On the heels of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, John provides one of the most powerful verses in all the bible encapsulating the gospel message in a few simple words.

A Pharisee named Nicodemus came to Jesus by night to try to figure out who He was. Nicodemus didn't expect to be told that the only way into the kingdom of God was something that was impossible for him to accomplish.

After Jesus starting displaying miraculous signs proving that He was the promised Messiah, some people started to believe in Him. However, their belief focused on the miracles, not on Jesus. Jesus knew that many of the same people proclaiming belief in Him at this point in His ministry would one day shout, "Crucify him!" Thus, displaying the darkness that resides in the hearts of men.

When Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem, He was making a huge statement. Many thought He was declaring Himself as a revolutionary, but His plan was much bigger and deeper than simply a political revolution. He came to change how people meet God and how they worship.

The first miracle of Jesus' ministry seems like an oddity to our western mindset. Why would Jesus use His power for something that seems almost trivial? However, there are deeper lessons in this amazing miracle.

When John described Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, he said a mouthful! Understanding what that title really means helps us respond to Jesus in a way that changes our lives and causes us to tell other people about Him.