I like to mull things over. Then I’m ready to speak, ask questions and engage in conversation.
In the gospel reading, Nicodemus had unanswered questions, despite all the resources he had at hand.* As a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, he was recognized for his legal skill and understanding of Jewish tradition. Nicodemus had likely gone to the best schools, moved in the right social circles and was respected in his community. Nicodemus was also, clearly, still mulling over what it meant to be God‘s people. And Jesus caught his attention as having answers.
We meet Nicodemus seeking Jesus at night, calling him Rabbi, yet in secret given the risks. In a society where access to socially-acceptable truth was regulated and hierarchical, Jesus was an outlier. Jesus wasn’t afraid of telling it like it is. Jesus spoke to Nicodemus of two births. Nicodemus couldn’t follow the logic. Referencing Ezekiel and God’s promise to turn hearts of stone into flesh, Jesus spoke of water and spirit. It didn’t make sense. Jesus invited Nicodemus to stop relating to God through his head and open his heart – God loves Nicodemus. That was it. That was all. Surrender to love and Spirit will come.
We see Nicodemus again in John 7 advocating for Jesus during his trial by the Pharisees. Taking a risk, Nicodemus refers to Jewish law and argues for due process. He is mocked by his peers who are anxious to get on with the pronouncement of guilt. Nicodemus appears a third time in John 19 to prepare Jesus’ body for burial, his love for Jesus in plain view.
Like Nicodemus we live in a time where socially-acceptable truths are regulated and hierarchical. The invitation to us is the same. Seek God’s truth. Surrender to love. Spirit will come.
