Conversations - Nicodemus               

Continuing the series of reflections in which Baptist minister John Rackley seeks to describe a possible response of some of the people who were intimately involved in the 24 hours before the death of Jesus. 

Related: 
Simon of Cyrene 
The Nameless Lover
Mary Magdalene
The Centurion
Joseph of Arimathea

Nicodemus: John 3:1-10; 7:45-52; 19:38-20:1

 

I am always known as the one who met him at night.
I am not making excuses but it was just better that way.
I was too well-known in Jerusalem.
If it was known I had met Jesus I would have lost my reputation.

Nicodemus - Henry Tanner / Wikimedia Commons

I was known for my caution.
I did not take sides.
Jesus gave me a problem.
He created division.
He polarised opinion.
He made it difficult for others;
especially people like me.
I tried to be a voice of calm
In stormy times;
but it was not easy.
 
And then it all came to an end.
He wanted it as much as accusers.
He was trouble.
It really was best that he died rather
than many Jews pay for the disorder he might cause
at the hands of the Occupiers.
 
I could never be a disciple like Joseph.
I was a follower.
I was curious.
I kept a record.
I was keen to know what he did and said;
Even when he left Jerusalem.
So when Joseph asked me to help him with the burial
It was the obvious thing to do.
I would follow to the bitter end.
I would see where he was laid and maybe
I would be asked to collect his bones for his burial.
 
So I came with the spices.
Women’s work I know.
But I didn’t know if anyone would bother.
I had never wanted to be included in his inner circle.
So I brought them.
Got some strange looks too!
 
I wanted not only to overcome the stench
but also to honour him.
He had been a good and faithful servant.
I shall not see his like again.
 
Unless ...he is born again,
a new creation,
another Adam in the garden.
 
Is that a possibility?
 
 
Prayer
 
Lord Jesus Christ – provocative teacher of faith - pour out your compassion on
all who know they are stifled by the faith of others
all who are curious but not convinced by you
all who treasure their reputation before all else
all who visit the graves of their loved ones with only flowers and memories 
Guide the people who bear your name into Easter paths of joy and strength which entice others to follow Christ and expand their own understanding of discipleship.

 

John Rackley is a Baptist minister who blogs at windingquest.wordpress.com
Further conversations can be found on his blog