“Give Me One Good Reason”
“Give me one good reason and you will convince me.” So often that statement has been made with the words hiding unbelief and cynicism. The words are thrust out with a conviction that there is no way that a good reason exists. Nothing will be able to convince the individual that he is wrong. Yet events come, vulnerability is exposed and an openness, a curiosity to find the truth, is suddenly there.
What drew, what compelled Nicodemus to come to Jesus at night to find that one good reason? Nicodemus, a Pharisee, had every reason to hate this popular rabbi who threatened his position of power, wealth, influence and belief. Yet Nicodemus was curious and honest and wanted to have an answer to who Jesus was. His words to Jesus revealed his dilemma, “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.” What was unsaid was, “Just give me one good reason to believe you are the Messiah.”
Question of the week: Nicodemus was a Pharisee. What was a Pharisee?
Answer: The Pharisees were one of at least four major schools of thought within the Jewish religion around the 1st century. Josephus, a Jewish commentator and historian of that time, indicates that the Pharisees received the backing and good-will of the common people, apparently in contrast to the more elite Sadducees associated with the ruling classes. Both the Pharisees and Sadducees were members of the Sanhedrin, the ruling Jewish council at the time of Nicodemus.
Update on our LifeCenter
Work continued on the parking lot and landscaping this week. Framing and other inspections are scheduled and siding is on the way. The windows and temporary doors have been installed and we are now able to “lock up” the building in the evening. Our new address is 200 Fletcher Avenue.
