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"NIGHT SCHOOL"

    All of us know and admire persons who have excelled in life due to putting forth extra effort.  Sometimes they have worked a job during the day and gone to school at night.  Such dedication is very commendable.

    In John 3 we find an example of a man who went to "night school."  He was, no doubt, intelligent, powerful, and probably wealthy.  Nevertheless, he still wanted to see Jesus.  His name was Nicodemus, described by John as "a ruler of the Jews."  He served in the seventy-one member Jewish court called the Sanhedrin.  There is much to learn from this episode, but consider the following.

    (1) The Student.  First, it is apparent Nicodemus was committed to seeing Jesus.  We do not know why Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, but his dedication is obvious. (v.2)  No student learns without dedication.  Second, he was a logical thinker.  He correctly deducted that Jesus was from God because of the miracles He did. (v.2)  Third, he was not afraid to ask questions. (v.4)  Faced with something he did not understand, he was willing to inquire.

    (2) The Teacher.  Nicodemus addressed Jesus as "Rabbi" (a great man) and "a teacher come from God."  Jesus is, indeed, the Master Teacher.  He reveals the most sublime truths in the simplest of terms to honest, inquiring minds.  At the same time His simple language conceals those same truths from the proud and pompous. (See 1 Cor. 1:18-31)  He taught with authority (Matt. 7:29), love (Mark 10:21), and compassion. (Matt. 15:32) Truly, "never man spoke like this man." (John 7:46)

    (3) The Lessons Learned.  Nicodemus learned that power and position neither grant nor block access to the Lord.  "Whosoever will" may come. (Rev.22:17)  He learned that pedigree is no substitute for penitence.  Though a Pharisee and a descendent of Abraham, it was needful for him to be "born again...of water and of the Spirit" (v.3,5) to enter the kingdom. Entrance requirements are still the same for all today (See Acts 2:38, 41, 47), for "God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34-35, 47-48)

                                                                Edward L. Anderson

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