Today in my community group we studied the John 3, where Nicodemus asks Jesus about what it means to follow Christ, even though he doesn't exactly know it.
He asks Jesus about where he came from, and calls Jesus a "teacher" (rabbi), meaning Nicodemus is not certain, but is really curious.
Let's read it here again...
John 3:1-15 (ESV)
You Must Be Born Again
3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus[a] by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[c] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You[d] must be born again.’ 8 The wind[e] blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you[f] do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.[g] 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.[h]
My Thoughts:
We were discussing this in church last week, and I'm glad because this scripture has always confused me.
I have always wondered:
- is this guy messing with Jesus?
- is he an idiot?
Jesus though takes him seriously, taking time to and answers his questions patiently. Jesus response tells me something.
Jesus apparently thought Nicodemus was for real, sure Nicodemus was confused and misguided, perhaps even silly, but it does seem clear he is earnestly seeking Christ's guidance.
Afterall Nicodemus, sneaks to see Christ after dark, and admits Christ is from God, albeit he seems not to understand that Christ is himself God incarnate.
In all his uncertainty and curiositt, it seems to me Nicodemus is us. We believers are often confused by His ways, and his complex plans. What is more, we will never get 100% of what He has for us on this side of life.
But so long as we come to Christ lik Nicodemus, with our uncertainty, trusting to Him, relying on His truth and explanations, over all circumstances, then we will be lead the right way.
Prayers:
Lord help me to honestly and humbly admit when I don't know, and seek your truth over those limitations.
Thank you Jesus for listening to these prayers and for loving us all.