“Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.”

John 7:48-49

For Meditation

I have seen this happen on college campuses many times. 

A young man spends time with his friends, socializing and engaging in passionate political debates. What he does not know is how some of his buddies sneak away to study and keep up with their schoolwork. Eventually, the young man fails to make the grade for college, and his life skids into alcoholism and family abuse, unable to hold on to any job. A brilliant mind wasted on dangerous assumptions.

In life, you may be united in opposition to a cause or having fun but living carelessly with your buddies. Never think that they will permanently remain in your shared resistance or carelessness. There are a countless number of people who have reversed course in the middle of a campaign and left their colleagues shouting, “Traitor.” Call it what you may, but they saw the truth and advised themselves. That was the case with Nicodemus.  

The Pharisees, chief priests, and leaders of Israel vehemently opposed Jesus. But, over time, His miracles, healings, and teaching convinced Nicodemus that Jesus was the Messiah. Covertly, the smart Pharisee went to Jesus and engaged Him in a conversation that confirmed his opinion about Him and much more (3:1-21). None of the chief priests and Pharisees knew that Nicodemus had turned into a disciple of Jesus. When the temple guards they sent one day to arrest Jesus returned without him, convinced by His teaching that He might be the Messiah, the Pharisees were incensed. 

“You mean he has deceived you also? … Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them” (7:47-49 Emphasis, mine).

“Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him, to find out what he has been doing?” Nicodemus said (51). 

That was a mark of true discipleship. Disciples speak out on matters of faith when they must. Nicodemus was now trying to plead with his colleagues to examine Jesus more closely. Perhaps, they too may see the light and be saved.  

Please, do not be deceived that everybody in your family or friends have rejected Jesus. Consider Nicodemus, and be wise in all matters of life, and for the sake of eternity (Jn. 3:16; 1:12-13). You do not want to be left behind in anything and on the day of the rapture (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Consider the overwhelming evidence, which reveals Jesus as Savior and Lord, and give your life to Him.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).