The Jesus Interruption - Day 7

Lent 2011 - The Jesus Interruption
Each week of this season, we will be entering into the experience of an individual whose life was interrupted by an encounter with Jesus. This week - Nicodemus (John 2:23-3:17)

I am fascinated by Nicodemus. I'm not sure why.

Much us made of the timing of his visit with Jesus. It happened at night. Most of the speculation surrounds Nicodemus; ... is he scared of being caught? ... is he hiding from his fellow Pharisees? ... is he trying to avoid the crowds?

Nobody ever asks What was Jesus doing up so late. Do you think Nicodemus had to wake him up? Was Jesus cranky? Did he have bed head? Or was he sitting up, awake and alert, waiting for Nick to show up because he knew he would? Like a scene in a spy movie: "Mr. Bond, we have been expecting you."

I like to think that the reason Nick came to visit Jesus at night was just because he couldn't sleep. Having seen the signs Jesus was doing, he knew there was something extraordinary happening here. So he was tossing and turning, mulling things over, his mind racing, and he finally kicked off the covers and decided to take a stroll.

And then, mostly subconsciously, his feet led him to the place where Jesus was.

"Can't sleep?" Jesus asked.

Nick shook his head no.

Jesus smiled a bit, and waited. There was a hesitant silence. And then ...

"Teacher, ... " Nick began ...