He Knows Us

“Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people.., for he himself knew what was in man.

“Now a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus… came to Jesus by night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs unless God is with him.’  Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly,.. unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’  Nicodemus said, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly,.. unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’

“Nicodemus said, ‘How can these things be?’  Jesus answered, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand? Truly, truly,.. we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?.. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 2:24–3:12,14-17

Yes, Jesus knew what was in a man. He made Himself available to this curious Jewish ruler at night, knowing he was reluctant to be seen conversing with him by day. He knew his questions and doubts, and the limited understanding he had to grapple with both. He knew how to explain heavenly ideas with earthly illustrations. And He knew that He loved Nicodemus, and that faith would be required for him to be born again.

Our Lord Jesus, compelled by love, strives patiently with those He came to save. He knows our rebel hearts and perspective marred by sin. He knows the struggle of spiritual resistance. He came that we might be born again and set free to know and love and fear and obey and honor Him.

How patiently do we get to know those around us? Are we turned off by wayward individuals, or drawn to their souls? How can we make ourselves available for the curious and questioning, so they might know Jesus too? TO whom will we extend His love today?

“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King.'” ~ Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, may I pursue others in patient love as You’ve pursued and saved me, to Your glory.