Jesus' Encounter with Nicodemus

Hear these words from John 3:1-7

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew'."
(Revised Standard Version)

Observe the window

What does the window reveal to you about Nicodemus? About Jesus? What point in their conversation do you think the window is portraying? If you could have a conversation with Jesus, what would you talk with him about?

Take a few minutes to be silent

Allow God to speak to you. When you are ready, speak with him as openly and honestly as Nicodemus did when he came asking questions concerning eternal life. Being honest with God makes your relationship with him more intimate. Open yourself to him.

Prayer

As Nicodemus came to you with questions, so do we, O Lord. Hear us as we search for answers and truth. There is much in life we do not understand. Give us patience to wait upon you. And enable us to rest in you, to trust you, even when we do not understand. Give birth to your spirit in us, that we may be new creatures in Christ. Amen.

Read and sing these words in your heart:

O Joy, all joys excelling
The Bread of Life, the Way
In sinful hearts to stay.
My spirit’s hungry craving
You can forever still;
From deepest anguish saving,
With bliss my cup can fill.