I want to speak a word in defense of old brother Nicodemus. The beleaguered leader who came to Jesus by night and to whom the sermon on being born again was spoken. The Jewish leader who we Pentecostals do not understand.
Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. Was he a coward? Or was he smart? Jesus was gaining in popularity and influence and was becoming a public figure. A celebrity you might say. Nicodemus was a rich, powerful, and well know man in Jewish society. If they had met in a public place they would have been thronged by people wanting to see them both. Nicodemus sought to meet with Jesus, and Jesus agreed to the meeting. This seems obvious to me.
Jesus delivered to Nicodemus some of the most profound words in the Bible. We can read them in John chapter three. Yes, Jesus in wisdom dealt with this man and reached out to him. But Nicodemus was not the rich young ruler. He did not go away sorrowful over his wealth. Nicodemus turns up again in the Gospel of John.
We give Nicodemus no credit for seeking out Jesus. We grudgingly give him credit for assisting in Jesus' burial. This just shows that our simplistic theology leaves no room for people who do not fit into our narrow understanding of life. We understand burned out and addicted young people. We do not understand the wealthy and the powerful, who are not like us. That may be why no rich retirees join our churches. We have nothing for them.
Nicodemus is in Heaven with all of the Old Testament saints who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Maybe, when bible characters do not fit into our mold, we need to enlarge our understanding of God and grace.
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