Matt’s Musings

Dear St. Paul’s Friends and Family,

The curious encounter between the Pharisee Nicodemus and Jesus under the cover of darkness gives us new lenses through which to see God’s saving work.  It’s likely the Nicodemus came to Jesus at night because he didn’t want to be seen by his fellow Pharisees talking to this controversial new teacher.  They didn’t know what to make of Jesus.  He wasn’t one of them and he didn’t possess the religious pedigree and training that was expected of noted teachers.  Nicodemus recognized that Jesus came from God.  He seemed authentic in his desire to learn from Jesus about the workings of the Divine.  

Jesus didn’t provide a simple answer to the curious Pharisee.  Instead, in classic Jesus style, he spoke in metaphor.  Childbirth is his preferred image.  “No one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born from above.”  Poor Nicodemus jumped right down that bunny hole and wondered how he could literally be born again from his mother’s womb.  Jesus was patient but made it clear that the re-birth he was speaking of is a spiritual birth issuing from the Holy Spirit.  In short, being born from above or born again is something that God does for humanity.

We can pardon Nicodemus for taking things a little too literally.  Afterall, when considering a life and death issue such as participation in God’s kingdom, the stakes are high.  Jesus offered more reassurance to the confused and nervous Pharisee.  God’s kingdom is not just the stuff reserved for life after death but is present in the real-life earthly struggles of Nicodemus, the disciples, and even us today.  The evidence that Jesus provided is himself.  God became flesh and was sent into the world to redeem, not to destroy the world.  

The Kingdom of God unfolding among us is seen in Christ-like actions of love, grace, hope, peace, and justice.  In other words, our mission as followers of Jesus is to continue Christ’s healing mission that redeems us to God and one another.  Like Nicodemus, we may have our doubts.  The forces of fear and death are strong in the world, but God is stronger.  Let us awake each day born anew—born from above—as we are guided by the Holy Spirit into sharing the wonders of God’s presence and love with our neighbors.  

Blessings on your journey!

Pastor Matt