In the familiar account of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, we find powerful lessons on how to reach those who do not yet know Christ. Missionary Keith Morris, serving in Ecuador, delivered this timely message at Faithway Baptist Church, drawing from John chapter 3 to show both the heart of Jesus toward the lost and practical ways believers can share the gospel effectively. Whether at home in Canada or on the mission field, the principles remain the same: we are called to reach the lost with clarity, urgency, and Christ-centred love.
An Open Opportunity
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (John 3:1-2, KJV)
Jesus seized an open opportunity when Nicodemus, a religious leader, came to Him by night. Though Nicodemus was sincere and recognised Jesus as a teacher sent from God, he was still lost. Jesus used this moment to speak directly about the new birth.
Throughout Scripture we see similar open opportunities: Philip with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, and Paul and Silas with the Philippian jailer in Acts 16. In our daily lives, these moments also arise, sometimes unexpectedly. The question is whether we are prayerful and attentive enough to recognise them and ready to share the gospel when they come.
We Will Need to Be Clear
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3, KJV)
Jesus was remarkably clear with Nicodemus. He explained that one must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God, distinguishing between physical birth and spiritual rebirth. As 1 John 5:1 (KJV) states, “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.”
A clear presentation of the gospel is essential. Many people, like the speaker before his conversion at age 27, hear a watered-down message for years and remain confused about salvation. In missionary work in Ecuador, confusion about how to be saved is common. We must explain that salvation comes through receiving Jesus Christ by faith, trusting in His death and resurrection as the only payment for our sins.
We Need to Give Them a Warning
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18, KJV)
Jesus did not shy away from warning Nicodemus. While God sent His Son to save rather than condemn, those who reject the light remain under condemnation. The warning is necessary because the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23, KJV).
A faithful gospel presentation includes both the bad news of our sin and its penalty, and the good news of forgiveness available in Christ. People need to understand the seriousness of rejecting the Saviour.
We Need to Do It with Love
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17, KJV)
Jesus reached Nicodemus with love. God’s love motivated Him to send His Son as the propitiation for our sins. As 1 John 4:10 (KJV) reminds us, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Love is demonstrated through sacrifice and patience. When sharing the gospel, we must reflect the same compassion Jesus showed, loving the sinner while pointing clearly to the need for repentance and faith.
Repeating the Truth
Jesus repeated the essential message of salvation throughout the conversation. He emphasised that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John the Baptist also repeated truth, reminding people that he was not the Christ and directing attention to Jesus.
In personal evangelism, repetition is often necessary. Verses such as Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, and Isaiah 64:6 complement one another. The Holy Spirit uses repeated, faithful proclamation of truth to bring conviction and understanding.
Reach Them with Humility
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30, KJV)
John the Baptist modelled humility. When others compared him to Jesus, he gladly pointed away from himself and toward the Saviour. True gospel work is never about promoting self but about lifting up Christ.
When reaching the lost, we must decrease so that Jesus may increase. Our focus should remain on the cross and the glory of God rather than personal reputation or approval.
Conclusion
The account of Jesus and Nicodemus challenges every believer to reach the lost with open eyes for opportunities, clarity in explanation, warnings about sin, genuine love, repeated truth, and humble dependence on Christ. Whether in Ajax, Ontario, in Ecuador, or anywhere else, the need is great and the message is powerful. May we pray for open doors, speak the truth boldly, and point people to the only Saviour, Jesus Christ, who offers everlasting life to all who believe in Him.
