One of the high points of the EH Leadership Conference last week was Geri Scazzero’s opening message around Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus from John chapter three, She focused on Jesus’ bewilderment regarding Nicodemus’ lack of spiritual and emotional insight and how we can almost hear Jesus asking us the same question that he asked Nicodemus. The following is an excerpt.
“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?
- You have little or no emotional connection with your spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends, or congregation
- You have not had emotional or physical intimacy with your spouse for weeks, months, years
- You intimidate others with your anger
- You are defensive, critical, and judgmental
- You avoid conflict at all cost
- You don’t feel, or grieve losses and disappointments
- You don’t play or rest
- You don’t spend time with God regularly
- You can’t say “no” or disappoint certain people
- You are so afraid of what others think
- You are in such poor health due to poor eating and/or exercise
- Your finances are so out of order
- You escape pain through pornography, eating, overworking, gambling
- You live in anxiety
- You measure success by numbers and not love
- You grow your ministry skills but not your loving skills
- You store up resentments
- You are separated from your spouse and no one knows about it
- You are not approachable or warm
- You are easily annoyed, irritated and offended
- You don’t really practice what you preach
- You are afraid to confront certain people
- You haven’t had a day off in weeks, months, even years
- You don’t know how to listen
- You have no silence or reflection in your life
The Bible records a lot of questions that Jesus asks. Occasionally…and maybe more than occasionally, it is good to put ourselves in the shoes (or sandals) of the people Jesus was speaking to and allow the questions to be directed at us and not them. Instead of making a judgement on those with whom Jesus was speaking it is advisable that we do some self examination around questions such as: “Why do you worry about clothes?”….”Who do you say that I am?”…”What do you want me to do for you?”….”Do you want to be made well?”…”Why do doubts rise in your mind?”…”Why are you so afraid?”…”Do you believe that I am able to do this?”…”How can it be that you can be a leader in God’s kingdom and…”