Recalculating

Sometimes saying what you are thinking can lead you into a conversation that could change your life.

Did you ever have find yourself in one of those situations where the conversation goes where you never intended and you wish it hadn't?

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.' Jesus answered him, 'Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.' - John 3:1-2

In today's Gospel reading, John sets the scene.  Nicodemus, a leader in the community, makes a comment to Jesus, acknowledging his acceptance of Jesus as a teacher who has to have come from God.

The comment doesn't sound like it requires a response, does it?

Perhaps it was intended as a compliment, something he wanted to say to let Jesus know that he is a believer.

But Jesus takes it to a much higher level.  He talks about seeing the kingdom of God, leading Nicodemus into a discussion about being born of the spirit.

It reminds me of those conversations I get into with people who give me their whole life story in response to my simple inquiry, "How are you?"

Now, I know that is taking it to the extreme.  Nicodemus didn't come out under cover of darkness to say, "How are you doing, Rabbi?"  He obviously wanted to talk with him about who he was and what it meant for him to have come.

John makes it equally obvious by Jesus' response.  I know why you are here, he is telling him.

In a way, it is like a pastoral visit in a hospital room or in someone's home.

The patient knows why we have come.  We are there to listen and allow the pain to come out in words, tears, silence.

Jesus gave Nicodemus an opportunity to question and decide for himself what he felt he needed or wanted.

I encounter people from time to time who dump their beliefs on me.  Some are like a salt-spreader, sprinkling their messages as they go, letting them fall on every conversation.

While others unload like a dump truck, backing up with that annoying beeping sound.

Most of the time, I don't want to hear it.  I don't want someone to pound belief into me, so I try not to be guilty of the same.

What Jesus teaches us in this simple encounter is how to use the moment to guide the conversation where the other person wants to go.

He has captured the interest and attention of Nicodemus with his statement about being born of the spirit.  How can one be born a second time?  Nicodemus asks, and Jesus tells him.

So, if there is someplace I feel a need to go, if I have a message for someone in need, what does this lesson teach me to do?

I think I need to be like the GPS app on my phone.  I can suggest a route, but let the driver decide when to turn.  And if he goes beyond the exit, I can simply pause while recalculating the next best possible route.

More to come..

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