"You People"

Scripture

Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no-one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.”… ‘How can this be?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘You are Israel’s teacher ….  and do you not understand these things? 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.’   (John 3:5 -11 NIVUK)

“You People” 

The conversation turned a bit ugly when I asked some specific questions about the condition of a cottage I wanted to rent in the Maritimes. The neighbour representing the owner was an unpredictable local who exploded “You people are always demanding and nothing but trouble. I’m not renting it to you.” Saner heads prevailed and we rented the cottage and had a lovely vacation.  

But the term “you people” with its angry dismissive tone of voice has been a sensitive term for me ever since. It shouted at me when Jesus challenged Nicodemus, a religious leader who risked meeting Jesus in person. It was a secret meeting so he wouldn’t be exposed in his peer group as Jesus’ sympathizer. He’s like a lot of us who have our own private conversations with Jesus and keep them to ourselves for any number of reasons.  

Trying to catch Jesus’ tone of voice is elusive for me – is he stern, irritated, exasperated, or gently correcting?  Nicodemus is remarkably open in his questions but puzzled by all the talk about two kinds of birthing – physical and Spirit. It turns out that he gave enough credence to Jesus’ comments that in his own “Spirit” birthing he assisted in giving Jesus’ body a proper and dignified burial.  

We all have some Spirit presence in us awaiting birthing and growth to maturity. It’s a mystery, often, how it happens and it can express itself in many ways that lead away from our own self-destructive and narrow perspectives – and to acts of risky service.    

A Prayer to Explore Our Inner Spirit

Take a quiet moment and ask Jesus to remind of you of that for which you are most grateful over the last few days. Then consider;
hen was I most able to give and receive love? When did I feel most alive? When was I happiest? What was the high point?
Have a quiet talk with Jesus about what you are seeing and hearing.