Nicodemus, a leading authority on faith in the Jewish culture, went to have a conversation with Jesus. He was better-educated in the faith than 99.9% of the Jewish people he helped lead. He had heard about Jesus, who was becoming well known for his bold teaching and miraculous work, and wanted to see what he was made of.
So he went to meet Jesus. At night.
Why at night? Maybe it was totally practical – Jesus was hard to reach during the day since he was busy doing his thing with the people. Perhaps it was the only thing open on Jesus’ schedule. And, since Nicodemus hoped to have a long conversation, the evening was the only time that could be possible. On the other hand, may Nicodemus didn’t want anybody to see him. Night would give him cover, insuring that gossip could be kept to a minimum. Nicodemus wasn’t sure if he even wanted to be seen with Jesus. There is another thought, however. John uses the contrast between light and darkness a lot in his gospel to indicate following God and not, respectively. Perhaps John was telling us something about Nicodemus’ spiritual condition. Maybe the darkness implies that Nicodemus is blind to some things of God. I think all three actually fit together well.
Nicodemus addressed Jesus with respect, warming (buttering?) him up for some theological debate.
Jesus, however, wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries or small talk, and headed for deep water. He referenced some theological concepts that indicated the level of this training – Jesus was a theological black belt. The ideas put Nicodemus on his heels, which explain why he asked a stupid question of Jesus indicating his was lost. I guess there are stupid questions after all…
So, Jesus backed up to more elementary stories for Nicodemus, and referenced an account from Moses’ life that most elementary kids would remember. Nicodemus was being taken down to his roots.
Building to his climax, Jesus spoke about the heart of God, especially in relation to himself – the long-awaited Messiah. He said things that completely countered popular theological thought. According to Jesus, God’s primary agenda is not to judge the world with the Messiah, but to restore, heal, redeem (save) it.
Jesus makes the connection for Nicodemus that how we choose to live – and who’s heart, mind, and footsteps we choose to follow – make the difference between a great life in this world and one that is seriously found wanting. He calls the great life here and now “eternal life” – life modeled after heaven. He calls the lacking life judgment – Truth catching up with us on the daily scene.
The stories Jesus referenced from Ezekiel and Moses were just such situations – the people of Israel chose to walk in darkness, and experienced anything but a wonderful life. But when God provided them the means to live – and they embraced it – they were restored.
Our decisions for God or against (even if in apathy), result in life or not-much-of-a-life, or death.
Nicodemus left that conversation, I think, with a headache. His mind was blown. He may have thought he was going to teach Jesus a thing or two, and instead found out he had a lot to learn. I think he left with heartache as well. The overtones of Jesus’ teaching here spoke of a love given toward us from the heart of God – a love that God feels for no reason other than the fact we exist – we are his kids, some close to his breast, some estranged, and he loves us all the same. I also think Nicodemus left with wind-blown hair. I believe he encountered a Presence he hadn’t predicted, and I believe it had to have stunned him.
Nicodemus found himself in a process that night that would change his life. Over time, we know that he eventually became a fan of Jesus – a believer willing to risk his life and reputation – no more darkness. That’s his story.
What about you?
We are Nicodemus – all of us. Where are you in your relational process with Jesus? When was the last time you allowed Jesus to mess with your beliefs? Have you lately? Where is your process taking you – closer and closer to God? Nowhere? In the wrong direction?
Your belief will translate into life or not. Rethink everything. Believe for life.
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