Life is full of questions, isn’t it?

My three-year-old granddaughter, MaKayla, is quite nimble and agile in using the English language; this pleases her grandpa very much. Inevitably, once responding to her, MaKayla says, “why?” Then when you answer “why,” she asks again, “why?”

Those of my generation were taught in school to consider and ask the six interrogatives: who, what, when, where, how, and why. This concept has served me well in academia and in my professional life. When I was an active high school Spanish teacher, I regularly heard, “Señor (or doctor) Thrasher, this may be a stupid question ....”.

My answer was and still is, “there are no stupid questions except those not asked.”

In our scripture today (John 3:1-21) we read of an outstanding young man inquiring of Jesus. What makes this young man outstanding is that he was highly educated, a Pharisee — meaning — he was a teacher of Judaism and expounded upon their laws and scripture — and a member of the ruling council of the Jews.

Church tradition says that Nicodemus went on to accept Jesus as the Messiah and served as a Christian pastor. But, when we first hear of him, he is on a quest.

I picture a scene where Jesus is involved with some activity. Maybe he was cleaning fish, or starting a fire, or arranging stones for the fire, or doodling in the dirt while he watched children at play.

Then, up walks Nicodemus and meekly speaks to Jesus saying that he knows Jesus is sent from God and calls him a teacher. I see Jesus still doing his activity and softly but sternly speaking the truth to Nicodemus.

What is amazing is that Jesus answered Nicodemus’ quest, his question, his inquiry, without even being asked. This must be the case because Nicodemus didn’t ask another question, his quest was after the Messiah.

The truth of his inquiry was whether Jesus was the Promised One of God who would establish God’s Kingdom. It is this question that Jesus answered in vs. 3, “you must be born again.”

Stunned, Nicodemus asked “how can that happen?” Jesus spoke to the real issue he saw in this young man’s heart, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (v.6). “How?”, asked Nicodemus. In reply Jesus made one of the most well-known statements in the Bible, (v.16) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The question in Nicodemus’ heart was answered. You see, he was looking for the Advent of the Messiah and he found him by inquiry.

An inquiry is a question; it is a seeking; it is a quest.

What do we ask of Jesus? Perhaps it is help in our finances, or help in our marriage, or maybe a request for someone to be healed.

What was Nicodemus’ inquiry about? Jesus’ reply provides the answer. In verse 3, “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

Nicodemus was after the kingdom of God. He wanted the reign and rule of God to be established and he wanted to be a part of that kingdom. Nicodemus wanted God and he wanted him in abundance. His was not a quest for earthly things or conditions.

His inquiry held substance in things that mattered; in the things of God; in the rule of God; wanting more of God and to release more of himself to gain that kingdom of God. Hence, more evidence of the kingdom of God residing in you, in those who are born again of the spirit.

What is it that we seek?

Just as Nicodemus was seeking the kingdom of God and the advent of the Messiah, so should we.

Above all else, what matters?

Please think about that inquiry. What else matters, truly matters other than the Kingdom of God?

Mark 8:36 says, “what good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Matthew 6:33 records Jesus saying, “but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Righteousness is the fruit of seeking and experiencing God’s kingdom, his reign and rule in the life of a Christian. There is no better quest, no greater inquiry than “Lord, complete your kingdom in me; reign completely in my life and rule over my actions, deeds, attitudes, and my thoughts; your will be done, oh Lord, and not mine; forgive me of my pettiness and my humanistic attitudes; be first in my life; I seek you, oh Lord, and your kingdom’s reign and righteousness to be accomplished and perfected in my life.”

As we approach Advent this season, let us do so with the inquiry that will last a lifetime.

— William H. Thrasher Ph.D. Pastor, Ebenezer UMC, Odenville