From Fear to Faith: The Transforming Example of Nicodemus скачать в хорошем качестве

From Fear to Faith: The Transforming Example of Nicodemus

I want you to think about this with me for a moment. Most of the time, when the Bible speaks about the Pharisees, it’s not in a flattering way. Jesus called them hypocrites, warned people about their example, and exposed their obsession with tradition and external appearances. These were men who had knowledge of the Law, yes, but their hearts were far from God. But there’s one Pharisee in the New Testament who stands out—not because he argued with Jesus, but because he came to Him. His name was Nicodemus, and his life is a story worth following. Now, who were these Pharisees really? They rose to influence in the second century B.C., interpreting and teaching the Law to the Jewish people. But over time, their focus shifted. They clung to tradition instead of truth, and Jesus didn’t hold back when He called out their hypocrisy. In Matthew 15, Jesus quoted Isaiah, saying, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” They talked the talk but didn’t walk the walk. In Matthew 23, Jesus said plainly: “They say and do not do.” These were men consumed with looking righteous, but they weren’t living righteously. But then we meet Nicodemus. He didn’t come arguing. He didn’t come to trap Jesus in His words. He came at night—yes, perhaps out of fear, maybe because he didn’t want to be seen. But more importantly, he came. And that alone speaks volumes. When Nicodemus met Jesus in John chapter 3, he opened his heart. He didn’t try to test Him or correct Him. He said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs unless God is with him.” That was humility. That was honesty. That was a man willing to seek truth, even when it was risky. Let me ask you, have you come to Jesus like that? Quietly, maybe even fearfully, but sincerely? If you have, then you’ve taken the most important first step. But Nicodemus didn’t stop there. Turn with me to John chapter 7. Jesus was being criticized by the religious leaders. They were dismissing Him outright, mocking anyone who believed in Him. And right in the middle of that crowd, Nicodemus spoke up. He said, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him?” He wasn’t preaching a sermon. He wasn’t shouting in the streets. But he was standing up for Jesus when it counted. Can you do the same? Do you have the courage to speak for Christ—not just in church, but in your workplace, your school, your home? It may not always be easy, but Nicodemus reminds us it’s always worth it. And then finally, we see Nicodemus one last time, in John chapter 19. Jesus had just died. His body was lifeless, broken, and shamed on a Roman cross. Most had fled. But not Nicodemus. He came, this time in broad daylight, bringing spices, a hundred pounds’ worth, to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. He didn’t care who saw him now. He wasn’t hiding anymore. He had gone from fearful curiosity to public devotion. That’s the kind of transformation I want you to see today. You may come to Jesus timidly, unsure, even afraid, but you can grow into someone who stands boldly, speaks faithfully, and honors Him completely. Nicodemus shows us the way: come with humility, speak with conviction, and live with honor. And how do we honor Jesus today? With our words. With our deeds. With our lives. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” Your life should shine so brightly that people glorify God when they see you. And Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:21 that glory is found in the church—the body of Christ. Friend, Nicodemus went from the shadows to the light. What about you? If you're ready to follow Jesus, if you’ve heard the gospel, and you believe it, then take that next step. Repent. Change the direction of your life. Confess that Jesus is the Son of God. And be baptized, immersed in water for the forgiveness of your sins. That’s the beginning. But it doesn’t stop there. You must walk in the light, live as salt, and keep shining for Him. And if you’ve stumbled? If you’ve wandered? You can come back. God is still listening. He’s still welcoming. The same Jesus who received Nicodemus in the night is calling to you today. So I ask you—is your example one worth following? Just like Nicodemus, you can come, you can speak, and you can honor Jesus. But you have to decide. If you have a need—don’t wait. Come while there's still time.