2 Kings 15-16, John 3:1-18 • Key Verse: John 3:3

The bride and groom step up to the wedding cake holding a knife. They slice a piece from the top tier and lovingly “feed” a bite to each other, perhaps getting frosting on each other’s face. In reality, the cake is a fake.

The top layer is real, but everything else is cardboard, decorated with frosting. It looks so good on the outside, but inside is missing all the necessary ingredients.

A religious man came to see Jesus. The man looked so good on the outside. He was a leader, a teacher, a Pharisee named Nicodemus. If all that matters is what’s on the outside, then this man had what it takes. He looked so right.

But Jesus knew what was on the inside. To this leader of the Jews He said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (v. 3). Salvation is not just a matter of righteousness on the outside, but also of a right relationship with God on the inside.

Yes, we must live holy lives and do what is right, but a change on the inside is required. While many would have looked at Nicodemus and pronounced him righteous, Jesus looked and saw what was still needed—the new birth. To this man He would say those wonderful words, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (v. 16).

_What are you on the inside—a born-again person? If so, thank God for your salvation. If not, why not right now receive Jesus as Savior?_

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in