Nicodemus’ One on One with Jesus: He had observed Jesus’ ministry in the temple and in the streets. He had listened to His disciples and critics. Nicodemus began to think outside the box of the temple chatter. He struggled with questions that went unanswered. Though schooled in the prophetic writings of the Old Testament, he lacked revelation. He hungered for truth.
Curiosity drove him. The Holy Spirit initiates spiritual hunger in us as well. Curiosity pushes each of us differently. Some boldly demand answers. Vocally, some challenge the status quo and investigate what’s hidden in the shadows. Others, like Nicodemus, quietly go about life pondering their observations and searching for clarity. But eventually we all come to a tipping point. We require answers. The good news is that Holy Spirit expects us to.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 NIV
Nicodemus comes to Jesus, not with a question, but with two convictions: (John 3:2 NIV)
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God.
For no man could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
Jesus pulls back the curtain on the Kingdom of God. He teaches Nicodemus beyond his ability to comprehend it in one sitting. The Holy Spirit responds today in the same way to those who are genuinely curious. He gives us more than an answer. He downloads information that must become revelation, so we can gain the clarity we seek. Our search never ends.
Nicodemus did not come with only the thoughts he had. Focus for a minute on “we know”. His opening words reveal that among the “Tribe” of Pharisees, there were others who believed more than they had made public. Nicodemus came on behalf of them all. Curiosity drove him.
Secondly, Nicodemus said: No one could perform the miraculous signs you’re doing if God was not with him. Then Jesus throws him a curve: “Except a man is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus thought he had been seeing the Kingdom of God in operation. But he was only seeing the affect of the Kingdom. Jesus, in essence, is telling him, “you haven’t seen anything yet!” The curious know there is always more. Consider Paul’s words:
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
Imagine what Nicodemus was imagining!+Imagine what Jesus wanted Nicodemus to imagine!
Jesus taught: Seek and you’ll find, ask and answers will be given, knock and doors will open!
CHALLENGE: What are you asking? Imagining? How is God’s power working in you? Curious?
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