Searching in the darkness

As we continue in our Lenten journey, we will be entering into the Gospel according to John. This week, we meet Nicodemus, a respected religious leader who has a secret passion for a new faith: a faith he finds in Jesus.  Unfortunately, he isn't yet ready to make a public declaration.  Instead, he goes to Jesus at night, hoping no one sees him in the camp talking to this man.  Jesus  was not exactly someone Nicodemus wanted to be seen chumming it up with right now; after all, Jesus had just had his memorable encounter with the money-changers and said he would rebuild the temple in three days.  However, he confesses to Jesus that they (and possibly other leaders) know Jesus comes from God because these signs are only possible through God.  But Jesus doesn't let him off the hook!  Instead, he throws metaphors and exaggerations at Nicodemus, confusing him.

And we still get confused with Jesus' language today!  So many people believe in a "born again" movement, without realizing this passage is about being born anew, or being born from above!  It isn't about making a personal change, but about allowing God to change you as you come to understand the depth of his love.  This love is expressed famously in John 3:16, but we often ignore where we best see that love--the cross!  Lastly, even though Nicodemus doesn't exactly shine in his first interaction with Jesus, he is still the one where we find our hope for this morning!

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