Nougat 23

I pray you are doing well. As we continue to reflect on Accompaniment and correction, may we remember the value of discretion. Please receive Today’s Holy Nougat

“Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things?” ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Away from the Crowd

Nicodemus, Jesus’ conversation partner at that moment, was established religion. He sought Jesus out as something about Jesus’ teaching drew him in. He was willing to concede that Jesus was a rabbi (the title wasn’t offered randomly – it was a mark of respect), and a God-sent teacher. He, unlike some of his counterparts, recognized that what Jesus did pointed to God, not too Beelzebub (see verse 2 where Nicodemus greets Jesus, vs Matthew 26:59; or John 10:30-33). But He wasn’t certain if he wanted to follow Jesus.

In helping Nicodemus discern, Jesus invited him to a brand new experience with God: to be born again. From what we can tell, this was a new term, as it doesn’t seem to have been used in prior texts. And Nicodemus was clearly unfamiliar with the concept. Jesus then tried to clarify the concept, but it was outside of Nicodemus’ frame of reference. That was somewhat challenging, as the religious leaders were the dispensers of Knowledge – their ignorance could cripple a community’s literacy.

That’s the point where the ‘reprimand’ was delivered by Jesus. And unlike the usual public sparring when Jesus castigated religious establishment, Jesus’ reprimand was delivered in private. He didn’t gloss over Nicodemus’ ignorance. But Jesus took him to task in the private space.

Sometimes when correcting those in opposition to us it is best that we opt for private conversations. This may not always be practical or convenient, but as we rebuke in love, it is better. Should we read further past our Nougat, we find Jesus explaining the ‘Way’ to Nicodemus. He didn’t stop at the reprimand. Which is what we’ve been reflecting on for the past few days. There is a time and place for airing the differences.

At the end of that conversation, we see nothing that indicates Nicodemus is changed. In fact, it is Jesus Who left Nicodemus to minister alongside His disciples. But, Jesus’ counsel does impact Nicodemus. For, Nicodemus sneaks back into Jesus’ story twice: defending Jesus in John 7. Then later, he allegedly anointed Jesus’ body with myrrh in preparation for entombment in John 19:39-42.

This suggests that when we accompany or correct someone, we might not even see the proof of our intervention in our lifetime. But we journey with them nevertheless. We remain accessible to those who need us, taking care to correct away from the crowd, yet holding firmly to what we believe. May we be the difference God uses to transform lives around us.

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May all we seek be found in Christ