The Pastor’s Pen

Nicodemus Came by Night

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, teacher, and leader of the Judeans, came to Jesus by night.

He said to Jesus, “We know that you are a teacher from God by the things you do.”

(John 3:1-2 my paraphrase)

              Some of the religious and political authorities at Jerusalem (these were mostly the same people then) recognized that Jesus was a teacher from God. And yet many of those powerful people were opposed toJesus and ultimately worked to have the Romans execute him. Nicodemus was not one of those opposed to Jesus but did he ever speak up among his peers on Jesus’ behalf, or on behalf of those to whom Jesus ministered: people who were physically, spiritually, emotionally, or socially broken or cut off from the mainstream? It seems doubtful and the author of John does not tell us. Now, when the Council was discussing Jesus and his teachings being offensive                (John 7:50-52), Nicodemus protests that if they have not heard Jesus’ teachings for themselves, they cannot and should not condemn them or him. This is not a statement of faith in Jesus; rather, it is a procedural objection to the Council’s discussion. And then finally, just before dusk on the day of crucifixion, Nicodemus assists a man named Joseph take down and bury the Lord’s body. Nicodemus never seems to have become a full-fledged follower of Jesus, at least not openly.

           What about us? Are we full-fledged followers of Jesus Christ? Do we stand up for him? Perhaps more pressing, do we stand up for those to whom he would minister? Do we stand for and try to minister to those who may be broken physically, or who are hurting mentally, spiritually, or emotionally? Do we support the ones who are being neglected, abused, or harmed by other people including those in powerful places? Or do we, like Nicodemus, come to Jesus only by night, in private prayer, conversation, or other religious devotion? If all one can do is pray, and I believe that there are those people, then that is enough for them to do. But most of us can do more than pray. We can advocate for others near or far; send contributions to those who work for and with others to whom Jesus would go. We can speak up as protectors of ourselves and others in the light of day. With what shall we honor the Lord and show ourselves faithful, asks the prophet Micah. (Micah 6) What the Lord requires is that we do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God in the ways of the Lord.

Blessings,