Sermon Info
Summary
Easter changed the world. Jesus conquered death and made a way for you and me to have eternal life. When we sinned, we were separated from Holy God. Yet, Jesus took our place on the cross. Jesus paid the price for our sins, and by His sacrifice, we can be redeemed. When we repent our sins and commit to follow Jesus, God sees us as righteous and we come alive. Our best life is lived in Christ Jesus. We are redeemed, forgiven, and blessed. Come alive this Easter. Commit to live your life for Jesus, and experience the amazing life only Jesus can give!
Content
The Search for Meaning
Think back to a conversation that you had where the words that were spoken to you truly changed your life. Why did that conversation impact you so deeply? What were those words that were spoken to you? We all have conversations that stick with us – whether that was because the words hurt us or helped us to grow or encouraged us. Words hold weight.
The story we’re hearing about today is the story of Nicodemus’ conversation with Jesus. Nicodemus was a devout religious man. He learned about God and the Bible and religion throughout his life, but he comes to Jesus in the middle of the night, searching for something more. He didn’t just want to continue learning and being “religious.” He wanted a relationship. This one conversation he has with Jesus changes His whole life because he finally found what he was looking for – true salvation found in a relationship with Jesus.
We all come to the point where we need to have this conversation with Jesus. No matter where we are in life, we, too, are searching for meaning. Religion will never be enough. Doing good things will never satisfy. The world will never bring true joy or happiness. These are only found in Jesus.
What the Bible Says about Nicodemus & the Churched
Nicodemus comes to Jesus and finds salvation. In the beginning of this passage in John 3, Nicodemus asks Jesus about who He really is. Jesus responds by saying, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3) Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again in order to be a part of God’s kingdom, and Nicodemus takes this very literally. He confuses physical birth with spiritual birth.
But what Jesus is really saying here is that He wants to change us from the inside out. Salvation comes when we repent of our sins and commit our lives to following Jesus. Salvation is really about life-change. And that’s exactly what this conversation did for Nicodemus. This would be the conversation that he would look back on and recognize as when salvation became real to him and when his life truly changed.
Just as it was for Nicodemus, the same is true for us: the fruit reveals the root. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Jesus didn’t come for us to have easy lives, but He did come so that we would have lives that are full. This means lives that are grounded in true peace, true satisfaction, true joy. Lives that are filled by Jesus, not by the meaningless things of the world. Following Jesus means coming fully alive.
What is God saying to you today?
So, where are you today? Are you in a committed relationship with Christ, fully invested in sharing our faith with others and living purposeful lives for the sake of the Gospel? Or are you, like Nicodemus, searching for something more? It’s no accident that God has brought you here.
Your eternity hangs in the balance, and it hinges on Jesus. He is ready, waiting, wanting to have a life-changing conversation with you. Your eternal life can begin today. Don’t wait. Listen to what God is saying to you today. Listen for His still, small voice of peace and guidance and love.
It’s through Jesus alone and nothing else that you can live the life that He has designed for you. He loves you, and He’s calling you to commit your life to Him. Will you make the choice to follow Him?
