We Are All NicodemusSample

Stage 3: Introspection

It is very easy to misread the situation in John 3:10. When Jesus responds to Nicodemus’ confusion by asking, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things?”, His intent is not to berate Nicodemus or belittle his struggle to understand. Rather, Jesus’ question is rhetorical – forcing Nicodemus, the twelve disciples present, and indeed all of us to reflect on mankind’s limited capacity to understand the ways of God. 

Jesus’ discourse with Nicodemus – His message throughout the Gospel entire – is meant to promote introspection. In hearing Jesus’ words, Nicodemus was forced to look inward and acknowledge just how very much he didn’t understand. (John 3:11-2) Even the disciples – as close as they were to Him – did not always understand the prophecies Jesus spoke in their midst. (John 3:14-17) If they gleaned anything at all that night, it was perhaps the knowledge of just how insufficient each of us is to the task Jesus came to accomplish. 

What Jesus says in John 3:19-21, about stepping into the light, isn’t meant as a jab at Nicodemus’ nighttime visit – at least not exclusively. Jesus’ words are meant for us. They are a call to introspection: to take stock of what’s really in our hearts – and what’s not. Such inward reflection can be difficult for us, scary even. To see ourselves through God’s lens, exposing our innermost selves to the Light of Truth, acknowledging our spiritual insufficiency and moral decay – it can be downright painful. But, painful or not, such introspection is integral to our sanctification.

If you are feeling discouraged at this stage of your faith journey – or if you’re hesitant to look too deeply within yourself for fear of what you may find – don’t be. Even at our weakest, ugliest, nastiest, and most foolish, God already knows what dwells deep down inside each of us – and He loves us anyway!