In season and out, His servants speak. Of living hope.
And hope breathes. The bright air of the Kingdom making its way in. Countering air heavy with lies of the enemy.
The spoken gospel speaks. Moves. Reveals the power of God to make alive what is dead.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3).
Night visit
Peter pens this letter to the chosen living as exiles. Writing the words “new birth” many years after a certain Pharisee’s night visit. And his in-depth conversation with Jesus.
Nicodemus is the one. A ruler of the Jews. Drawn to the mystery of this man from Nazareth. He comes after dark. Secretly. Seeking.
God’s presence
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him” (John 3:2).
There. He says it. God sent this teacher. The extraordinary works of His hands signal God’s presence.
And Jesus doesn’t wait for Nicodemus to explain the purpose of his visit. He jumps right in.
Born again
“Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3).
Nicodemus is astounded. Questioning.
Even after Jesus clarifies, he asks.“How can this thing be?”
I think about the others listening in. Perhaps they’re wondering too. As they often do when Jesus speaks.
Lifted up
Within the Teacher’s reply are words that will only make sense later. On the weekend after one certain Passover.
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).
Lifted up. Peter is likely right there. Hearing this. And has no clue that his Master will be lifted up on a cross. To die.
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Crucified and buried
Nicodemus is trying to wrap his mind around what Jesus is saying. An intellectual seeking that reveals the heart.
This Rabbi turns his world upside down. Or right side up.
And like Peter, he does not know what lies ahead.
One day he and Joseph of Arimathea will be preparing the body of Jesus for burial. Binding the crucified One in linen cloth with myrrh and aloes.
Burying the One and Only Son that God gave because He so loved the world.
Resurrection hope
Hope falters at the tomb. Mystery in the shadows.
But Resurrection Day comes. And everything changes. New birth and living hope now available to all who will believe.
Peter has years to reflect on this new birth that transforms. This living hope not achievable through law-keeping or doing good works.
This mercy not possible through simply applying intellect and earthly knowledge.
Lives changed
It’s the miraculous. Second birth by grace. Costly grace.
And Peter sees lives changed. Born again. Out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Out of death into eternal life. Out of captivity into the truth that sets people free.
Born again into a living hope.
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 )
What about you?
Do you remember when you first heard John 3:16? Have you watched the living hope of the gospel change people’s lives?
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Redeemed – Living in exile – Job and the Hope of Easter – Where is home? – Keep singing – The way of escape – Gospel conversations along the way – The mystery of the gospel –