Jesus is Essential
John 7:50–53: Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.” And everyone went to his own house.
This is the Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. I think that Nicodemus trusted the Lord that night. He is a Pharisee, and he defends Jesus. They ridicule him with a joke, “Art thou also of Galilee?” That was a disgrace to them. It was like city folk making fun of the country folk.
It is interesting to note that they did know the facts of their Scripture: “Out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.” In the true sense He hadn’t come out of Galilee, nor had He come out of Bethlehem. He had come out of glory. “Every man went unto his own house.” No one invited Jesus into his home. It was a feast night, but Jesus went out to the Mount of Olives. As far as we know, He never spent a night in Jerusalem. 1
Walking with Jesus
What kind of personal invitation do you actually extend to Jesus? Is he welcomed into every room in your home? Do you resist His authority to enter into your private world? Do you treat Jesus like He is on probation and has to prove Himself to you? Is He just your convenient Sunday deity?
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Jesus can comfort you because He knows all about loneliness & rejection.
Praying
Lord, thank You for always standing up for me, even when I fail to honor You with my words and my deeds.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 1-10) (electronic ed., Vol. 38). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
