Reflections
March 22, 2009
March 22, 2009
John 3:14-21 is part of a larger passage which begins with verse one. It is the narrative of the encounter Jesus had with Nicodemus. Though not mentioned by name, Nicodemus is the intended audience of verses 14-21.
You will recall Nicodemus questioned Jesus about the concept of new birth, and Jesus responded by telling the new birth in faith. When pressed by Nicodemus, Jesus amplified the answer. Verses 14-21 continues this expanded answer to include the understanding of just how great the love of God is, and that new life in faith leads to transformed living. It appears in the text Nicodemus believed Jesus' thinking absurd.
In Nicodemus, we find the armchair quarter-back in all of us. We detach ourselves from the game; analyze the action, and pronounce judgment upon those participating. This comes from the narrowness of our single minded thinking. Jesus and Nicodemus were both Jews, each devout by any standard or measure of faith. Jesus in his openness affirmed Nicodemus where he was, and invited him to look at questions outside of his present experience. Nicodemus, either through fear of something new, or pride, would not open his heart or mind to a new understanding and experience of God.
We are not unlike Nicodemus. We find it easier to find fault than find common ground between differences. It is easier to raise questions and cast doubt than to seek that we may know or adjust our frame of reference and broaden our perspective.
The gospel writer tells us in Jesus, God sent the very best. Not to judge or condemn, but out of love, that our lives might be blessed. No pie in the sky theology, but abundant life, full members of the Kingdom here and now. The only catch is we have to claim our tickets. At times though it's more fun to evaluate than be part of the action.
You will recall Nicodemus questioned Jesus about the concept of new birth, and Jesus responded by telling the new birth in faith. When pressed by Nicodemus, Jesus amplified the answer. Verses 14-21 continues this expanded answer to include the understanding of just how great the love of God is, and that new life in faith leads to transformed living. It appears in the text Nicodemus believed Jesus' thinking absurd.
In Nicodemus, we find the armchair quarter-back in all of us. We detach ourselves from the game; analyze the action, and pronounce judgment upon those participating. This comes from the narrowness of our single minded thinking. Jesus and Nicodemus were both Jews, each devout by any standard or measure of faith. Jesus in his openness affirmed Nicodemus where he was, and invited him to look at questions outside of his present experience. Nicodemus, either through fear of something new, or pride, would not open his heart or mind to a new understanding and experience of God.
We are not unlike Nicodemus. We find it easier to find fault than find common ground between differences. It is easier to raise questions and cast doubt than to seek that we may know or adjust our frame of reference and broaden our perspective.
The gospel writer tells us in Jesus, God sent the very best. Not to judge or condemn, but out of love, that our lives might be blessed. No pie in the sky theology, but abundant life, full members of the Kingdom here and now. The only catch is we have to claim our tickets. At times though it's more fun to evaluate than be part of the action.
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601
