“When Noah was five hundred years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.”

Genesis 5:32

Nicodemus comes to the Night School of Jesus of Nazareth to learn of God. This great teacher is afraid of being seen with Jesus in the day. Nicodemus represents the church professional who seeking the truth that is not found in the daily exercises of his ministry and administrations. He is a protector of his inclusion into the profession and all the social advantage and privileges that come with "going along to get along." Jesus has compassion for Nicodemus because he is a codependent to the culture. But he calls him to the light, a light that has led him in the dark to Jesus. The image of Moses lifting up the serpent in the desert is the oldest image of healing. The serpent's dose of poisin kills. The only hope is an anti-dose to cure the victim. Nicodemus hears the divine treatment plan. Jesus will be heaven's prescription to earth sickness. Jesus as the New Adam will undo everything the Old Adam gave us. Jesus assures Nicodemus that "earth has no problem that heaven cannot cure." Jesus brings a new birth to the whole creation. He can most assuredly say, "You must be born again." In our journey toward racial sobriety we find so many reasons to hold back and slow down. Nicodemus would encourage us to drop our fears and run to Jesus.