God So Loved

Second Sunday in Lent  March 8, 2020

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.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 

“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 

“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. 

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:1-17

My daughters are all grown women now, but I still remember carrying them. The pregnancy process is mysterious, painful and overwhelming at times, yet also so hopeful and exciting. I never knew so much love and anxiety. I was totally responsible for their welfare, yet I could not see them or hold them. I had to trust God and my medical professionals that all would be well. And then, when they were born, another level of love overcame me. I was grateful and terrified and willing to give my life for them.

Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, wanting answers. He had witnessed miracles and the religious insiders told everyone that Jesus was a sham and evil. Nicodemus knew otherwise, but he didn't know what to do or believe. Nicodemus is overwhelmed with hope and anxiety. He stands in for all of us in our very human condition. Jesus tells him finally, that God so loved the world. God's love is bigger than the things we can't or won't understand. We need to jump in, be filled with hope and expectation, trusting that the love of God is bigger and more capable than our human knowledge and skill. God can transform the impossible to possible, bringing new birth to those we are jaded, worn down and terribly afraid.

Today, I ask God to help me be hopeful and fully expectant. May we lean in and lean on God's love, which is always moving to heal and transform this weary world of ours.