Nicodemus - a seeker

As I write this, last night (25-02-2026) I attended the St Mark's National Theological Centre's Commencement Lecture by Aden Cotterill, A Church for Seekers and Dwellers. At one point I remember Nicodemus being mentioned.

We can read a lot into this reading's context without needing to expand the reading; merely in the idea that Nicodemus went to Jesus at night. To expand the reading, before this however Jesus has driven out the money changes from the temple with whips —John doesn't skip and beat getting to the action— discussed his resurrection and lifted up his body as the temple and did more and more miraculous signs.

Nicodemus shows that the Jewish leaders were considering the prophetic nature of Jesus and trying to figure him out. Yet he is willing to take the risk and speak to Jesus even if it is under the cover of night. Jesus at this moment does not give Nicodemus a sure affirmation that immediately solidifies his faith but gives Nicodemus enough to chew on for the rest of his life. Nicodemus can now walk in this faith.

We see references to Baptism in this scripture to be born of the water and the spirit. As we expand to the other readings today we see not the works of faith but faith itself being attributed to righteousness (Other readings: Genesis 12.1-4a, Romans 4.1-5, —the missing middle here talks about David and circumcision—13-17). As we turn back to the Gospel Nicodemus disappears from our story; yet his story doesn't end. As a member of the Jewish ruling council he has to wrestle with these words, upsetting his ability to dwell where he is; he now needs to become a seeker. Our eschatological hope and the empowerment of the Spirit allows us to know that he might have been able to do this despite his "high" position.

I am looking forward to Aden's PhD, and if I didn't already have Diamard MacCulloch's new book which I am 1/3 of the way through and will be unable to finish before Uni starts next week (it has been on my desk for five months and I will be needing to return it before finishing it) surely I would be interested in reading A Secular Age by Charles Taylor or works of Tomáš Halík. While I might not be able to either via lack of time or lack of passion; I hope that I can look to God and that my eyes may be open. Although I might cycle through seeking and dwelling, part of my job as clergy is to help others through this cycle too.

God of all,
Who made the Earth in love, and gifts us fresh revelation and salvation each day.
Give us wide open eyes to seek you, give us safe spaces so we can dwell in you,
So we can offer your light more willingly and openly to all.
In your Son Name, Our Saviour, Amen.