This is short but
very significant shift in the narrative, specifically in Nicodemus' attitude
towards what Jesus is sharing with him.
Whereas he was initially quite resistive, even purposefully obtuse,
there is something different about his response now.
Nicodemus is no
longer trying to play dumb by focusing on the impossibility of a physical re-birth. Doing so only provided the door for Jesus to
establish the contrast between the physical and spiritual nature of
things. Once that is done Jesus divests
Nicodemus of all spiritual pretense and preeminence in light of the need to be
born again, something that can only be accomplished through the work of the
Spirit of God. Nicodemus' pedigree is
worthless. His piety has no value. His position carries no spiritual weight. His good works have no bearing on the divine
measure of his righteousness or his worthiness to enter into the Kingdom of
God.
His response is to
be expected as he is left spiritually destitute. I hear the words, "How is this
possible?" as an anguished cry from a man who has lived his life by a set
of standards that have just been demolished.
It is not easy for me to face my own spiritual bankruptcy either. But is only when I come to a place in my life
when I recognize my inability to save myself that I can finally enter into
life. "How is this possible?"
Jesus is just getting started sharing the Good News. He is the Good News!
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