Tuesday Tidings Mar 3, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.  He came to Jesus by night…” -John 3:1-2

I know there’s a school of thought that suggests that Nicodemus came to Jesus at night because he wanted to remain under the cover of darkness.

Some suggest that Nicodemus was worried about what others would have thought if they discovered that he was chatting with the controversial rabbi from Galilee.

That could be the case, or maybe Nicodemus just had a busy day.

Maybe Nicodemus had a hunch that the best time to find Jesus at home was after the day’s work and travel had reached their completion.

Or maybe the reason things takes shape in this way is because the “light of the world,” has a distinctive way of shining through in those nocturnal moments.

You can decide…

What I would like to suggest is that the evening is still a great time to get a conversation going.

There was a time when the front porch was the locus of robust discourse. Now, more folks are gathering around an evening campfire in the backyard.  Maybe you’re the type of person that likes to text a friend, or stop in at the local brew pub.  Whatever your preference, please keep the conversation going.

Throughout this lenten and easter season we will have lots of opportunities to break bread and fellowship together right here at Bethlehem.  Please do not take these opportunities for granted; as your Savior promises, “where two or three are gathered in my name…”

And, just think about this for a second, if Jesus is in the midst of us, if Jesus is in some mystical way contributing to the conversation, we have access to precisely the kind of exchange our good buddy Nicodemus enjoyed so long ago.            

Question for reflection: When was the last time you really had an impactful conversation about your faith?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

God of goodness, we rely upon you for guidance, encouragement, and the grace that can sustain us through the journey of discipleship.  Amid all the complexities, we pray that you would daily grant us a sense of deep joy and the assurance that every expression of faithful service matters.  In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

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