Seeking Jesus First Jan. 20, 2026
A Teacher Come from God
Today’s Reading: John 3:1–21
(Read the full passage before reflecting below.)
“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night…” (John 3:1–2, NKJV)
John now introduces us to Nicodemus—a man who represents the very best of Israel’s religious leadership. He is a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, and later Jesus will call him “the teacher of Israel.” Nicodemus is not hostile, mocking, or dismissive. He is sincere. He is thoughtful. And he is searching.
Yet he comes to Jesus by night.
This detail is important. Nicodemus is not ashamed of truth, but he is cautious about association. The religious climate around Jesus has become tense. Opposition is growing. To be seen publicly aligning with Jesus could cost Nicodemus his reputation, position, and influence. So he comes quietly. Carefully. Privately.
Still, he comes.
Nicodemus begins with respect and acknowledgment: “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” He recognizes something undeniable. Jesus’ teaching carries divine authority, and His signs confirm God’s presence. Nicodemus’ faith is real—but it is still forming.
What Nicodemus does not yet realize is that Jesus is not interested in affirmation alone.
Jesus does not respond to the compliment. He does not affirm Nicodemus’ insight or expand on His credentials. Instead, He goes straight to the heart of the matter: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
The conversation shifts instantly.
Nicodemus comes to discuss teaching.
Jesus speaks about transformation.
Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a teacher from God.
Jesus tells him that no one can even see the kingdom without new birth.
This would have been shocking. Nicodemus is not an outsider. He is not immoral. He is not ignorant of Scripture. He has devoted his life to studying God’s Word and guarding Israel’s religious life. Yet Jesus tells him that none of that—by itself—is enough.
This is where the Gospel begins to confront us personally.
Nicodemus represents the person who believes sincerely, but still thinks in terms of improvement rather than rebirth. He assumes that entering the kingdom means understanding better, obeying more carefully, or refining what already exists. Jesus says something far more radical is required: new life from above.
Jesus is not dismissing Nicodemus’ learning or devotion. He is revealing their limitation. The kingdom of God is not entered through credentials, position, or even sincere admiration. It is entered through regeneration—by a work of God that begins inside a person.
John places this conversation immediately after telling us that many believed in Jesus because of signs, yet Jesus did not entrust Himself to them. Nicodemus is different. He is not merely impressed. He is drawn. He is willing to come, ask, and listen—even if it unsettles him.
Today’s devotion invites us to sit honestly with Nicodemus. Are we content to acknowledge Jesus as a teacher from God, or are we willing to let Him speak into the deeper places of our lives? Jesus does not come merely to inform us—He comes to make us new.
The night setting reminds us of something hopeful: Jesus welcomes seekers wherever they are. Even cautious faith. Even unfinished understanding. What matters is the willingness to come.
As you continue reading John 3 this week, keep this question before you: am I seeking explanation—or transformation? Jesus offers both, but He always begins with the heart.