Hello once again!
The other day in New Testament class we were discussing something that I found quite interesting. The chapter divisions in our scriptures are fairly modern additions (being finalized in the 1500s). As a result, we may sometimes divide stories that ought not to have been divided. An example of such a division exists between John chapter 3 and John chapter 4. When looked at seperately, both of these chapters are wonderful. However, when looked at as two sides of one story, they became even more instructive and valuable. Chapter 3 discusses Nicodemus--a Pharisee who comes to visit Jesus by night. Chapter 4 discusses the woman at the well--a Samaritan--who comes to find that Jesus is the Christ.
Nicodemus lives in the city, he is likely well-off, is a Jew, and is male. In contrast, the woman at the well lives in a more rural area, is a Samaritan, and is female. Further, Nicodemus meets Jesus secretly by night while the woman meets Jesus openly in the daytime. With Nicodemus, we never gain a sense of conclusion. However, with the woman, we learn that she comes to know who Christ truly is and not only that--she goes out and brings others to come and learn of Him as well.
These stories (or rather these two halves of a single story) illustrate one of John's recurring themes: the theme of light and darkness. In John 1:5 we read, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." When we looked at this scripture I thought about how Nicodemus may not have really understood Christ in his heart because he came in darkness--not merely physical darkness, but darkness of understanding and heart. Not that he was evil, but he did not open his eyes to the light so that he could truly see Christ. Light can be before us, but unless we make the choice to open our eyelids we will remain in darkness. We have to be the ones to take a chance and look.
*The painting from today is by Simon Dewey. I used the copy from http://michaelguth.com/myblog
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