1/25/11- John 3:9-13

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.

(Nicodemus- John LaFarge 1880 Smithsonian Washington DC)
Thoughts: Jesus' answer to Nicodemus question "How can this be?"  Is His answer to our doubts as well: "Trust me."  He says that He speaks of what He knows, that this is simpler stuff than other things He knows, and that we should trust Him because He came from heaven.  Even lead teachers can be confused and wrong sometimes.  In the end, Nicodemus came to believe, and we should too. 
 
Prayer: In the midst of all the doubts cast around me, Lord, help me to believe.   Help me to continually grow in my trust in you.
 
John Calvin Commentary on John Abridged: Everything to Nicodemus appear monstrous because he is not able to see how it could happen.  There is no greater obstacle to faith than our own pride- wanting to know more than it is necessary or proper for us to know.  We cannot limit God to our poor capacity to understand.  Christ claims that he speaks only what he knows- that is what is certain and not conjecture. Though Nicodemus does not appear to receive Christ's doctrine, it remains certain nevertheless.