Following Jesus over Society

I remember a time when I was the only student who showed up for my church’s youth Bible study, so my youth leader and I got to go really in-depth to the study she had planned.

We started reading John 3. In this chapter, Nicodemus secretly comes to Jesus, asking several questions about faith and belief. Jesus answers each question. Suddenly, the chapter shifts to another setting with Jesus and His disciples, not Nicodemus. It doesn’t even say how Nicodemus responds to Jesus!

“What happened to Nicodemus?†I asked.

The youth leader shrugged. “That’s it. It doesn’t say.â€

I couldn’t believe Nicodemus would have such an important conversation with Jesus and then never be seen again. Since we had some extra time and no one else studying with us, she and I started digging deeper into the Bible. In John 19, we found a clue. Nicodemus was one of two people who carried Jesus from the cross to the tomb before He was resurrected. We figured that if Nicodemus served as Jesus’ pallbearer, he had probably become a follower of Jesus.

A lot of times, when we witness or serve in ministry, we don’t get to see the full fruits of our labor. Sometimes, we see no fruit at all. And sometimes it can be downright discouraging.

But we have to remember that God has called us to an eternal purpose, and our work may continue beyond our lifetime. Our mission should be to live a life according to the good news of Jesus—whether or not we see results in those around us.

Continue planting seeds. Continue sharing Jesus with others. One day, we will see all the ways God worked through us to bring people to Himself. We will live forever with Jesus—together with all those who follow Him. • Jessica Lippe

• Why is it important that God is the One who ultimately brings people to Himself?

• If you’re struggling with how to share the good news with a friend, who is a trusted Christian you can talk with about it—such as a pastor, parent, counselor, or teacher?

I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Matthew 6:1-34; Mark 10:29-30