With Open Hands: Surrender Devotions for the Soul

FRIDAY, 8 AUGUST 2025

TEXT: JOHN 3:1-9

1: Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.

2: He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

3: Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

4: “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5: Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

6: Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

7: You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’

8: The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

9: “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: WE KNOW

Nicodemus is a knowledgeable, experienced, famous and esteemed member of the Jewish Supreme Ruling Council (JSRC). His full name is Buni Ben Gurion according to the Jewish Talmud literature and Midrash, which are compilations of Jewish ancient teachings regarded as sacred.

Nicodemus, whose name means "Victory of the People," came to Jesus under the cover of the night because of his high standing in the community.

The opening statement of Nicodemus to Jesus is: "Rabbi, we know...." These two words are very significant and should be looked into. "We" implies that Nicodemus is not alone; he sees himself as speaking for at least some of the Pharisees and members of the Jewish Supreme Council (Sanhedrin) who essentially agreed with him that Jesus is a teacher who has come from God. They also agree that the miracles Jesus performed validate His claim that He came from God.

In Africa, there are many prototypes of Nicodemus: renowned theologians and writers, members of guilds, professional bodies, board members, general overseers, founders, titleholders, etc., who despite their knowledge and pedigree, are not yet born again.

QUESTION: Are you among those who possess knowledge about God but do not have a relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior?

PRAYER: Empty me of pride, Lord. I want to be truly born again. Enough of my pretense.