Week 5: Gaining Through Losing: Insights from Nicodemus, the Rich Young Ruler, and Rev. Terry K. Anderson
by Jessica Jones
In our lives, the concept of loss is often met with dread and fear. Yet, the spiritual journeys of two biblical figures, Nicodemus and the Rich Young Ruler, present a compelling counter-narrative: sometimes, it is through loss that we gain the most valuable things in life. Their encounters with Jesus offer profound lessons on sacrifice, transformation, and the paradoxical gains of relinquishing control.
John 3:1-36
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 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.
3 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.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 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.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24 For John was not yet cast into prison.
25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Nicodemus: Gaining Truth Through the Loss of Certainty
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a man of status within the Jewish society, comes to Jesus under the secrecy of night, indicating his internal struggle and the potential loss he faces by reaching out to Jesus. This act of seeking out Jesus signifies Nicodemus's willingness to risk his reputation, his standing among the Pharisees, and his own deeply held beliefs.
In the conversation with Jesus, Nicodemus confronts the concept of being "born again" — a notion that challenges his understanding of faith and righteousness. Jesus tells him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3 NKJV). His encounter with Jesus initiates a process of spiritual rebirth, marked by the gradual loss of his former certainties and the gain of a new, transformative faith.
Through Nicodemus's story, we see that the loss of certainty and status can lead to the gain of a deeper, more genuine truth and understanding. His journey underscores the value of questioning and the transformative power of embracing a faith that transcends traditional boundaries and expectations.
Matthew 19:16-28
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’
19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”
28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
The Rich Young Ruler: Gaining Eternal Life Through the Loss of Wealth
The Rich Young Ruler presents a stark contrast to Nicodemus. Approaching Jesus with confidence, he inquires about inheriting eternal life, confident in his adherence to the commandments. Yet, when Jesus challenges him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, he responds, "Jesus said to him, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me'" (Matthew 19:21 NKJV). But the young man walks away saddened, unwilling to lose his wealth for the sake of gaining eternal life.
The young ruler's inability to let go of his material wealth highlights a substantial spiritual truth: sometimes, the greatest barrier to gaining what is most valuable is our reluctance to let go of what we currently hold dear. The young man's story is a poignant reminder that true wealth and fulfillment often require the willingness to lose our earthly treasures and comforts.
What Do You Gain, When You Lose? - A Sermon by Rev. Terry K. Anderson
This sermon by Rev. Terry K. Anderson holds a special place in my heart, and it's one I find myself returning to. For those keen to dive into its significant messages, I've embedded the video below to start at a particularly impactful moment—11:54. I encourage you to immerse yourself in these teachings at least until the 13:45 mark.
There's a passage that resonates deeply with me:
“Like many of us, this rich young ruler is stuck in a spiritual no man’s land. He’s too religious to enjoy sin, and too sinful to enjoy Christ. He’s got enough Jesus to be informed, but not enough to be transformed.”
Historical and Cultural Context
In grasping the stories of Nicodemus and the Rich Young Ruler, understanding their historical and cultural context is paramount. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, an elite Jewish scholar and leader, known for a strict adherence to the Mosaic Law. This backdrop made his nighttime visit to Jesus, a radical teacher by Pharisaic standards, both a significant risk and a meaningful step towards seeking truth beyond the established norms.
The Rich Young Ruler represented the wealthy and privileged of Jewish society, finding identity and security in his possessions. This narrative reflects the cultural belief that wealth was a sign of God's favor, as encapsulated in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 NKJV**, emphasizing the blessings for obedience to God's commandments.
**Blessings on Obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14 NKJV)
28 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:
3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.
4 “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.
5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
7 “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.
8 “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
9 “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. 14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
Theological Implications
The stories of Nicodemus and the Rich Young Ruler carry deep theological implications about the nature of salvation, the kingdom of God, and discipleship. Nicodemus's conversation with Jesus reveals that entry into God's kingdom requires a spiritual rebirth, one that is not earned by status or adherence to the law but through faith in Jesus Christ:
"Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.'"
(John 3:5-6 NKJV)
The challenge given to the Rich Young Ruler highlights the difficulty of entering the kingdom of God when one's heart is tethered to earthly riches:
"Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!' And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, 'Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'"
(Mark 10:23-25 NKJV)
Reflection
The biblical accounts of Nicodemus and the Rich Young Ruler hold serious lessons about the transformative power of faith. In 2020, amidst the global upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, my life mirrored the essence of their stories in a deeply personal way. Losing my job just before welcoming my son into the world initially seemed like a monumental setback. However, this event unfolded as a pivotal chapter in my life, teaching me the invaluable lesson of God's faithfulness and the true meaning of gain through apparent loss.
Nicodemus, a man of status and knowledge, sought Jesus under the cover of night, willing to question and go beyond his comfort zone for the sake of truth. This act of seeking, despite his established beliefs, showcases a deliberate step towards embracing a faith that promises new life and understanding. My trek into motherhood, coupled with the unexpected career change, resonated with Nicodemus's quest. It was a deliberate embrace of a new path God laid before me, not a step into uncertainty but a stride into a more profound purpose and fulfillment.
Similarly, the Rich Young Ruler was faced with a decisive moment—to follow Jesus at the cost of his material wealth. While he walked away from the opportunity, this narrative contrasts with my experience. The loss of my job, rather than a moment of turning away, became a turning point towards embracing a life with priorities aligned more closely with God's kingdom values. The year I spent away from work, focusing on my son, was a gift that allowed for unexpected growth, deeper family bonds, and a clearer perspective on what truly matters.
Reflecting on this period, I recognize it not as a time of loss but as a season rich with God's grace and provision. It reaffirmed that following God's path, even when it diverges from our plans, leads to greater joy and contentment. My return to the workforce brought me to a role that not only accommodated my new life as a mother but also surpassed my previous job in many ways. This transition was not filled with fear but was a voyage marked by trust and peace, knowing that God was at work, weaving together a narrative of growth and blessing.
Application
What areas of my life am I holding onto tightly, fearing loss, that might be preventing me from experiencing God's greater purpose for me?
How does the story of Nicodemus inspire me to seek understanding and truth beyond my current beliefs and comforts?
In what ways can I relate to the Rich Young Ruler's struggle between material security and spiritual fulfillment? What is my 'great possession' that is hard to give up?
Reflecting on my past, can I identify a moment that initially felt like a loss but, in hindsight, turned out to be a significant gain in my relationship with God and others?
How can I practice trusting in God's plan, especially when it diverges from my own, in both small and significant ways?
What steps can I take to embrace a spirit of surrender and openness to change, viewing potential losses as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper joy?
How can I actively seek moments of rebirth in my faith journey, allowing God to transform my understanding, priorities, and actions?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the quiet of this moment, we come before You with hearts open to Your transformative work in our lives. Teach us lessons of faith and surrender, and guide us through our reflections to deeper understanding and commitment to Your path. Help us to recognize the areas where we cling too tightly to our plans and comforts, and give us the courage to let go, trusting in the greater joy and fulfillment that comes from following You. May our lives reflect Your love, grace, and the beauty of a faith that is ever growing and deepening.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
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Your journey of faith and the lessons you've learned along the way are invaluable. I invite you to share your experiences, reflections, and the insights you've gained from navigating moments of loss and gain in your own life.
How have you seen God's hand at work in the midst of change? What challenges have you faced in letting go, and how have you experienced transformation as a result?
Join the conversation below and let's encourage one another as we walk this path of faith together. Your story is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and might just be the encouragement someone needs today.
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