The Pharisees declared, “You do not see any of the Sanhedrin believing in Jesus! Or the Pharisees! Only those who are lost!” Then one of their number, Nicodemus, said, “Since when does our law condemn a man without a hearing?” But they taunted him….
John 7:40-53
REFLECTION
During the first two years of his ministry, Jesus was honored and sought after. Then, when people learned who he really was and what demands he was making, almost everyone snubbed him. Only one of the leaders, Nicodemus, resisted the demand that he should be done away with. Only he reminded the others about the principles of justice and the necessity of hearing both sides of an issue. His courage caused him to be dismissed from the “club,” the
Sanhedrin. But it earned him Christ’s respect… and it grew to earn him Christ’s friendship and everlasting happiness.
NICODEMUS SPEAKS TO YOU
“Blessed shall you be—forever blessed—if you stick to ? our principles and demand that justice be done. Gently but forcefully resist those powerful people in your life who threaten you with exclusion if you dare oppose them. You may be treated with contempt by the ‘in’ group, the ‘club’ or ‘gang.’ But Jesus will come to you. The Lord prepares a special Advent for those who witness to the truth courageously.”
PRAYER
Please, Jesus, let me be your Nicodemus kind of friend. Let me keep learning about your purposes. Don’t allow me to be unduly swayed by people on either side of any argument. Let me be silent, with wisdom’s patience, when that is called for. Or let me speak out with unselfish strength, when this is needed. And always, always, let me wait for your coming with joyful hope. Amen.