A Failure to Communicate

A Failure to Communicate

John 3:1-21

            Recently I had the chance to perform with a local theatre company.  Although I began the process with fear and trembling (I don’t do much acting), I had a great time.  I also learned a lot from the other actors, many of whom were far more experienced performers than I. 

            During performances we sat backstage in what is known as the Green Room.  It’s a space where actors wait for their next entrance.  Our green room was an open area close enough to the stage so we could hear what was going on.  There was a TV monitor so we could see what was happening onstage, thus able to gauge how long we had until we went on.

            The cast got along beautifully (those of you who have ever performed in a play know that this is not always the case).  We supported each other, complimented each other on our performances, and had some interesting discussions on a wide range of topics—when we talked.

            Many times, when I came offstage, I found people staring at their phone screens.  What they found so interesting I’ll never know.  I should point out that they weren’t talking on their phones, they were just staring at them.   

Perhaps they were communicating with someone, but I couldn’t help feeling they were passing up great chances at live conversations with the people around them.  As I said, when everyone put their phones down, we learned a lot from each other and shared some meaningful dialogue. 

The Bible is full of meaningful communication, right from the start.

·        In the beginning God spoke—and creation happened.

·        God had meaningful conversations with Abraham,

·        And Moses,

·        And the prophets,

·        And David.

·        Paul was a great communicator, as were Peter and the other apostles.

And then there was Jesus:  the Master Communicator.  He healed often with a touch, but sometimes with a word.  He taught.  He challenged the religious authorities and slipped out of every verbal trap they laid for him.  His words echo down over two thousand years, telling us how we should live and what ought to be important in our lives.

Nicodemus, who John tells us was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus by night.  Perhaps he wanted to avoid criticism from his fellow Pharisees.  Perhaps he wanted Jesus’ undivided attention.  Perhaps, like anyone visiting a counselor he needed the privacy of a one-on-one encounter.  Whatever the reason, he was there, and from what we can gather, the two were alone.

Jesus presented what at first seemed to be a conundrum.  He confused his listener with words Nicodemus couldn’t understand.  He didn’t get the concept of being born again (I’m not sure we always get it either).  When Jesus explained in words Nicodemus could understand, the answer rang down through the ages to us and beyond.  John 3:16-17 is often called “the gospel in a nutshell.”  I have seen these verses written on a piece of paper sticking out of a walnut shell.  Pretty ingenious.

Shouldn’t we sharpen our communication skills so we can, like Jesus, help others hear the gospel in ways that will help them respond? 

Cell phones won’t help.  We have to talk to them.