Do you know who you are? Do you know the part you’re going to play in the Kingdom of God?

The story of Nicodemus makes me wonder if we really know who we are or the part we are playing in the Kingdom of God.

John 3: 1-7 - Nicodemus' private conversation with the Savior

Nicodemus a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews came to Jesus by night.  Why by night? I don’t know for sure, but was it because as a Pharisee who prided themselves upon their strict observance of the law and as a ruler he didn’t want to be seen of men conversing with the Savior?  Or did he want to have some quiet time with the Savior?  While with the Savior he calls Jesus "Rabbi" meaning holy teacher. Nicodemus also acknowledges that Jesus must be a man of God because of His many miracles.   

Although Nicodemus focuses on the the miracles and his conclusion that Jesus is a man of God. However, Jesus didn’t spend any time discussing his many miracles, but refocused Nicodemus on what was the most important thing for Nicodemus and for us.  Most important is that we need to be “born again” or we “cannot see the kingdom of God”.

These words affected Nicodemus to the point that he is now inquiring how to become born again.  Nicodemus thinks a bout being physically born again, but the Savior teaches him that He needs to be born of water (baptism) and of the Spirit (Holy Ghost) in order to enter into the kingdom of God.  There needs to be a change of heart, thought, action, feelings, desire all aligning with God. 

Although it is not stated here, we have other scriptures that indicate that Nicodemus had a change of heart and followed the Savior.

John 19:37-42 - Nicodemus's role at the death of the Savior

Nicodemus came with Joseph of Arimathaea to cover the body of the Savior in a "mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight".  Joseph and Nicodemus took the "body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury"  The night that Nicodemus spoke to the Savior did he know the role he would play in the Burial of the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world?

Psalms 45:8 - Nicodemus is fulfilling prophesy

Did Nicodemus realize that he was the one that was prophesied to fulfill this scripture? Did he later realize his role in this life?  Did someone point it out to him?  Did the Savior point it out to him that night? When did he realize it?  Maybe not until he left this earth?  Did he know who he was?  Did he know the part he would play in the Kingdom of God? Did he realized he would be responsible to take care of the body of the Savior?  Do we know who we are?  Do we know the part we are to play in the kingdom of God?  Maybe not until we leave this life?  If we are born again and full of the spirit we will be guided by the spirit to fulfill our part in the kingdom of God.

Summary

Sometimes we go through life not knowing who we are or the part we will play in the grand scheme of things.  We need to do as Nicodemus did, seek out the Savior privately.  We need to ask Him our questions, follow his counsel.  Then we will come to find our self and fulfill the part that is waiting for us to do in the Kingdom of God.