April 9 2024: Bible Verse of the Day – Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter – Jesus Meets Nicodemus – John 3:1-21
Nicodemus posed a question to Jesus, saying, “How can this come about?” Jesus responded by asking him, “You are a respected teacher of Israel, and yet you do not comprehend this?” He then went on to declare, “Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, but you and your peers refuse to accept our testimony.” – John 3:9–11
Catholic Readings for Today
Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
Bible Verse of the Day Reflections
Nicodemus is considered a saint nowadays because he is among the few Pharisees who converted and became followers of Jesus.
Along with Saint Paul and Gamaliel, he is the only Pharisee who is mentioned by name in the conversion to Christianity. According to Acts 15:5, there were also some other Pharisees who eventually converted.
Considering all the encounters between Jesus and the Pharisees, it becomes evident that the Pharisees greatly resisted Jesus and his teachings.
They persistently attempted to catch Him in a trap and ultimately played a part in his death along with other prominent religious leaders from the Sanhedrin.
Therefore, it’s understandable that there would have been immense pressure on all the Pharisees to reject Jesus. Each of them would have felt the force of peer pressure to conform to the common view of condemning Jesus.
This is the background to the passage where Nicodemus questions Jesus. It is a continuation of yesterday’s conversation in which Jesus told Nicodemus that the way to Heaven is to be “born from above.”
Nicodemus asked how one can be “born again,” and then Jesus made the aforementioned criticism of Him.
To clarify, it’s worth noting that Jesus did not condemn Nicodemus when He criticized him.
The criticism was delivered in a different tone than His usual “Woe to you…” statements and was intended to challenge Nicodemus directly but gently, with the aim of helping him move from questioning to faith.
This is important because Nicodemus approached Jesus without any intention of trapping or condemning Him, unlike the other Pharisees.
Nicodemus was merely confused and most likely felt immense pressure from his fellow Pharisees to condemn Jesus, which contributed to his confusion.
By understanding this context, we can appreciate not only the bravery and kindness of Nicodemus but also the loving courage of Jesus.
Jesus was aware that Nicodemus was receptive and could be convinced, but He also recognized that Nicodemus needed to be directly and firmly challenged.
Nicodemus required a “holy push” to embrace the gift of faith. Jesus’ challenge, however, eventually succeeded in persuading Nicodemus.
Consider today whether you need a spiritual encouragement or a “holy push” from the Lord.
Are there any external influences, such as peer pressure from friends, family members, colleagues or neighbors that go against your desire for holiness and righteousness? If yes, take a moment to reflect on the courage of Nicodemus, Saint Paul, and Gamaliel, who remained committed to their faith despite facing overwhelming pressure.
Allow their example to inspire you and let Jesus challenge you where you most need it, so that you too can become a more faithful follower of Christ.
Let us Pray: Oh Lord, who is the source of all strength, You never give up on pushing me to improve in the area where I need it the most.
Please assist me in accepting Your kind but honest corrections with love when I feel weak. This way, I will have the fortitude and capability to follow You faithfully.
Grant me insight and comprehension, O Lord, and aid me in overcoming the deceptive pressures of the world. Amen.
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