There was a man named Nicodemus who actually got to talk with and minister to Jesus. Let’s look at the ways this man interacted with our LORD Jesus. He shows up three times in the gospel of John. Check it out…
FIRST John 3: 1-21 A Pharisee named Nicodemus came to Jesus...respectfully...curiously...questioning. The first thing he did was make a comment on the godliness he noticed in Jesus’ ministry. "No one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him." Jesus explained things to him lovingly, hopefully and patiently. (we often forget that John 3:16 was spoken to a questioning Pharisee.)
SECOND John 7:50 In an angry roomful of Pharisees, one voice speaks in Jesus' defense. “Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, ‘ Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?' " It doesn't make him popular, but John records those words for a reason....it's part of a very important story. Nicodemus advocates for Jesus.
THIRD John 19:38-40 After the crucifixion two men take care of the Lord’s body. Joseph, a disciple of Jesus, and... (39) "He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen..."
This is how you minister to a minister. First you engage him (her) in a respectful conversation. You listen and then become an advocate if one is needed. Finally, you go out of your way to show respect, perhaps even honor. Honestly, you will never know a sweeter fulfillment than when you minister to Jesus by being a Nicodemus to one of his representatives. In Matthew 25:40 the King says,’Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Here is an honor just waiting to be experienced. Do this.
As you journey today, it is your privilege to think of and pray for your pastor. Take the time to tell your pastor this week that you are praying for him or her. It is a beautiful and obedient way to honor both Jesus and one who is striving to represent Jesus to you.
SECOND John 7:50 In an angry roomful of Pharisees, one voice speaks in Jesus' defense. “Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, ‘ Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?' " It doesn't make him popular, but John records those words for a reason....it's part of a very important story. Nicodemus advocates for Jesus.
THIRD John 19:38-40 After the crucifixion two men take care of the Lord’s body. Joseph, a disciple of Jesus, and... (39) "He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen..."
This is how you minister to a minister. First you engage him (her) in a respectful conversation. You listen and then become an advocate if one is needed. Finally, you go out of your way to show respect, perhaps even honor. Honestly, you will never know a sweeter fulfillment than when you minister to Jesus by being a Nicodemus to one of his representatives. In Matthew 25:40 the King says,’Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Here is an honor just waiting to be experienced. Do this.
As you journey today, it is your privilege to think of and pray for your pastor. Take the time to tell your pastor this week that you are praying for him or her. It is a beautiful and obedient way to honor both Jesus and one who is striving to represent Jesus to you.
”LORD Jesus, bring to my mind a pastor whom I may bless in prayer before you. Thank you for sending your shepherds to watch over me.”
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