Trinity Sunday: Gospel, John 3:1-17                                     

John 3:1-17

Do you know the exchange in John 3 between Jesus and Nicodemus, the “teacher of Israel”? Many of you do. And if you don’t then perhaps it might be wise for you to read through our gospel text a couple of times. When I was an evangelical, this passage was a hallmark. This is the “born again” chapter. Now as a Lutheran (the original evangelicals) it is no less important to me, but now I get to breathe easier because water simply means water (imagine that), and the entire scope of salvation being completely the work of God is brought to mind and heart each time I encounter Jesus here. Please understand, there is no intention of disparaging any brothers or sisters in Christ, no matter your background. I love you, dearly and more importantly, so does our Savior. And I hope all may benefit from our walk today in John 3.

As is so often the case in conversations with Jesus, and I think especially in the gospel through John, those he encounters need perspective adjustment. I chuckle a bit because I have loved the Savior over forty years now, and I still need my perspective adjusted. Daily. Here Jesus is “cornered” by a man I take to be a very faithful son of Abraham. He loves His God and the faith which has been passed on to him. And he loves it enough that he is still learning although Jesus lets us know that in Israel, no one is seen to know the Scriptures better than this dear Nicodemus. He comes to Jesus in the dark of night. He will leave having the Light of heaven brought to bear on his own spiritual shadows. I want to follow the example of Nicodemus. Like him, I may not always be filled with courage, but whenever I can I want to hear what Jesus says. And He will grant me the courage I need.

Jesus is teaching his pupil that heaven is responsible for salvation. It comes from God alone. In fact the phrase “born again” is probably better translated, “born from above.” When Jesus completes round one with his inquirer, Nicodemus’ head is spinning. Wombs, blood, water, new life. It’s all a swirl and Nicodemus is every bit as confused as when he began. So I love Jesus’ straightforward question, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?” Think of how Nicodemus may have taken that. Was he angry? Proud? Insulted? Well we have our answer on Good Friday don’t we? Remember?

Tears well up in my eyes as I look at the text before me as Joseph of Arimathea has asked Pilate for the crucified body of Jesus. And then,”Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes ….” (John19:39a). I take it that for both men, this was not just a nice gesture. It was worship. Both men, not just Nicodemus had begun in the dark as do we all. And Jesus had opened their eyes to see. I’m sure He granted them even more light in the days and years before them. Jesus of Nazareth is still opening eyes.

Lord, open our eyes until, together, we gaze on Your risen glory. Amen!