“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

Jesus sees Nicodemus’ desire to understand heavenly things, however he still has a problem understanding or believing the earthly things he preaches. Jesus calls this out, and indicates that until they (the Pharisees) accept Jesus’ testimony — the truth he tells them about God as it pertains to issues on earth — they will never understand heavenly things. Do we sometimes get ahead of ourselves like Nicodemus and the Pharisees? Do we want to be given the big, glorious responsibilities without being first faithful in the little things? Do we want heavenly recognition without earthly faithfulness? Jesus states it plainly here: he is the only human who has seen heaven and he is here so that all who believe can have eternal life in heaven too. So following, getting to know, and living like Jesus IS KEY! When we get proud, we tout our accomplishments. When we are humble we realize that we accomplish good things only through the grace of God. This is why Jesus gives the “cutting” remark at the beginning, “You are Israel’s teacher and you do not understand these things?” For us to see clearly, the veil of pride must be torn from our eyes.  Then and only then can we SEE CLEARLY our sin and our need for a Savior. It seems Nicodemus was in this place. Regardless of our position in life, we must always approach Jesus with the humble heart of a sinner needing a Savior or saved by grace!