Can we sway from the parables for the day? This story must be told in a straight way. This message is for the fans of the underdogs. How nice would it be to believe Jesus only rooted for the underdog, too? I can assure you, this way of thinking is not entirely true, at least, not based on a human’s understandable underdog view.
Low-life and low brows, it appeared Christ had a great love for those with open sores and every single one of the town whores. Even the disciples questioned the discretion of their Rabbi’s intimacy with those who were poor. How rattled the disciples must have felt when Jesus took a moment to patiently speak with Nicodemus (as told in John 3), a man stationed smack dab in high society’s core. Can you hardly blame the attitudes of the original Big 12 towards those who were known for oppressing the underdogs at the temple door? I am sure it went against the visions they imagined on how the Messiah would settle the score. The Bible leaves us hanging when it comes to the final state of just how Old Nic’s heart swore. Who knows, maybe Jesus used Nicodemus to teach any and all of the disciples a new policy on how to keep an Open Door.
The point is Christ did not abandon Nicodemus in his quest to find the answers that came straight from his heart. Doing His Father’s business was the only thing Jesus firmly stood behind. He showed us by this passage God shows no favoritism when it comes to speaking the Truth and being kind. It is human nature to pick a side and organize rules to place on our heart’s bind. This goes here, that goes there is an easier method than following a narrow road that could wind away from our own mind.
“She saves puppies, there’s no way her heart is cruel.”
“He was at a disadvantage, and that earns my praise.”
“He is a pastor who leads all astray with his positive ways, let’s give him some negative publicity.”
“She was born to luxury; she doesn’t need anything from me.”
“He was born to poverty; he must be poor in spirit too.”
“He fought for our country; he must care about our country’s view.”
“She is married to a wonderful man, what does she know about a lonely heart?”
“He has great faith; why should we waste our prayers on him when others have so few?”
“Once a cheater, always a cheater there is no hope for him.”
“He is being bullied; he deserves a chance to punch back too.”
Don’t you see? Jesus keeps none of us this on you or me. He never said some of the things we think He did. People with access to great wealth are not banned from Heaven and the poor don’t get an automatic pass through. The Door is wide open for all who will lay down their life and enter through faith in Him. What sets Jesus apart from flesh is how He uses the temporary things to speak to our eternal being.  If you want to root for the underdog than you gotta root for all of humanity too. We are all at a disadvantage because we each were born seeped in sin.
It does not matter your skills, it does not matter your laws, it does not matter your rules, it does not matter your status, it does not matter your opinions, it does not matter your morals, it does not matter your thoughts on the war between Arabs and Jews, it does not matter your political stance, it does not matter which doctrine you follow, it does not matter your peaceful coexisting views…if Jesus is left out of the equation as the Way, the Truth and the Life, nothing else matters.  The only Way to restore every bit of the Father’s intention and plan for you is to be reborn of the Lamb. With faith firmly in Him, we can walk through. Repent and turn from sin by following Him. He has given us His Spirit to comfort and guide us all the way through. Just don’t set your path of following Him in prefabricated stones or you can be sure He will chisel and chew through all of your plans when you pull away from Him.  The stone that the builders have rejected is now the Cornerstone ordained by God. He is so good, there is nothing on this path to fear but Him.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Gentle streams flowing in your mind.
Moving waters hugging your soul.
Heavy eyes entering quiet rest.
Mind to spirit becoming whole.

His Peace found nowhere else.
Billowing clouds soft and white.
Reach into the calling sky.
Entering His presence warm and bright.
 
There is no other Peace,
Found amongst the royal trees.
God of wonders, Creation lives,
Simply by His royal decrees.
 
Hearts ablaze in quiet fury.
Peace floods the innermost.
Lost in the wonderous skies,
Gazing at the glory of the Starry Host.
 
Resting softly in His grasp.
Holding you in a gentle breeze.
The God of everlasting love,
Placing you in an unshakable ease.
 
The time is now God's friend.
Rest day by day by day.
Enter His perfect love and refuge.
Leading you in love, His perfect Way.