Our scripture this morning is John 3:19-21 (NLT).
And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.
John 3:1-21 tells us of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the High Court, coming to Jesus by night with questions. Jesus gives him a lesson he doesn’t completely understand, but he continues to search. This should resonate with all of us.
Nicodemus was in the dark so he came to the light of the world for answers. What Jesus teaches us isn’t easy because “people loved the darkness more than the light”. While Nicodemus didn’t become a disciple that moment, we later hear his defense of Jesus in the High Court (John 7:50) and his burial of Jesus following the Crucifixion (John 19:38-42).
We are all somewhat like Nicodemus, searching for the truth but concerned about what the world will think of us. Jesus told us that as His followers the world would hate us because it hated Him first (John 15:18). It is up to us to overcome our fear through His strength and love our brothers and sisters, no matter what.
Loving Lord, it is not easy to be a disciple, but You have called us to go in Your name. May we share the Good News with joy throughout the world. Amen.
