Lent Day 30 - Nicodemus Takes a Night-time Walk
Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are . . . born again.’ John 3:5–7
Earlier, I mentioned a boy in my maths class who would ask questions on my behalf. That was more than forty years ago now, but some things never change. As I have been writing this book, I have been attempting to learn Welsh. Ours is a small class, and I am one of the two oldest students in it. Nonetheless, I still hope that someone else will ask the questions so that I can get an explanation for things which ought to be obvious to me. My understanding is reliant on their courage in asking the question.
Nicodemus was a person who was supposed to understand the things of God. To be a Pharisee meant demonstrating an exhaustive knowledge of the Old Testament Torah and an aptitude to learn the vast body of Jewish teachings. Pharisees were the guardians of Israel’s spiritual heritage and should have recognised the Messiah of God when he walked among them. Many did not, and others were secretly curious. One such was Nicodemus, whose curiosity about Jesus got the better of him. In John’s Gospel we are told that he came to Jesus ‘at night’ (John 3:2) and asked him all about his teaching. In response, Jesus gave an answer that forms the backbone to our understanding of the gospel.
How did it feel for Nicodemus to sneak off at night and seek out this radical and dangerous teacher, I wonder? Did he pick his route carefully through the city, making sure that he was not being followed? At stake was his own reputation for orthodoxy and his authority as a religious leader. To get caught would have meant many awkward explanations, or even denials, in the cold light of day. Interestingly, the next time Jesus was being discussed by his colleagues, Nicodemus stood up for him, reminding them that no one should be accused without due process. You can read all about that in John 7:50–52
There are times when we all walk furtively in God’s direction. This may be because we feel unsure about the things we want to mention to him. We are on less than solid ground, and we fear that he may put us right. Then again, on other occasions the thing which troubles us is precisely that we are on solid ground. We approach God almost certain of what he is going to say, and that scares us! Either way, the figure of Nicodemus, slipping through the streets at night and looking over his shoulder, is not unfamiliar to us.
Before we pray, it is worth remembering that the impact of that night-time walk on Nicodemus was both profound and permanent. Later in John’s Gospel, as we have said, he stands up for the rights of Jesus to be treated fairly. Later, after Jesus is condemned and executed, Nicodemus throws caution to the wind by openly declaring his allegiance and providing spices for Jesus’ anointing. A little night-time conversation with Jesus goes a long way!
Taken from In Step With God by Richard Littledale
In Step with God will inspire you to put on your walking boots and join Richard Littledale on 101 devotional 'walks' through the Bible!
From Noah to Elijah through to the Magi and the disciples, the Bible is full of stories of people who have made long or short walks that have had an impact on themselves and others.
Richard Littledale unpacks these often overlooked 'walking' stories and encourages you to take your own physical walk as you ponder their deep truths and apply them to your day.
In Step With God gives you 101 thought-provoking biblical reflections and prayers that will encourage you on your own spiritual and physical journey.
Prayer
Dear God, like Nicodemus of old, I need to pluck up my courage today. There are things I need to talk to you about, and I’m not sure what direction they will take me in. Give me courage and honesty, I pray. Amen.