![A40742D0-D0A8-445E-A07B-D4D5B302707F[1].png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5661ba24e4b054281a2bfd6f/1563994400962-D3O98SM98IWYVZPXBHPF/A40742D0-D0A8-445E-A07B-D4D5B302707F%5B1%5D.png)
A look at the appointed gospel from the Revised Common Lectionary for the Second Sunday in Lent, March 8, 2020.
“Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
My Two Cents….
Nicodemus has always intrigued me. I can identify with his inquisitive nature. He is a question asker and wonders aloud about the content of Jesus's teaching.
Nicodemus is also afraid. As a religious leader, there is an expectation that he would maintain full public support for the tradition and time-honored teaching of his people. Jesus has challenged traditional practices and teaching.
At the point of Nicodemus's nighttime visit, Jesus caused a public scene in the Temple. Driving out the moneychangers, Jesus called into question the whole sacrificial system as a means of connecting to God. Jesus's "cleansing" of the Temple is a big-time upset.
The religious establishment, which saw its job as keeping order, did not appreciate it at all. I am sure that the talk among Nicodemus's peers is hostile. Jesus is a threat and must be stopped.
Yet, Nicodemus comes to Jesus with a head full of questions. He wants to know, learn, and make sense of things. Night helps to lessen the risk but only a little. If the others find out that he went to Jesus as a "Rabbi," - there would be trouble for Nicodemus, who had much to lose. Still…. the questions inside his head and heart were relentless. Nicodemus must ask Jesus.
What are the questions in your heart and mind about God? If you could knock on Jesus's door and sit down with him over a cup of coffee (or a pint), what would you want to know? Questions and doubts are part of a healthy spiritual life. They drive us to go deeper than our assumptions and the things that others have told us. Sometimes they question tradition and the way that we practice our faith. At other times, the questions go sideways and seem to chase the wind.
No matter. Go with it. Find the courage to explore, wander, and wonder—open conversations with other seekers for truth. Keep judgment away. Trust that God is bigger than the questions. God's love is unable to be insulted or withdrawn from us. The only wrong questions are the ones we can not bring ourselves to ask.
So, go ahead - wonder away and know that God is near - even in the deepest night of our most significant doubts
In Christ's Light,
Walt
Permission granted to share today's content with family and friends. Copyrighted 2020. Walt Lichtenberger
Do you like reading Scripture to Start Your Week? Would you like to read more of Walt’s writing?
Try this out….
Backyard Parables: Discovering Wisdom Close to Home, is Walt’s second book. In it, he seeks God in the space of his backyard through original parables and prayers. The book can be read as a devotional during the Lenten season.
Books can be purchased through Amazon and through this website (using the button below). They can also be purchased at St. James (Walt is donating 100% of profits from the books sold at St. James to the Roof Fund). If you would prefer to receive the content electronically, check out the online devotional (Annual Subscribers have free access - see below for more info).
Would you like to get the lastest devotional series in 2020?
Why not try out an Annual Subscription to Walt’s upcoming devotional series? In 2019, there were ten devotional series ranging from twelve to fifty days. You can access these as well as the new ones that Walt will write in 2020 with an Annual Subscription. If you are not satisfied, Light From This Hill will refund your money so there is no risk.
Annual Subscribers receive a 30% discount on Light From This Hill purchases including books. (discount does not apply on Mark’s notecards)