Lamp tower

Part 10 of 35 A visitor at night

A leader named Nicodemus, a teacher of God's law, came to Jesus at night. "Rabbi," he said, "we know that You are a teacher who has come from God" (John 3:2). Jesus told him: "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). He meant that a person needs a new life from God's Spirit.

Then Jesus spoke words that many people call the heart of the whole Bible: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" (John 3:16–17).

Bible A light in the dark

Later Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). A psalm says to God: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).

Imagined The tower

Lamp towers stand all over the city, so that no one ever has to walk in the dark or feel lost.

Real world Lights that keep people safe

Lighthouses have guided ships for more than 2,000 years. The Pharos of Alexandria in Egypt, built around 280 BC, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today street lights make towns safer at night, but too much light hides the stars, so some towns now use softer lights that point downward.

Think about it

1. What do you think Jesus meant by being "born again"?
2. What does John 3:16 say God did because he loved the world?
3. How is Jesus like a light in the dark?

Key words

Eternal life

Life with God that never ends.

Perish

To die or be lost.

Rabbi

A Jewish teacher.