Nick And Sam Meet Jesus

Nick And Sam Meet Jesus

John 3:1-4:26

By Pastor Ralph Juthman

INTRODUCTION:

Who doesn’t love a story? The impact of the story is made more real when it is a true one. It is even more relevant when the story involves people like you and me.

This morning I want to tell you about two people who each have an incredible story to tell.

Nick was born into a family of honor and privilege. It was a god honoring home that was respected, by all who lived in the city. From an early age, Nick’s parents knew he was special. He excelled at everything he set his hands to. But Nicks passion was knowledge. HE graduated with highest honors from High school, and was the youngest to graduate from university on the Deans list.

Following graduation, Nick went on to graduate studies in order to pursue his passion for knowledge, philosophy and religion. During this time Nick married his high school sweetheart and proceeded to settle down. The Leaders of the local town council took notice of Nick, and invited him to join their group. They were the religious and educational fathers of the nation. Nick in turn became the youngest member of this elite group of scholars, educators and teachers. His life was now set for success.

Nick, as a well educated, popular man who was seeking for truth and meaning in life. He was a god fearing man who endeavored to live his life the way he believed God wanted him to live. Nick was kind, considerate of others, always told the truth, always looking out for others rather than his own desires.

Nick did all he could to help the poor. If there was a need in the city, Nick would be the first to lend a hand. IN fact he was known to organize food drives to assist the widows and orphans.

Nevertheless, popularity, education, a great career, good living did not fill the empty feeling in Nick’s life. He was looking for more. He was wanting to know love and acceptance by God and everything he tried to do seemed to allude him.

One day, news came to the council that a new teacher had arrived in the city. Rumor had it, that this stranger from Nazereth, was proclaiming a new doctrine. News of unbelievable healings were being circulated. No matter where you went, people were talking about Jesus, the healer from Galilee.

One day, Nick joined his colleagues to investigate this new ‘kid on the block” They had heard that he was teaching at a home in one of the suburbs of the city. When Nick and his friends arrived, they were overwhelmed by the crowd. So many people had come there was no more room in the house.

When people recognized Nick and his friends as two respected religious leaders, they made room for them to get close to Jesus.

To their utter shock, while Jesus was teaching, some mud fell onto Jesus head and the floor. Four men had climbed to the roof of the house, pulled back the grass and mud thatched tiles, and proceeded to lower their paralyzed friend down and landed him right in front of Jesus.

The crowd became silent, wondering what would Jesus do? Surely he would heal the man. However, what Jesus did first sent shockwaves through the crowd and incensed Nicks friends.

Jesus looked at the man, recognized his faith, and said, “Your sins are forgiven”

Wait, who but God could forgive sins. The other teachers left furious, but Nick remained, captivated. Who is this Jesus?!

The news continued of Jesus work and ministry. The lame were walking, the blind were seeing, the demon possessed were being set free. At one point Jesus fed over 15000 people with a single basket of fish and bread.

Nick’s curiosity got the better of him. HE had to know more. So one night, he secretly made his way to the place where Jesus and his disciples were camped out.

Secretly and quietly, Nicodemus came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we know you are a teacher sent from God, because no one can do the miracles you do unless God is with him."

With a smile that was welcoming and comforting, Jesus answered,

"I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot be in God’s kingdom."

Nick had been taught all he thought was true about God, heaven, and eternal life. Now with one simple statement, his whole world was becoming unglued. Scratching his head, Nick responded,

"But if a person is already old, how can he be born again? He cannot enter his mother’s womb again. So how can a person be born a second time?"

Again Jesus smilled and motioned Nick to follow him along the path. He turned to Nick and answered,