The Night Visitor

The Night Visitor

One night, Jesus was sitting with his disciples when a figure stepped from the shadows. He was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, an important man who was on the ruling council known as the Sanhedrin.

Nicodemus was afraid to come to Jesus in the daylight, in case anyone saw him and thought that he was a disciple.

“Rabbi,” he said respectfully,” everyone knows that you are a teacher sent from God because of the miracles that you perform…”

Jesus looked steadily at the thoughtful figure who stood there so hesitantly.

Nicodemus coughed,” I mean… No one could do these things if God were not with him…He looked over his shoulder, half expecting that he had been followed, but he was alone and safe for a while. Jesus beckoned to him to sit down.

“The truth is, “said Jesus,” no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

“How can someone who is old be born again?” asked Nicodemus. Jesus seemed to be speaking in riddles and Nicodemus had so many questions.

“Human beings are physically born one their lives,” answered Jesus, but they can be spiritually born as well,”

Nicodemus frowned and rubbed his forehead as if the mystery were too difficult. Just then, the wind caught the leaves in the trees, and Jesus said,” Did you hear that? No one sees the wind or touches it; no one knows where it comes from or where it is going. That’s how it is when someone is born of the Spirit.”

“How is this possible?” asked Nicodemus struggling to understand.

Jesus sighed softly,” You are a teacher of Israel and you don’t even understand this?

Nicodemus sat with him long into the night, almost until the birds greeted the dawn, as Jesus patiently taught him about the need to start all over again in order to be born into God’s kingdom. (John 3)

         

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