The Nicodemus In Me

Send us Fan MailSupport Us: https://www.tylerarobertson.com/support READ>>>https://www.tylerarobertson.com/post/the-nicodemus-in-meWe open to John chapter three with a man who is desperate to meet a very busy teacher. But I love how Jesus is open and willing to leave the ninety and nine, so save just one. Think of all Jesus was up to in Jerusalem--miracles, messages, town’s people constantly trying to get His attention. But in the midst of it all His focus turned to one that was longing for answers. A Pharisee of all people, named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a “man of the Pharisees…a ruler of the Jews.” (V.1). The law was his life. Tradition was his meaning. The Pharisees were the strictest sect of Judaism and known for their piety and commitment to oral laws. They were rigidly legalistic in their interpretation of the Torah, which was a recipe for mechanical and heartless religion.But before we point the finger at someone like Nicodemus, I think it is important to note the first three words of the chapter three, “There was a man…” Through all of the attire of a “master of Israel--through all the knowledge of the law--he was still just a man. He was a man like you and I that didn’t have the answers and desperately needed Jesus. If we are honest with ourselves we all have a little bit of “Pharisee” in us, don’t we? We all have the attitude of self-exaltation and pride waiting to pear its ugly head from time to time. Here are a few ways I think us--even as God’s children--can favor the attitudes of the Pharisees:We value Rules more than RelationshipOne of the most dangerous things about the Pharisees was that they externalized religion. They tried to make a work of the heart into a work of the hands. This is why many of them put so much emphasis on the rules of the law and rejected a relationship with Jesus...We are a friend to friends, not a friend to sinnersYou’ve heard the phrase, “It’s us four and no more!” That is the attitude of many of God’s children. That’s why we are called God’s children, because we often act like it! We like our clicks and little groups and express no interest in allowing outsiders to be a part. We like the Pharisees often times turn our heads at those who are not just like us. And every time we do, we are putting to death every chance of Christ to live in and though us...We magnify other faults and minimize our ownWe certainly love the spotlight don’t we? The glamour of being the center of attention is all too exhilarating for our pride. But when it comes to our faults and failures, we’d rather someone else steal the show! The thought of the world seeing our “dirty laundry” motivates a stealthy act to hide in shadows and put someone else in the spotlight...We trust the knowledge of men over God’s wisdomWe live in a society with a superfluity of information! Influencers, Youtubers, pop artist, and athletes--all with an opinion of the world and a Twitter feed to tell you about it! If we are not careful we can begin to trust more in the knowledge of men versus the wisdom of God...We focus more on what man sees versus what God knowsWe all want acceptance, approval and affirmation, but where we choose to get it from will determine if we are left satisfied or not...We are much like our friend Nicodemus. We have our legalities and questions. But one thing is certain--we all need Jesus!Support the showSUBSCRIBE FOR WEEKLY UPDATES - https://www.tylerarobertson.com/good-talk-podcastFREE Ebook - My Time with God: Four Helps for a Better Devotional Life Connect with us on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Youtube!