Listen

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could do these miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.”

Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.”

Nicodemus asked, “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?”

John 3:1-4

Think

What three words best describe you? One quality I’m trying to cultivate is curiosity. Discovering more about myself, my community, and my faith expands me beyond comfortable ways of being. Approaching life with curiosity isn’t easy. In her book Rising Strong, Brené Brown says, “Curiosity is an act of vulnerability and courage.” When we choose to be curious, we risk asking questions and admitting we don’t have the answers.

Nicodemus, the religious expert, should have the answers. Something about Jesus sparks his curiosity. Will Jesus change what Nicodemus believes about God? About himself? Talking to Jesus, Nicodemus risks everything he knows. Yet, he chooses to keep asking questions, to step on an uncertain path that might draw him closer to God.

What questions fill your heart? Will you risk bringing those to God? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to lead and encourage you to be curious?

Jennie Barber

Pray

God of wonder, sometimes I wonder about you. My questions leave me feeling confused and scared. Help me trust that my questions draw me closer to you because they open me to the work of your Spirit. Amen.

Go

Walk in the wild, beautiful, holy life of the Spirit!

And trust…

The creative Spirit that hovered over the waters molds you.

The promised Spirit that Jesus breathed on his disciples fills you.

The powerful Spirit that poured out on the early church calls you.