Jerusalem was quiet today...the Sabbath day. I suppose every Sabbath is quiet, but today was even more so. The Sabbath is for rest. Rest after a hard week's work, so today the city rested, just as God rested on the first Sabbath. How very different, though, the work of that first week was from this week. That first week was a work of creation. This was a week of destruction. The first was a week of love. This was a week of hate. The first a week of purpose. This a week of contradictions. The first day of this week saw Jesus enter the city in triumph, amidst cheers and shouts. The same people turned on Him yesterday. A mob such as that I have never witnessed before. The shouts had changed from "Hosanna in the highest" to "Crucify Him!" And crucify Him they did. They crucified Him as I stood by and watched. I, Nicodemus, who secretly believed He was the Messiah. Oh, I suppose I could rationalize. I did my best. I tried to help. After all, a few months ago, was it not I who stood in the midst of the other Pharisees and tried to defend Him? To the very people who were plotting to kill Jesus, I boldy argued, "Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?" They mocked me. "Nicodemus, are you from Galilee too?" They mocked me, and I sat down. Oh, what a valiant defense of my Lord! I did my part. Yes, I could rationalize. Last night, before sundown, did not Joseph and I take His body and place it in a nice tomb? Did I not bring seventy-five pounds in expensive perfumes? Did I, Nicodemus the esteemed Pharisee, not risk my reputation if the others discovered what I had done? What a heroic effort for Israel's Messiah!

I remember when I first met Jesus. (laughing at himself) I snuck over to where he was staying under the cover of night. I had to see this incredible man. The man who changed water to wine in Cana. The man who spoke with such authority. The man who had the strength of character to do what I never had the courage to, recognize the despicable condition which the temple market had deteriated. (amused) Oh what a scene that was. Jesus flipping tables and driving out the money changers. What a contrast to His teachings of love...yet, at the same time, it seemed to fit. That's what I didn't understand about this man. He was a paradox. An apparent contradiction, yet it all seemed to have a certain truth about it. I didn't know what to say to Him, so I tried flattery. I said, "Rabbi, we know you're a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with Him." What did He say? "Thank you"? No, no. He caught me off guard...as usual. He said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." Another paradox! How can a man be born again if He is already old? I can't remember all of His words, but He basically said, "Flesh gives birth to flesh and Spirit gives birth to Spirit. Why is this so surprising to you? Aren't you one of Israel's teachers?"

I was hurt and angry, and I barely heard what He said next. In fact, I didn't even remember it...until today. He said, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of man must be lifted up that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

And so, on this quiet Sabbath, I mourn and grieve His death, but at the same time I wonder. Do I really understand what it is to be born again? What did He mean when He said the Son of man would be lifted up? Is this story really over? Or maybe, just maybe, is there one more paradox waiting to come out? The meek shall inherit the earth. He who gives all He has, will have everything. Those who hunger will be filled. The last shall be first. The weak shall be strong. The poor shall be rich. So, from death must come..... (shakes his head)

It seems to be right at my figertips, yet I can't quite grasp it. I, Nicodemus, the teacher of Israel, once again without an answer....

Jerusalem was quiet today. Yet, I wonder what tomorrow might bring.

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