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In many ways, most of our lives are spent asking questions that don't really matter anyway. In some cases, the questions we ask are really evidence of a much greater pursuit. It's being able to see in our experiences the value of being alive. It's being able to confidently assert that we are here for more than just the fleeting moments of time. Rather than reflecting our true intent, our questions often reflect a much deeper discussion. One that we must have a great deal of courage to have.

In John 3, Nicodemus approached Jesus at night to ask some questions. Many have tried to unpack his reasoning for coming at night. Some say out of fear, others say out of respect. I say because that's when he was supposed to. He comes to Jesus and asks him who he is. Now he covers the question by saying:

"Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

It's an interesting way of asking a question - the art of asking a question without the use of interrogatives. It assumes that more was being said than what is read. Perhaps it was in his tone of voice or maybe in his demeanor, but in essence Nicodemus is asking a question that his friends would not. Who are you?

And isn't that the question after all? Jesus, who are you? Lots of people say lots of things, but I just want your answer. Because that really does color everything in light of my questions. If you prove to be something I really don't about, then I need to know what that means for me. If you are someone who will change me, how should that look for me?

I have always been enamored by Jesus' response to people. At various times, Jesus is seen as avoiding them, embracing them, annoying them, and even reprimanding them. You get the sense that Jesus spent most of his time answering questions that really came back to Nicodemus' - Who are You?