Nicodemus was a member of the powerful Sanhedrin of his day - 70 men made up of two opposing religious sects; Pharisees and Sadducees. Think of all the work and political wrangling it had taken Nicodemus to be included in the seat of power for the Jews in an occupied nation.
It's interesting occasionally to watch ‘question period’ in the House of Commons. It is not for the faint of heart – it’s about oratory, peer pressure, ‘slant’ and questioning of character. Members of each political group are expected to ‘toe the party line’ on various topics of the day and to think or speak otherwise will cost promotions, good will and maybe even the job.
“Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, ‘Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?’ They replied, ‘Are you from Galilee too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee” John 7:50-52.
It's interesting occasionally to watch ‘question period’ in the House of Commons. It is not for the faint of heart – it’s about oratory, peer pressure, ‘slant’ and questioning of character. Members of each political group are expected to ‘toe the party line’ on various topics of the day and to think or speak otherwise will cost promotions, good will and maybe even the job.
What does a person do when they have changed their viewpoint inside, but their feet haven’t made the physical move yet? Every once in a while a Canadian politician will 'cross the floor’ to another party after having been convinced inside for along time. That in between time must be heart pounding!
Nicodemus was a member of the powerful Sanhedrin of his day - 70 men made up of two opposing religious sects; Pharisees and Sadducees. Think of all the work and political wrangling it had taken Nicodemus to be included in the seat of power for the Jews in an occupied nation. But then (John 3) he had a life changing encounter with Jesus, who was public enemy number one for the council he was part of. On the outside he was still a member of the 70 but on the inside, he was a disciple of Jesus of Nazareth!
And then the day came. As heat was building over Jesus, he spoke out in the Sanhedrin hall – and received the derision of his peers. He was going public with his thoughts about the Lord.
And then after the crucifixion, when Nicodemus must have thought it was all over, he went publicly along with Joseph of Arimathea to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. They brought with them 73 pounds of spices – evidence of wealth. Perhaps at that point Nicodemus didn’t care any more about his worldly status. What a man!
Sometimes we do most good for the cause of Christ by simply exhibiting His values in everyday life. It points to Him. But on occasion the Spirit wants us to speak and show our colors as a disciple - to go public with our love for Christ. Where do you need to be both wise and brave in your witness for the Lord? Ask the Spirit to guide you in your current context! “Courage is the ability to cultivate a relationship with the unknown” D. Whyte.
We are choosing this year to focus on Christ through the 40 days (except Sundays)leading up to Easter. I’ve attached a couple of resources for you to help you to do that. Use it or not, but do focus on the Son!
Pastor Leon Throness
