He Never Said 'No'

Scripture: Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. John 19:39

Observation: Nicodemus, "who had first come to Jesus at night," of course is a direct reference to the events of John 3. It is Nicodemus alone who heard what is, perhaps, the best-known quote in history, John 3:16. That happened in secrecy, but now Nicodemus steps forward in full public view. As Jesus hangs dead, accused of blasphemy to the point of the other Jewish leaders demanding his death, Nicodemus is now courageous and faithful enough to publicly demonstrate that he is a believer, on the side of Jesus.

Application: I remain fascinated by Nicodemus. He is a religious leader who is much more interested in the facts and truth than he is in his own authority and stature. However, that same demand for facts causes him to hesitate, and to question, and to ponder without commitment, when it comes to the most important matter in human history ... is Jesus the Messiah. He never says "no", but it takes him a long time to get to "yes." In the meantime, he is witness to significant debates on the matter, during which one of the things he learns is that the opponents to Jesus actually aren't concerned with truth and facts.

My takeaway on Nicodemus is that he is an archetype of one kind of seeker, and every day the various types of archetypes remain relevant to how people believe today. There are some for whom the truth is just revealed to their heart, and they joyfully believe (like Andrew and John). There are some who are thrust into a powerful event that changes their life's direction (Paul and Mary likely fit this, as do I). Again, for some that event is a miraculous healing to themselves or a loved one creates their realization and thus their faith (I think Peter and many of the unnamed blind/leppers fall into this category).

Then there are those for whom they need to decide by logical analysis (in addition to Nicodemus, Thomas would be an example, too). This also seems to be the realm of many of the influential thinkers of today who come to a logical determination of faith as well.

I am one of those people who agrees we cannot win people to Jesus JUST by showing them the facts. For most, I would say the emotional realization of faith outweighs the logical, and even for the logical individuals eventually their faith becomes a relationship ... which is an emotional connection to the Lord, and is more significant than the logic.

Okay, but here was the key to all this. At no time, as Nicodemus was "studying" the issue, did he ever get to the point of deciding "no, Jesus cannot be the Messiah." I feel this is key. There are many today who 'intellectually' get to the point of declaring that, but the huge majority of them do so because they believe they logically determine that God doesn't exist (thus, there can't be a son of God).

I admire Nicodemus' determination to find truth. He remained open to facts as they emerged. I look forward to meeting him someday.

Prayer: Lord, I live in an area where so many people believe they are logical, intellectual, and educated. As a result, they reach decisions about Jesus, then close off their minds. I don't know how to engage with them, but you do. May I be open to, and receive, your spirit to serve you and others every day. Amen.