Trinity Sunday
Yearning to Learn
In John 3:1–17, the narrative unfolds with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, approaching Jesus under the cloak of night, driven by a curious yearning for understanding. This nocturnal rendezvous sets the stage for a conversation that transcends mere curiosity, diving deep into the profound truths of salvation and spiritual understanding.
One cannot ignore the significance of Nicodemus’s curiosity. His inquiry is not a casual engagement but a probing search for spiritual truth. This story is praising the genuine hunger for understanding that prompts individuals to seek Christ under the cover of darkness. Nicodemus, in his curiosity, represents the earnest seeker, the one who recognizes the need for divine enlightenment.
John 3:16, the crown jewel of this passage, epitomizes salvation’s essence. God’s sovereign love permeates the discourse, which under-scores the depth of divine sacrifice and the exclusivity of salvation through faith in Christ. The verse resonates with the unyielding truth that salvation is not earned; it is graciously given by a sovereign God.
The interplay between curiosity and understanding culminates in the metaphor of being “born again.” Jesus’ words highlight the profound transformation it entails. Jesus’ words stress the Holy Spirit’s role in enlightening the spiritually dead.
We have Matthew 6:33, “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” and Philippians 2:13a, “It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work.” We don’t know what happened with Nicodemus after this encounter with Jesus. We do know that his curiosity of Jesus led him to act, seek, and ask about the profound understanding of the divine truths. May we all have this curiosity to know and learn more about Christ in our daily life.
Angelica Regalado Cieza, pastor, Estamos Unidos
Winston-Salem, North Carolina