Digging Deeper: Curious and Confused
There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.’”
John 3:1-2 (NLT)
CURIOUS AND CONFUSED
Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, visited Jesus secretly at night, driven by genuine curiosity yet constrained by fear of public judgment. His covert approach reveals an inner conflict—a yearning for truth versus the burden of cultural expectations. Jesus’ miraculous signs and profound teachings challenged Nicodemus to rethink his understanding of faith. This encounter invites us to examine our own hesitations in pursuing spiritual truth and to approach Christ with sincerity, even when fear tempts us to remain in the shadows.
Pastor Tim Keller, in a 2018 sermon, humorously recounted a Sunday school boy who earnestly asked, “If Jesus lives in my heart, does that mean He’s got a VIP section?” The teacher’s witty reply—that Jesus must have a separate lounge—sparked laughter while revealing spiritual depth. This amusing anecdote reminds us that even simple questions can unlock profound truths. It challenges us to pursue our inquiries with both humility and humor, trusting that God welcomes our honest, childlike curiosity.
Examine your life for areas where fear keeps you from seeking deeper truth. Commit to spending quiet time with God, asking honest questions about your faith. Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor so you can grow together.
Reflection:
- Have you ever hesitated to ask spiritual questions? Why?
- What area of your faith remains unexplored?
Suggested Prayer:
God, help me seek truth boldly and overcome my fears to embrace You fully. Amen.
Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.