"Christ Instructing Nicodemus" – Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678)
Second Sunday in Lent – John 3:1-17, March 12
Nicocodemus
Today’s readings are all about signs and promises, signs requested, signs given, and signs difficult to discern. Lent is a time to ask God to help us to be more loving, remembering that God is always ready to strengthen us.
Nicodemus, a pharisee though better educated than most never understood the significance of Christ beyond the miracles. Nicodemus comes to Jesus looking for a sign – and when he is given it, he cannot understand it. He never understood that Jesus’ teachings were for more than the Jews and that he would have to abandon his older understandings. His knowledge was a barrier trying to understand. God ultimately gave us his Son for stengthening us and the community.