Like most children, I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas. With great anticipation, I would snoop under the tree to see what toys and games awaited my eager grasp. So I felt deflated when I started getting things like shirts and pants. Grownup gifts were no fun! Then last Christmas, my kids gave me some cool socks with bright colors and designs. I almost felt young again! Even grownups could wear these socks, as the label reassured me: “One size fits all.â€
That welcome phrase “one size fits all†reminds me of the best gift of Christmas—the good news that Jesus is for everyone. The point was proven when the first invitation sent by angel choirs was to shepherds on the bottom rung of the social ladder. The news was underscored further when the VIPs—the wealthy and powerful Magi—followed the star to come and worship the Christ-child.
After Jesus began His ministry, an influential member of the Jewish ruling council came to Him at night. In the course of their conversation, Jesus invited “whoever believes†to come to Him. The simple act of faith in Christ grants eternal life to those who trust in Him (John 3:16).
If Jesus were just for the poor and marginalized, or only for the famous and fortunate, many of us would not qualify. But Christ is for everyone, regardless of status, financial situation, or social standing. He is the only gift truly fit for all.
As a Pharisee, Nicodemus was a religious conservative who was part of the upper echelons of the nation’s spiritual leadership (v. 1). This visit with Jesus had a profound impact on Nicodemus. When the religious leaders began to discuss Jesus as a threat, Nicodemus came to His defense (John 7:50). When Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus assisted Joseph of Arimathea in the Savior’s burial (19:39). The one who began his spiritual journey by coming to Jesus “by night†(3:2) ended up with a public witness of his connection to Christ.
