Nicodemus, like most of us, may have difficulty understanding “grace.” For people in his time – as now – think they become good through their own efforts. Paul (a fellow-Jew and formerly a Pharisee) describes the Jewish religion in this way:
…but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone (Romans 9:31-32).
In other words, these Jews work hard to keep God’s law. They think their labors make them “righteous,” and earn reward from God.
Paul, in Romans, argues that such thinking is wrong. But Nicodemus, when we first meet him, still thinks in the old Jewish way. He is with other Pharisees who love to justify themselves to others. Even their prayers list for God their good deeds (Luke 16:14-15; 18:11-12). Jesus warns against the deadly yeast of their religious teaching (Matthew 16:6,12; 23:1-39).
So Jesus offers no praise for Nicodemus’ good morals or high position. He closes the door on proud self-righteousness – Nicodemus must start from birth again! Jesus opens a window for humble self-examination – “You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things?” Then Jesus throws open a door to the full light of God’s love. God gives the richest Gift heaven can give:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
This is the very heart of grace. Yet many of us struggle with it. In all Jesus says here, where is the human labor on which we rely? Is there not some way we can earn our place with God?