Share the Gospel

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. - John 3:1

John describes Nicodemus as a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. In the book that we are reading together, Rediscover Church, Collin Hansen makes the following observation about Nicodemus: "He belonged to the Pharisees, a group of especially observant Jews who often clashed with Jesus over interpreting the law." Many of us know and believe that Jesus was harshest against the Pharisees when he spoke to them. In Matthew, Jesus rebukes them by saying,

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness … You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?" — Matthew 23:27, 33

So, we immediately think that Jesus has preconceived notions towards the Pharisees, that they are hypocrites and need harsh rebuke. We believe that Nicodemus is no different than the others. However, with Nicodemus, Jesus does not treat him in the same manner. He does not judge based on his occupation, political affiliation, or social status. Nicodemus needs to hear the gospel like everyone else.

Do you have prejudices towards others? If so, how has that affected your relationship with them? Whether we agree with others or not, God calls us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone around us. Let us be the light and salt of the world as Christ calls us to be. Who can you share the gospel with today?