Often the meaning of
Scripture is lost in the words of Scripture.
Words change nuances and even definitions over time. Colloquialisms are also subject to the time
in which they were first spoken and then written. What would have been a typical setting and
exchange becomes literature, which is parsed and dissected in order to better
understand the original meaning. It is
an imperfect study at best. It is the
sad, although natural, flow of language.
This conversation
between Jesus and Nicodemus is recorded in the common language of the day-
Koine Greek. We will never know exactly
how the exchange takes place this side of heaven. But we do know that it is not a formal
conversation; it is respectful, but familiar.
Jesus has a way of engaging people on a personal level. This conversation is no different. The point is that Jesus is doing everything
possible to convince Nicodemus to accept a new way of thinking about God and
salvation. Nicodemus is digging in his
religious heels into the clay of legalism and formalism. Jesus is doing all to hang on. He knows that he has more to share that will
test Nicodemus even more. But these are
not words of exasperation, but of concern and compassion. He wants so much for Nicodemus to understand.
And so God (and
remember, Jesus came to let us know what God is really like) has tried and will
try most anything to engage me, even if I am being obtuse and resistive. He pursues me with a persistence that has no
end. Hebrews 1:1 tells me God revealed
himself to humanity in many ways and at different times. He takes the initiative. In Nicodemus' case, Jesus knows that words
are the best means to engage him. For
others it might require different means, but Jesus exemplifies the divine
desire to draw humanity back into the heavenly fold. It requires a different set of values and a
new world view. It demands a leap of
faith, but the payoff pays dividends for eternity
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