Jesus is visited by Nicodemus at night. Though this might seem like a minor detail to skip over, the gospel writer wants us to notice it. Darkness is a symbol for misunderstanding, not only on Nicodemus’ part, but on the part of those he represents: all of us. Nicodemus knows that Jesus has come from God, but doesn’t realize that he is God. Even Jesus’ explanations confuse Nicodemus. Here we encounter God as Father, Son, and Spirit, yet they are one God.
Like Nicodemus, we may always feel a bit “in the dark” when it comes to comprehending the mystery of the Trinity–one God in three persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We don’t have to try to understand it all; what we need to know is that we need to be saved and God in all three persons saves us. Jesus uses the metaphor of birth to help Nicodemus understand how dramatically God works in our lives (the word “born” appears in this lesson eight times!). Like a slap on the bottom that old-time doctors used to stir the newborn to utter its first cries, God works lovingly and powerfully to wake us from our womb-like slumber.
A baby is calm in the darkness and comfort of its mother’s womb, but at birth is overwhelmed by the brightness and excitement. We, too, are stunned when we encounter the great power and mystery of God. Sometimes it’s just easier to remain in the dark than to risk encountering our own shortcomings, our own sinfulness. We would be doomed to remain spiritual infants were it not for the great sacrifice of Jesus. He gave his life for us.
Baptism thrust you into the light of Jesus and named you forever as child of God, member of God’s kingdom through water and Spirit.