. Or perhaps it was
“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was
“I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” (John 1:31 ESV). John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins born six months apart. Both births were miraculous, foretold by the prophets and announced by the angel Gabriel. Yet, John said that he
‘And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”’ (John 1:19 ESV). Although he was the son of the Levite priest, Zechariah, in the line of Abijah, one of the twenty-four orders of priests in the line of Eleazar, son of Aaron,
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12 ESV). Many today claim to have found a new and better “way.” Some say theirs is the way of freedom. Others claim their way is as good as any other. “Aren’t all ways the same?”
‘Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”’ (Judges 8:23 ESV). Gideon, the hesitant judge, would not be coaxed into being king. He recognized that it was the Lord, and not the people, who had called him to be
‘And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”’ (Luke 23:42-43 ESV). Jesus was crucified between two criminals. One mocked him, but the other believed in him. Jesus responded to the one who believed
‘Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew”’ (Judges 6:39 ESV). Gideon’s fleece test –– Was it
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul” (Psalms 94:19 ESV). Is your heart burdened with many “cares?” Are you worried and concerned about many things? Have you been bottling up your distress within you? Why not open up to the Lord about it? For He has a multitude of
“I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32 ESV). Jesus told Peter that He had prayed for him. Knowing that it was the night before His trial and crucifixion, Jesus prayed for Peter. Knowing that Peter would deny Him three times