There is a story about the legendary Country/Western singer, Hank Williams.
In 1948 he wrote a “then familiar song” – entitled “I Saw the Light.” The first stanza goes:
“I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin; I wouldn’t let my dear savior in.
Then Jesus came “like a stranger in the night;”Praise the Lord, I saw the light!”
The first line in the stanza seems to be “a fitting description” of the life – of Hank Williams. Biographers tell of a life tormented by disease, drugs, and alcohol. He died in the back of his Cadillac somewhere in West Virginia, on January 31, 1952 at the age of 29.
Near the end of his life, while doing a concert in San Diego, he was so drunk (or stoned) or both that he stumbled off the stage after only two songs. “Minnie Pearl” and the show’s “promoter” – drove him around town trying to sober him up enough to do the second show.
They began by singing with him his song “I Saw the Light.” They had sung only the first stanza – when Williams said, “Minnie, I don’t see light. There ain’t no light.”
The Bible tells us that those who are “lost” lived in darkness.
However, Jesus came to this earth that those who are in darkness might be brought “into the light.”
Jesus said in John 12:46, ” I have come “as light into the world,” so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.”
And the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 5:8, “For once you were darkness, but now – in the Lord “you are light.” Live as children of light.”
Well, Old Nicodemus of the Sanhedrin fame saw the light too, and it was in the middle of the night- that it came to him!
John chapter 3 is about Nick at night. It is about Nick “seeing the light” in the midst of his own darkness.
This member of the Sanhedrin or the Council of 70 Jewish elders or the ruling class of the Jews…was the keeper of all things sacred, especially the law.
That one of its members – would come to Jesus by night, raises all sorts of red flags…
Why at night?
Why under the cloak of darkness?
Why such a clandestine meeting?
Why not during the daylight hours?
What were the fears involved?
Would his own reputation been at stake?
Was this entrapment?
Or, was he seeking information purely for himself?
Why the interest in Jesus?
What did he hope to learn?
The way that John sets up the story we see the dichotomy of light and darkness, life and judgment. These happen to be “favorite themes” of the author, John.
Jesus is giving this valued member of the Sanhedrin a little night time education. Theology 101 – “A Night Class.” A little one-on-one education…
Nicodemus is about to be “schooled” and at the very same time, is about to “see the light” – – – perhaps for the first time in his life.
He hears things and learns things he has never even considered before this encounter. It was eye opening experience, especially for one, so learned.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, one of the men experienced in God’s law. He and his colleagues – felt very strongly that the Jewish people had to follow “the law to the letter.” They definitely should not be like the non-Jews or the Gentiles around them.
It was said that the Pharisees were a prideful group, proud in their hearts, proud to be a part of the chose people, proud that they were so knowledgeable about the Law.
And because of their power and prestige they were able to add lots of rules and restrictions to God’s word. They were proud about that, as well.
They believed God must really be pleased with them, because of all the new rules and restrictions. They judged others based solely on their ability to follow the laws…
And then, Nicodemus met Jesus. He now probably had more questions – then – he had answers. But they were good questions. He found himself wrestling with his faith, just as Jacob before him did.
Perhaps the biggest take-away of the evening was – this darkness and light. Which path leads to life, darkness or light, which path leads to death and destruction?
The young rabbi made sense. He scored some points. He made Nicodemus think. Now, what about us? What about you?
Are you a child of the darkness or a child of the light?
Amen.