It seems like everywhere you look today there are people either misunderstanding or slandering Jesus for things he said.
And sometimes it’s personal. We say something heartfelt about our faith to a friend or relation and they respond with some sarcastic witticism.
The frustrating thing is we can see that they don’t understand what’s being said. They’re twisting it in ways that were never intended.
If you’re like me, you may have a tendency to become frustrated when that happens. Even upset. The things we love are being trampled on. And it’s not just for our sake. We may genuinely want that person to come to Christ and experience the peace and joy that only He can give.
But consider this. They cannot really understand you because they do not have the Spirit.
Nicodemus came to Jesus and said, “We can see you are a teacher sent by God.” That is NOT what Jesus was. He was the Son of God sent down from heaven to save us poor sinners.
Nicodemus was one of the spiritual leaders of the Jewish people. He liked Jesus, but he was trying to put him in a box. He wanted to limit him to just being a good teacher, as many people do today. Probably thought he was doing Him a favor.
But Jesus said to him, “No one can see the kingdom of heaven without being born from above.”
Now think about this. It’s very important for our everyday lives. Those people we run into who are always trying to put Jesus in a box and laugh at us for worshipping and adoring Him CANNOT see who He really is.
They are not like us. They have not been “born again of water and the Spirit.” Only the Spirit gives anyone the power to see and understand the word of God—to see Jesus as He really is. This power DOES NOT come from intellect alone.
It doesn’t matter how smart people are who make light of Jesus. Nicodemus was certainly smart. No, they have not been given the very great gift that we have. The gift to see Him in His glory and to love him.
So, two things. Don’t get frustrated by their spiritual blindness, like me. Instead be like Jesus and consider that they simply do not have the power or ability to see what we see. We shouldn’t be angry with them. Just like Jesus didn’t get angry with Nicodemus.
If we do get angry, then we’re allowing them to control us. Instead, consider them blind. And if possible help them to get across the street to faith through simple acts of love and kindness.
Second, Nicodemus came around in the end. He came to see Jesus for who He really was. And this can also come true for the people in our lives. They too can be born again of water and the Spirit, and we may even play a role in their conversion, as impossible as it may seem now.
Jesus said that “no one can come to me unless the Father draws him.” So instead of getting frustrated and angry, maybe we can try praying like this: “Dear Heavenly Father, author of all grace and mercy and kindness, please lift up your countenance upon [our friend]. Please touch [his or her] heart with tenderness and draw them to Jesus your Son.”
In sum, don’t despair. Yes, the world can be a bleak place, but you have the light of Christ within you. And you can let your light shine so that they may see your good works and honor your Father in heaven.
Written by Jay Trott
