by: Bill Ivey
“How on earth can things like this happen?” replied Nicodemus. John 3:9 (JBP)
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, an observant Jew believing that what was done in the temple must also be carried out in daily life. He came to see Jesus at night, so as not to be seen. He wanted to find out more about who Jesus was. It was a conversation about heaven and the kingdom of God. Jesus challenged this man who was trained in Jewish Law and studied in the Torah. Jesus told him what the Kingdom of God was like – yet he failed to understand with earthly ears. “So you are a teacher of Israel,” said Jesus, “and you do not recognize such things?” So, Jesus upped the ante. “God loves the world so much, he sent his only Son to live among you... Not to pass sentence upon it, but to save it.” And Nicodemus was changed in this encounter with Jesus. We hear about him later in John’s Gospel. He was there when Jesus was buried. He helped prepare Jesus’ body for the tomb. So, how about you and me? Are we changed by our encounter with Christ? Are we listening with earthly ears while Jesus is talking to us about the Kingdom of God? Might we be more intentional about listening? As we approach Good Friday this Lent, will we be prepared to stand at the tomb? And will we be prepared for what happens next? (Read the whole conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus: John 3:1-21)