Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus is as theologically rich as it is short. In this story, one of the most prominent teachers in all of Israel (Nicodemus) comes to inquire of Jesus. Sure, he comes under cover of darkness, and yes, he is only willing to acknowledge that Jesus is one of many teachers in Israel, but the fact of the matter is, he comes. In a situation where many of Israel's leaders turn away, Nicodemus is drawn towards Jesus. And, like most people who seek Jesus, he arrives full of questions. He arrives with the question, really. Nicodemus wants to know who Jesus is. He has heard the stories. He knows the prophecies. He is looking for a messiah and he has come to see for himself. He has come to investigate.
There are so many lessons and insights to be drawn from this one conversation, but the one pulling at my heart right now is this: Nicodemus, a man with all the knowledge, confidence, and authority that came with being a pharisee & member of the Sanhedrin, remained curious enough to seek Jesus.
And let's be careful to remember this conversation in context. Just before this John recounts Jesus crafting a whip of cords and driving the money-changers and merchants out of the temple.
Jesus has stepped boldly into the view of the pharisees.
When almost everybody else with Nicodemus' status and power rejects the actions of Jesus outright, Nicodemus has a different posture. When others are so confident in their traditions, their religion, their theology that they are unwilling to reason with Jesus, Nicodemus engages.
He didn't come perfectly with a bold declaration of faith, but he came nonetheless.
And when he sought Jesus, and Jesus began explaining things that challenged Nicodemus' belief system, he just kept asking: how? How can these things be? When Nicodemus didn't understand and didn't fully acccept Jesus' teaching, He didn't rise up in righteous indignation. He didn't start spitting out condescending rebuttals. Though he remained skeptical, he kept inquiring. And he inquired to understand. He kept listening.
May we all take Nicodemus' conversation with Jesus as a personal challenge. How do we approach those that we are skeptical of? Those we're suspicious of, even? How do we handle conversations with those that we disagree with, theologically or otherwise?
In a time where cynicism is fashionable, and condescending, snarky "hot-takes" get you clicks and cheers, how does Nicodemus show us how to approach people differently?
Are we so grounded in the truth of God that we can hear and discuss challenging ideas with curiosity and love?
Are we still that curious? That humble? That open to flaws in our own opinions?
Do we leave room for Jesus to confront our own understanding?
Listen to our Conversation on John 3:1-21
 |
Responses