Book of Faith - John 3:1-13 - Born from Above

Before moving into the story of Nicodemus and being born from above, we revisited last weeks discussion.  John 2:23-25 is a little confusing.  The key seems to be in what translation you have.  The one we thought was the clearest was:

When he was in Jerusalem, at the Passover, at the Feast, many believed in his name, as they saw the signs which he did; but Jesus himself would not entrust himself to them, because he knew them all, and because he had no need that anyone should testify in him what man is like, for he well knew what was in human nature.  

Mark has the Messianic secret running all through his gospel.  Jesus would do a miracle and then tell people not to tell anyone.  John suggests the same pattern.  In this case, Jesus knew people and understood that they were not ready for the truth.  Like the old movie, they couldn't handle the truth.  They loved a man of signs and wonders, but they were not ready for a man of suffering.  Just like Mark, you have to wait until the cross and Easter to truly understand who Jesus is.  

From these two verses, we moved on to the story of Nicodemus who comes to see Jesus in the middle of the night.  Nicodemus is looking for the truth, but when Jesus gives him the truth, that he needs to be born again (born from above), Nicodemus cannot accept the idea that he must start again and deflects the truth by asking how can someone be born again.  Jesus' response seems harsh by challenging Nicodemus, but a more careful look suggests that Jesus was just calling Nicodemus on his supposed ignorance.  Jesus is saying that Nicodemus knew what Jesus was saying, he just didn't want to accept what he said.  We have that kind of encounter all the time with our children.  They pretend to not understand what we are saying because they do not like what we are saying.  We find ourselves calling their bluff.  Jesus calls Nicodemus' bluff.  Jesus sees Nicodemus as a person who puts up wallpaper.  The job is perfect, but the pattern is upside down.  Nicodemus was a righteous man, but his own righteousness was not the road to salvation.  He needed to go back to the beginning.  He needed to be saved.  The story of Nicodemus is no different than our own story.

Peace,

Pastor Summer

   

Book of Faith - John 1:35-51 - Calling the Disciples

As we continued to explore the gospel of John this week, the group found it interesting that John the Baptist directs his disciples to Jesus.  This picks up the earlier theme that John is not the Messiah.  Anyone who says differently is not speaking for John.  John may have been surprised that Jesus was the promised one, but he had no doubts.  

The group wondered why Nathanael recognized Jesus as the Son of God from the very beginning.  This seems surprising in light of the other gospels.  This serves the gospel writer's purpose, but may not reflect what actually happened.  Certainly there is more going on in this encounter between Nathanael and Jesus than meets the eye.  Jesus was able to see into the very heart of Nathanael.  Jesus saw him under the fig tree, but something more was taking place.  Nathanael would have been studying the law under that fig tree and studying the law was his true pleasure and joy.  Jesus recognized that passion in Nathanael.  It was that passion that Jesus saw and the reason that Nathanael marveled at Jesus.  Jesus could read Nathanael like a book.  Jesus would also recognize Simon as his rock (Cephas in aramaic or Peter in Greek).  Jesus' ability to see into the hearts of others was a gift we see again and again in scripture.  This ability also speaks to our own journey of faith.  Jesus is able to see into our hearts.  He knows the truth about us, even the truths we try to keep secret.  That is why the love of God is so powerful.  God's love is given even though God knows the truth about us.

John gives Andrew a role to play.  Andrew is Peter's brother and is always second fiddle.  However, in John, Andrew is always bringing people to Jesus.  In this passage, Andrew brings Peter to Jesus.  In many ways, that is our role.  We are to bring others to Jesus.  We do not make faith happen.  By invitation, we help to create moments where the gift of faith is given.  Andrew provides such an invitation to his brother Peter.

Finally, Jesus turns to address the first two disciples to follow him.  One of those disciples was Andrew.  At the beginning, they were only following at a distance.  Jesus is the one who turns and asks, "What do you seek?"  The question is a powerful one.  What do we seek from Jesus?  Jesus' turning also has him meets us where we are rather than waiting for us to come to him.  That is the movement of God's grace.  God's grace is always coming to us.  God's grace is always meeting us where we are.  That is the power and wonder of God's love.

Join us next week for the Book of Faith.  We meet every Wednesday at noon at the Christian Education Building.  You may also join us on this blog.  Keep exploring!

Peace,

Pastor Summer