The need for self-respect

Jane Denniston March 13, 2025 3 2

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John 3: 1-17 (NRSVA)

1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 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.’ 3 Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ 4 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?’ 5 Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” 8 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.’ 9 Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ 10 Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

11 ‘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. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

16 ‘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.

17 ‘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.

Nicodemus sought out Jesus at the dead of night. As a Pharisee, Nicodemus would have been sure of his place in society and clear about where he belonged. However, what is also clear from this passage is that Nicodemus was not happy with where he belonged. Having heard Jesus teach, having watched Jesus perform miracles, Nicodemus knew there was more to life than he had experienced. 

When we meet him, he seems to be questioning his society and his role in it. Although as a religious leader he would have had the respect of others, his seeking Jesus out in the night suggests that perhaps he was losing his self-respect. 

Jesus offered him a new way to live in which he would find answers for his doubts and his curiosity. A life in which he would re-discover his self-respect in the shelter of God’s love. A life where his sense of worth was based on something much more fundamental and meaningful than anything he had yet discovered, a life in the family of God.

Prayer:

God, our Father,

Lead us to those in our lives and communities

who have lost their self-respect

and need to find it afresh in you.

Who are they?

Where are they?

How can we offer help and support?

Open our eyes to see the need around us.

Open our hearts to care.

Open our minds to know how to respond, Amen