Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Nicodemus Ask A Question

In the Gospel of John chapter three Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a Rabbi, came to Jesus under the cover of darkness. Nicodemus was at a point where he was willing to be led. Perhaps the Holy Spirit had in fact led him to Jesus, for Nicodemus had questions. You know that we learn by asking questions.

 

This was not the last time we hear about Rabbi Nicodemus. In John Chapter seven, we find Jesus being accused by the priest and Pharisees and Nicodemus stand up for Jesus, then finds himself being questioned. In the 19th chapter we find Nicodemus helping with the burial of Jesus providing the mixture of Myrrh and aloes....a hundred pounds of them. 

 

It is clear that this Nicodemus was one of the Pharisees that became a follower of Jesus the Messiah following the resurrection.  The questions Nicodemus ask are important to us today. His question were about spiritual rebirth. "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" These are questions that cut to the very heart of the Gospel. Questions like, “What does it mean to be reborn?”

 

When we went under the water in our baptism we died to our old self and were reborn a new person, and a Christ-person, a Christian. This is the very mystery that Nicodemus did not at first understand. A spiritual rebirth is absolutely necessary.

 

It was a great night when Rabbi Nicodemus came to Jesus asking questions. He was open to new understandings. He was willing to consider the possibilities.  His spirit was willing to be led. Some people are uncomfortable with their doubts. Yet it is through asking questions that we find answers. 

I tell my Bible students that the only dumb question is the one you have but do not ask. I always welcome honest questions of life and faith and I am known to ask a few  of my own from time to time.


2 comments:

  1. Larry,

    I have always liked your answers. Thank you for presenting these questions/answers without making us feel shameful. You have a great style.

    Bobby

    ReplyDelete