Have all the knowledge (continued)

The knowledge of God and his Word helps us in all things, so it is really important to grow in that knowledge. However, one must be sure that it is a true knowledge that is born of a communion with God. Our knowledge must come through the presence of God, through prayer, intimacy and experience with God. We must read and meditate the Word of God with love. The Pharisees and scribes were great scholars, but they had forgotten the love that edifies. Yes, "The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3: 6).

When Jesus began to speak of spiritual things to Nicodemus, that great teacher of the law, the knowledge of Jesus went beyond him: "Nicodemus said to him : How can this be done ? Jesus answered him : "You are the teacher of Israel, and you do not know these things !" (John 3: 9-10). In a few words, Jesus had created a thirst in Nicodemus' heart by showing him that, despite all his knowledge, he understood nothing of spiritual things.

By speaking with many people interested in faith, sometimes very religious, you will notice that your intimate knowledge of the Word of God will arouse in them a new thirst. They will realize that you have something they do not have : an intimate knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, your God of love. Some will close their eyes and ears to not see and understand, but in others, what you have shared will touch their curiosity, and, more than that, will touch their hearts.

When Nicodemus emerged from this discussion with Jesus, he must be stunned. He had to go back to himself, and whole books, settled in his heart, had to be torn apart and rendered without life. Many doctrines, beliefs and interpretations did not fit with the law of love. Nicodemus was convinced of one thing : he had to change profoundly, because something deep was wrong.

Jeremy Sourdril