5: Spiritual Seekers and Discipleship
Key Passage
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
John 3:1-3
Devotional
We live in a society that is curious but skeptical about faith, God, and the church. Today, only 20% of people aspire to attend church weekly. While over ⅔ of our society believes that Jesus existed, the majority of people are a bit wary of faith organizations. Most want someone to listen to their spiritual questions without judgment.
What we see in Jesus' interaction with Nicodemus is the following:
Jesus welcomes and invites our questions.
Jesus provides simple clarity.
Jesus gives space for the journey.
Jesus welcomes and invites our questions.
Just because someone has questions does not mean they are spiritually closed. In fact, the Barna group estimates that 46% of Gen Z would be classified as “spiritually open,” meaning they are open to exploring the spiritual and supernatural dimensions of life with someone else. What does that mean for modern discipleship?
Interestingly, Jesus welcomes those with questions. He is not intimidated by doubt and confusion. Jesus even invites the spiritual seeker to His table. You might find yourself in that category. Chances are, if you don’t, someone close to you is.
Jesus provides simple clarity.
Jesus' response to Nicodemus is surprising. He holds space for Nicodemus, but also offers some wisdom. He also doesn’t hold back on His claim towards spiritual truth. Instead, He offers Nicodemus clarity that he can sit with. This is also inspiring in a world full of sound bites and press release fluff. When you are seeking, Jesus has clarity for your question. He will not leave you out there wondering.
Jesus gives space for the journey.
It’s interesting to note that Nicodemus’ question gives rise to perhaps one of the most powerful one-liners Jesus provides in the Gospel, John 3:16!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Interestingly, Jesus does not force Nicodemus towards a decision, even after communicating a simple truth. Instead, Nicodemus is invited to ponder and consider Jesus' claims. If you are a seeker, there is space for your questions and the journey. God knows what you need today.
Daily Prayer
“God, thank you for holding my questions and my doubts. I bring them to you today and also my burden for the seekers around me in my life. I invite you to speak simple clarity into my concerns. I trust your wisdom and your guidance for my questions of faith. Amen.”