Being that Safe Space || What is Courage? || Week 2

Today’s message of our “Courageous Characters” series has us in John 3. We’re going to talk about the courage Nicodemus needed to have this conversation with Jesus. Remember our definition of courage, or the Greek word tolmao. Tolmao (tol-mah-o) is defined as courageously venturing forward by putting fear behind and embracing the fruit that lies ahead for taking a necessary risk. Nicodemus took a huge risk in meeting with Jesus. Who is Nicodemus you ask? Let me tell you.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a Jewish law teacher, and a member of the Sanhedrin, which is the highest court of justice and the supreme council in ancient Jerusalem. Last week, I discussed the story about how the religious law teacher had to set aside what he knew in order to accept Jesus for who he is. Nicodemus is having to do the same thing, but now has a safe place to have the conversation. He met Jesus late one night, so that others wouldn’t potentially see him interacting with the One that drives the Pharisees insane.

Nicodemus acknowledges who Jesus is, which is different than the story from last week. They tried to trap Jesus, but Nicodemus comes to him asking for clarity. He was able to come humbly before Jesus ask him the tough questions that we even ask Jesus. He felt that because he was in this safe space, he could do it without feeling any kind of judgment. They started a conversation about how someone can be born again, which is a tough concept to grasp. You walk up to anyone on the street to ask that question and you may get a response like John 3:4

4        “How is it possible for an adult to be born? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?”

It took courage to question Jesus. It took courage to think that Jesus doesn’t know what he’s talking about because the concept of being born doesn’t align with our worldly understanding. And yet, it was because of this courage that the conversation took place over 16 more verses. Jesus explains more about what he means by being “more again”. As the conversation progress, Nicodemus still feels comfortable asking why. Overall, they were able to have a fulfilling conversation that changed Nicodemus’ view on Jesus and his teachings forever. Later in John 7, Nicodemus is actually defending Jesus against the other Pharisees. He also came to help with securing Jesus’ body after the crucifixion in John 19. Because of the tough conversation Nicodemus had with Jesus, and having the courage to actually engage in this conversation, he was able to set aside what he once knew and not force his own beliefs as truths. He learned why Jesus taught what he taught and believed what he believed because of the importance it was to Jesus and his ministry. It’s often times hard for us to do that. To set aside what we know in order to listen what others are dealing with. We sometimes think that what others are coming to us about are petty, small, non-threatening, etc., but oftentimes it feels like their world is coming down. Instead of building a wall and blocking their feelings, take courage in having the conversation with them. It took them having courage to come