Remember Nicodemus?
During the burial of Jesus, something unusual happened — an underrated gesture from an "outsider" named Nicodemus. You will remember Nicodemus if you re-read the scene in John 3 in which he asked, "How can anyone get back in his mother's womb?" in response to Jesus' talk about being born again.
Nicodemus' question drew a reply from Jesus that's become perhaps the most evangelistically successful verse of all time — John 3:16. So what happened to the guy who heard those words from Jesus Himself? At first glance, not much!
In his Gospel, John concluded this scene with a nonchalant "After this," giving no indication of heart change in Nicodemus. In John 7, Nicodemus showed up again, defending Jesus before some noisy Pharisees hell-bent on arresting Jesus — still, no concrete evidence of conversion.
In John 19 we find Nicodemus' third and final appearance, at Jesus' burial. Read this scene; and, if you have a pen & paper handy, mark down on paper every mention of Nicodemus. Underline any details you learn about him.
Did you catch the amount of spices Nicodemus brought to the burial? Seventy-five pounds! Normal Jewish burials called for five pounds of spices — an amount typically on hand in a Jewish household. Seventy-five pounds was an extraordinary amount — the quantity used to bury royalty.
Sound like Nicodemus got it - Jesus as his King - if a bit late.
Nicodemus showed up in broad daylight, declaring allegiance — in stark contrast with his first encounter with Jesus. What's more, you can't hide 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. Picture 15 five-pound bags of sugar, or the biggest dog-food bag at Pet Smart! Imagine a quantity that "makes a statement" — and that's what Nicodemus brought.
It was a bold move, but it came late. By waiting until Jesus' death to experience his King, Nicodemus missed a once-in-creation opportunity. Never again would Jesus walk the Earth exactly as He had then. Nicodemus could have witnessed the miracles. He could have laughed with Jesus. Cried with Jesus.
In Jesus' day, many believing Jews dialed down their commitment to Him for fear of the authorities. Perhaps that's what kept Nicodemus from all-out discipleship. What fears keep us dialed down in our relationships with Jesus?
To experience His mercy requires that we honestly admit the failures that His mercy can cover. Could fear of admitting we've blown it keep us from basking in all the mercy we can get? Temptation can be boiled down to a fear of missing out. Might this fear throw to the curb our ability to receive Jesus' strength to overcome temptation?
Or maybe we've thought our current spiritual plateau is as good as it gets. Does fear of asking a new set of questions keep us from experiencing a level of spiritual existence that's better than we could ask for or imagine?
Who knows what fears Nicodemus overcame to take that bold step alongside Joseph of Arimathea, another stealth disciple. What fears can you boldly step through in order to know Jesus now? Take a moment and think about your fears and weaknesses, and then look at each, asking something like, "How can I fully experience Jesus through this fear?" or "What once-in-creation characteristic of Jesus will help me in this weakness?"
icodemus wore the moniker "the man who visited Jesus at night" throughout John's Gospel. Now we can see him as the man who publicly crowned Jesus in the light of day. It took the duration of Jesus' ministry for him to make that change. We can start now.
If you need a tangible step, buy a five-pound bag of sugar and have yourself a coronation. When a someone asks why there's a bag of sugar in your office or car, explain away — holding nothing back. You're living a once-in creation opportunity.
-----
Study condensed from YouthWorker.com
Last Nights Maundy Thursday Service with the performance by 180 Dance Company was Moving, even with tech glitches. Did you get to experience it?
Hope to see you out for the Easter Egg Hunt, First Saturday, or Easter Services - How bout all three!
Peace to Your House!
Mike & Amy K.
No comments:
Post a Comment