Lent 2A - Additional Thoughts (Narrative Preaching)

As we look at the Gospel narrative this week, it's important to note that Nicodemus appears two more times in the Gospel of John. He stands up to the rest of the Pharisees in John 7, reminding them that their laws consider a man innocent until proven guilty. This reminder came in response to statements that Jesus was deceiving people and teaching a false message, even though they Pharisees had not spoken with him directly.

The second time Nicodemus appears in John, it is at the burial of Christ. We find him (in chapter 19) alongside Joseph of Arimathea as they prepare Jesus for burial and lay him in Joseph's tomb. Nicodemus brought 75 pounds of spices for the embalming process, "in accordance with Jewish burial customs."

While one could simply preach a message based upon the nighttime encounter, it may do a disservice to the overarching story of Nicodemus' life. At minimum, references to these other appearances should appear in order to tell "the rest of the story." I think that the narratives surrounding Nicodemus lend themselves to a narrative message, perhaps delivered through the first person perspective.

Through the eyes and ears of Nicodemus, we can present the journey of a seeker who begins by asking questions about the Kingdom, and concludes his journey by seeing the Kingdom intersect with this world in the cross.

Our theme for Lent is "encounters with Jesus as we journey toward the cross," and this sort of a narrative message fits very nicely within that theme. Obviously, some speculation will be utilized, and the challenge will be to identify the difference between speculation and fact when speaking in the first-person. However, identifying with the character of Nicodemus in this way helps us to understand our own journey toward the cross.

The themes explored will focus around a "do vs. done" motif often taught in evangelism training seminars. Nicodemus is looking for what he must do in order to be saved, while Jesus speaks about what must be done (from above) in order for him to be saved. My character of Nicodemus will explore the reasons for a nighttime visit (secrecy? or for undivided attention?), and will also explain the play on words found in the original langauge (born again? or born from above?). The narrative will conclude with Nicodemus at the tomb, not quite sure what tomorrow will bring.

Grace and Peace,

PastorJon