A few weeks ago, our dog woke us in the middle of the night. He was growling at something outside our window. I listened carefully but couldn’t hear anything. I looked out the window and saw nothing. But clearly there was something out of the ordinary that he was hearing, and his growling went on for some time. Eventually, we all faded back off to sleep. In the morning, we discovered that our daughter’s car, parked in front of our garage, had been burgled.
Fortunately, nothing of any great value was taken. Of course, the thieves that targeted our neighborhood used the relative disguise of the darkness to conceal their work. Not only is it dark but most everyone is sleeping, and sleeping is the opposite of vigilance. Using the cover of darkness and a late hour are common when concealment is desired.
This Sunday, we consider the story of Nicodemus, the religious leader who comes to find Jesus and figure out just exactly who this person gaining followers and attention might be. But we take note that our storyteller includes the detail that Nicodemus comes at night and in the darkness. What is it that Nicodemus might be trying to conceal? Who is it that Nicodemus doesn’t want to draw attention from?
We recall the opening verses of John’s Gospel and the theme we employed for our Advent and Christmas worship experiences, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
It’s into this intimate and hidden moment, that Jesus shares the good news that has uplifted the faith of countless followers, arguably the most well-known piece of the New Testament. Nicodemus wanted his conversation to remain in the darkness, but the truth of Jesus is the light cannot be concealed.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
May God’s peace find you this day. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… You are the light that shines in a darkened world. May the truths some may prefer to keep concealed be revealed instead. May we find the courage to step out of the darkness and to be guided by your light. Amen.