What if Nicodemus never sought to meet Jesus by night to ask Him how to receive salvation? When I was in elementary school I learned a valuable lesson. I was always an inquisitive person and I would ask questions over and over until I was certain that I had received understanding of the subject matter. But as we get older we start to want to fit in and it becomes embarrassing for us not to already know something. But my teacher--Ms. Stella Fiddemont--told me not to ever stop asking questions. She said, "I'll tell you a secret. There are other people who want to know the answer too. They are just afraid to ask."
From that point on I was that person. You know the one I'm talking about, the person who prolonged the class session by asking questions, the person who would ask questions during Bible Study, the person who would write everything down and then go back and read and study and ask the teacher more questions. I would go to my professors' offices in college and ask questions after class. I would always find a Bible scholar and listen and ask questions. I believe Nicodemus was that kind of person too.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee. Not only that, but he was a leader among the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a sect of Jews who had some political and social power, but whose claim to fame mostly lie in their self touting ability to accurately understand and proclaim Jewish religious writings and historical content. In other words, they knew all that was to know about the law. As such the Pharisees like their more aristocratic counterparts--the Sadducee's--were religious elitists who often clashed with John' and Jesus' teachings. So we can see why it would be highly unusual for a Pharisee--let alone a leader--to break away from the pack in order to ask Jesus a question. What I love about this passage in John chapter 3 is that Nicodemus comes to Jesus and acknowledges, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
This acknowledgement seems to mean that there was some agreement among the Pharisees that Jesus was the real deal. Nicodemus goes further. Asking Jesus sincere questions.
From that point on I was that person. You know the one I'm talking about, the person who prolonged the class session by asking questions, the person who would ask questions during Bible Study, the person who would write everything down and then go back and read and study and ask the teacher more questions. I would go to my professors' offices in college and ask questions after class. I would always find a Bible scholar and listen and ask questions. I believe Nicodemus was that kind of person too.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee. Not only that, but he was a leader among the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a sect of Jews who had some political and social power, but whose claim to fame mostly lie in their self touting ability to accurately understand and proclaim Jewish religious writings and historical content. In other words, they knew all that was to know about the law. As such the Pharisees like their more aristocratic counterparts--the Sadducee's--were religious elitists who often clashed with John' and Jesus' teachings. So we can see why it would be highly unusual for a Pharisee--let alone a leader--to break away from the pack in order to ask Jesus a question. What I love about this passage in John chapter 3 is that Nicodemus comes to Jesus and acknowledges, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
This acknowledgement seems to mean that there was some agreement among the Pharisees that Jesus was the real deal. Nicodemus goes further. Asking Jesus sincere questions.
Many times we observe in the New Testament--Jesus' disdain for the Pharisees and their questions purposed to try to discredit Him. He often confounded them and shut them up with what we see now as simple parables and stories. But Nicodemus' questions were real and sincere. He wanted to understand and Jesus had compassion toward Him.
What is the question that you are afraid to seek Jesus during the daytime to ask? As adults we start to believe that we cannot ask God questions, but we can. That's not to be confused with questioning God. It's not the same thing. In order for us to learn and to grow we must ask questions. It is the question that prompts the answer. And no matter is to small to bring before God. He is just and He will answer. We have to break down like Nicodemus did. No matter who thinks we should already know. No matter if we feel embarrassed. No matter if no one else is speaking up.
Be encouraged to ask God what you need to know. If its about understanding finances, budgets and debt--the Word has the answer! If its about parenting, marriage, living single and saved--the Word has the answer! If it's about how to cope as a child, a teen or as an adult in this world--the Word has the answer! Whatever you may need don't be afraid to seek God's face with prayer and supplication. He will lead you and guide you into the truth.
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