2^nd Sabbath in Lent

February 15/17, 2008

Victor H. Nixon

IN JERUSALEM: BEING BORN AGAIN

John 3:1-17

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Unlike the synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark and Luke—John’s gospel has Jesus in Jerusalem for Passover near the beginning of his ministry. Passover is the celebration of the deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. Jesus made a name for himself during Passover by running moneychangers out of the Temple and accusing them of turning God’s house into a marketplace.(2:13-16). Consequently, many "believed in his name," John says, "because they saw the signs that he was doing."(2:23) Of course, Jesus also made a number of enemies, but John omits that, choosing to focus on those who believed in him.

Perhaps that’s the reason Nicodemus, a Pharisee and religious leader, came to see him one night. There is a lot of speculation about why Nicodemus, a very important figure in the temple of the established religion, would come to see Jesus under cover of darkness. Maybe that’s the only time that he and Jesus had available. Maybe he didn’t want his fellow Pharisees to see him—understandable, because they were hardly supporters of Jesus. Maybe he comes as a kind of agent from the Pharisees to check Jesus out and to question him about his mission and activities in Jerusalem. And just maybe this learned and influential man is a secret disciple but doesn’t want to be open about it. By that little detail in the story, John let’s us know that their meeting "by night" is significant.

It does seem apparent that Nicodemus respected Jesus because he referred to him as "Rabbi," ("Teacher"). "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." His statement seems an affirmation of faith. It also appears that Nicodemus and some of his colleagues do recognize and believe in Jesus; they just don’t possess the courage of their convictions. It wouldn’t be the first time that leaders in the community of faith kept quiet about their beliefs in times of controversy or maintained a low profile when truth was evident because they were afraid. It’s hard to be open when you’re right but in the minority. Best be careful about letting your faith and your ethics show. Best come to Jesus at night when nobody else is looking.

Jesus replied to Nicodemus, "Very truly, I tell you ["Amen, Amen," in Hebrew], no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." I take this to be a confirmation of Nicodemus’ recognition and faith concerning Jesus. It is spiritual rebirth that makes it possible for anyone to recognize the rule of God in human life. No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above, says Jesus. Nicodemus seems to have glimpsed the rule of God in Jesus’ life and ministry.

Regardless of the words, what does it really mean to be born again? It appears that the definition depends upon whom you are asking and can be rather subjective. When you ask the Bible, you get the real story from Jesus in John’s gospel.

Nicodemus doesn’t quite understand that Jesus’ statement is metaphorical or symbolic, not literal. "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?" he asks. Jesus tells him that no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Water and the Spirit? Where do we hear that?

The Sacrament of Baptism. There are two acts in the Sacrament of Baptism. The first has to do with water—immersing the person, or pouring or sprinkling water on the person being baptized, symbolic of resurrection and new life. The second act is the Imposition of the Spirit in which hands are laid upon the head of the newly baptized and these words are said: "The Holy Spirit work within you, that being born through water and the Spirit you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ." Baptism is a re-enactment of being born again through the power of God’s Spirit.

Being born from above—born anew, born again—is the working of the Holy Spirit in your life. Jesus says, "What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit." Transformation is not our doing; it is God’s doing. To be born again is to be transformed by God’s Spirit-presence in your life. It can happen in an instant; for most of us it happens over a lifetime. Re-birth, being made new, is a process of growing in our awareness of God and God’s will for our lives so that we are changed.

I believe that Nicodemus recognized that possibility of God’s transformation in Jesus. He saw it in the eyes and faces of those whom Jesus had touched in Jerusalem. He saw it in the courageous witness of the Galilean preacher who dared to question temple practices. Nicodemus was at least curious about and, perhaps, wanted to experience the transformation of God in his own life through an encounter with Christ. I believe that Nicodemus came in the night hoping to experience God.

I believe that’s what we all want—a transforming experience of God that’s like being re-born with a fresh start, a new beginning, a new life filled with hope and love and peace. That’s what I want. It’s what I’ve wanted from the very beginning of my journey with Jesus. I’ve been born again in my baptism, but I believe that I am on the way to being born again, and again, and again, by the grace of God. I’m on my way to loving God with all my heart, mind and strength, and my neighbor as myself. I’m on my way to treating others the way I want to be treated. I’m not there yet, you understand, but I’m moving in that direction. I’m on my way toward loving my enemies and caring for the least and unloved among us. I’m on my way to learning what it means to serve rather than to be served. I’m on my way as a follower of Jesus. I haven’t experienced a "total make over" yet; I’ve still got a ways to go before God has finished re-creating me. But I’ve come this far by faith, and I believe that God will be with me all the way. On this all of us—like Nicodemus and others—experience the transforming grace of God. And, if you haven’t done so, you are invited to join the journey with us toward new birth.

For that reason, God so loved the world that God gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. Thanks be to God. Amen.