Not everyone who met Y’shua was of questionable character by socio-religious standards. Luke 8:1-3, for example, tells us of rich women who not only followed Y’shua but also financed the ministry. [Our local congregations, denominations, and the global church need some people like those women now.] There is also a misunderstood Pharisee whose story definitely invites reflection on conversion-conviction. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat
John 3:1-2 AMP
[1] Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (member of the Sanhedrin) among the Jews,
[2] who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi (Teacher), we know [without any doubt] that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs [these wonders, these attesting miracles] that You do unless God is with him.”
Unexpected Visitor
Most of us know that the Pharisees were at odds with Jesus throughout His public ministry. If we listened to their perspective, it makes sense. An unknown man with no proof of formal theological training, from a fishing village, who preferred hanging out with the lower classes, not only criticised them constantly by challenging what they understood in Scripture, but also performed miracles and claimed to be the Messiah! Preposterous!
They were trained in the Law of Moses. Although some anticipated the arrival of a Messiah, as told by the prophets, they perhaps expected someone of high social standing, trained by the greats, who possessed the relevant military skills to save them. For, if Moses was a type of Christ (an example of what to expect in the Messiah), then Jesus did not fit the general expectation.
Moses was a Levite, and they later became the priestly tribe. Adopted into pharaoh’s household from infancy, Moses perhaps possessed the tongue of a diplomat, even though he eventually became a shepherd. He seemed to have practical skills that held him in good stead for leading the Israelites. Plus, Moses had Aaron’s support. Though Y’shua was from Judah, He was mostly surrounded by fishermen and social outcasts.
Self-Check
What do we expect in a Messiah? Why then do we believe in and follow Y’shua Jesus?
Application
In naming Nicodemus and including his status, it is as if Luke is stating that this anomaly of a visit could be corroborated. He could have simply stated, ‘a Pharisee’, or ‘a ruler of the Jews’ – the two descriptors Luke used. Given the negative opinion of Y’shua by the Pharisees, any encounter between a Pharisee and Y’shua was noteworthy. The reader is immediately aware that this is a major encounter.
Nicodemus was on a mission to understand this unique teacher. Rather than approach Jesus with accusations, he began with affirmations and an implicit question. He affirmed that Y’shua was divinely appointed, not a typical pharasaic stance, and grounded his premise on research of Y’shua’s activity.
Siblings, Nicodemus was not a leader of the Jews by chance. His initial remarks to Y’shua indicate that he did his homework before going to see Y’shua. Nicodemus didn’t go asking others if Y’shua was of God. He went directly to Y’shua. Although his visit seemed unorthodox, he sought Him out with the expectation that Jesus had answers. Not as leader to servant, but as seeker to teacher.
Whether it is our saving faith in Jesus, or decisions about whom we select as our spiritual leaders, or our choice of where to assemble for worship, we must do due diligence. The times in which we live demand that we know Scripture for ourselves and are not merely awaiting others’ interpretation. Thus, when we see or hear others expounding on the Word, we can see for ourselves whether it aligns with what we know of God.
Point to Ponder
Like Nicodemus, we can bring our questions and concerns directly to God, knowing that God will respond. Let’s resolve today to seek God first and not as an afterthought.
May all we seek be found in Christ
