There was much division among the people about Jesus, with
the common Jews, and even among the leaders.
Some in the crowds were confused, knowing Jesus was the one
the leaders wanted to kill. Others believed in him because of his miracles.
Jesus bravely declared He’d been sent by God.
Verses 28-29: Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple
courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not
here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but
I know him because I am from him and he sent me.”
The Pharisees sent to have Jesus arrested, but he boldly
promised that the Holy Spirit would be given to anyone who chose to follow him.
Verses 37-39: On the last and greatest day of the
festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come
to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of
living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit,
whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the
Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
The people continued to be confused, and though some wanted
to arrest him, because of his power, they were not able to at this time. Jesus was
able to choose that time.
The leaders were only brave enough to scoff at Jesus and his
believers among themselves, but Nicodemus, one of them, was willing to stand up
and defend the truth.
Verses 50-51: Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and
who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn a man without
first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?”
In John chapter 3, Nicodemus was not so brave. But with
Jesus’ grace, he grew to have that courage.
Lord, help me to be brave for you, like Nicodemus.