What do you want out of life?
What do you want out of life?
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews … (John 3:1)
In my sermon on Sunday, we continued the exploration of Nicodemus in the third chapter of John. I’ve been sharing a saying with our staff since I came to First Baptist two years ago: “Do less more deeply.” So we aren’t finished with this passage yet. In fact, there is so much here, I’d really like us to go much deeper.
As I hope you experienced on Sunday, just a few minutes with these verses provide much food for thought. The goal will be for each day’s considerations to offer deeper insight into the power of this story, to be educated as well as inspired, and to think more carefully about faith and to live more faithfully in God’s love.
Here we go…
Affiliation, Name, and Social Status
The Gospel of John utilizes a fascinating array of techniques to help us engage with this story. In just one sentence, we learn three very important details about this man and his situation: his affiliation; his name; and his social status. All combined, we recognize telltale signs of hearty ambition.
For today, let’s focus on his affiliation and his name.
Nicodemus’ Affiliation
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, religious and semi-political party connected to regular people. They were generally good, concerned men committed to facilitating righteousness in everyday life. They were from the people and of the people; generally, they were viewed favorably.
But as we well know, some of Jesus’ most vehement antagonists came from this group. Ironically, they were closest in proximity and in theology. They had much in common with Jesus, though what they disagreed on tended to be very emotional.
Thus, as a Pharisee, Nicodemus could be viewed as closely affiliated with what Jesus was teaching. Yet his peers, and probably Nicodemus himself, were very concerned about some of his teachings and his growing popularity.
Nicodemus’ Name
Interestingly, the Gospel of John, in general, does not share the names of many of his characters. Instead, this fourth Gospel refers to a “Samaritan woman” (John 4:7), or “one man” (John 5:5), or “a boy” (John 6:9), or a woman caught in adultery (8:3), or a “man born blind from birth” (9:1).
But in this chapter, we hear a name: Nicodemus.
John might well offer his name because Nicodemus comes from a family of means and has a reputation that precedes him.[1] Therefore, John would be relaying much to his audience without having to spell out the details.
What about your affiliation and name?
Today, ask yourself what role you play in your circle of influence. What would people know about your name or your reputation? Consider where John might be taking us through this encounter with Jesus and why it might be important for you.
Finally, think about your own ambition. What are you hoping to accomplish with your life? Why? And for whose purpose?
These questions quietly echo over time. Nicodemus was likely wrestling with them when he chose to come to Jesus. And we will attempt to explore them over the next few days as well. I’m glad we are on this journey together.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Let me learn from Nicodemus this week, O God. Allow his story to speak to my heart and to my own story. Clarify my motivations and help me to listen to your urgings more closely. In the same you inspired Nicodemus, increase my courage, expand my understanding, and broaden my curiosity. And when this week concludes, help me to be a better, braver, and more conscientious follow of you. Amen.
NOW CONSIDER:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him; he will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5).
[1] There does seem to be evidence of a Nicodemus in the previous generation serving as a delegate to Rome among a group of prominent Jews sent with a request of Caesar.
Dr. David Jordan is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Decatur. He is author of several books and regularly contributes to Baptist News Global.