Sketchy PeopleНамуна

Nicodemus was an interesting sketchy person because he came to Jesus in the dark, at nighttime. He was a religious leader, and he had a lot to lose by associating with Jesus. His conversation with Jesus was not accusatory, but quizzical and curious. Jesus talks about being born-again and there was a dialogue about what that meant. Something must have touched Nicodemus that night because he became a follower of Jesus (see John 7:50) and he helped prepare Jesus’s body for burial after the crucifixion (see John 19:39). 

Reflection: 

1. What does the difference between being “born-again” and “religious” mean to you?

2. Are your conversations with Jesus open, honest, and inquisitive; or do they tend to be more of a repetitive checklist?

You might be thinking, I'm religious. I was raised in the church all my life. But just because we have that upbringing doesn't mean we know Jesus on an intimate, personal level. Like Nicodemus, you might be coming to Jesus during a dark time. But Jesus is the Light of the World--no matter what darkness or sketchy stuff we might be in, Jesus will be our Light. 

I invite you to have your own honest, cards-on-the-table, conversations with Jesus. Ask questions and let Jesus speak into your life. I like to take walks and talk to Jesus, sometimes telling Him, “I don't understand this, or I'm frustrated with that. This doesn't make any sense to me.” Those questions don't ruffle Jesus. He doesn’t say, “Oh my gosh, you're such an idiot.” Jesus never does that. He always welcomes the dialogue, welcomes the questions, welcomes the interaction and participation. Ultimately the genuine love of Jesus wants a relationship with you.

Are you or someone you know going through a dark time? I invite you to check out this teaching on having Hope for the Future.