Hear Him Out

John 7:50-51

It is not usually wise to believe the first thing you hear. Truth often takes time to discover, and rushing to judgment can do real harm. In our modern culture, we are inundated with social media, instant news, and information that anyone can make available. Whether through these channels or simply through spoken words, we need to take time to consider the facts before making a decision or passing judgment. A good principle is to first hear someone out before you make up your mind.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee, ruler of the Jews, and a Bible teacher. He is probably best known for his encounter at night with Jesus in John 3. There, we learn the wonderful truth of the need for a spiritual birth from heaven in order to experience a genuine relationship with God. Although often characterized as a “private” follower, Nicodemus is also seen as a man who grows in his faith in Jesus. In John 7:50-51, he speaks out regarding Jesus when it would not have been popular to do so. The Pharisees thought that anyone who believed any of the teachings of Jesus was simply misled. 

“However well the Pharisees knew the Law, they were not abiding by it themselves, as Nicodemus had the courage to point out. They had sought to arrest a man in violation of the Law, which required that a man be heard before he could be apprehended in this fashion (Deut. 1:16).”[1] 

Rather than bringing false charges or slandering Jesus, Nicodemus felt that they should at least hear him out. By not doing this, the religious leaders would be doing injustice, as well as disregarding some of the principles of Jewish law (see Deut. 1:16, 17; 17:8; 19:15). Nicodemus rightly mentions a thematic truth in the Bible that calls us to wisdom, patience, and fairness. For example, we find this in Proverbs 18:17, which states that “the first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.”

“Whatever the spiritual status of Nicodemus at this time, he must be acknowledged as a man who sought justice and fairness in dealing with Jesus. It is encouraging to find a person of any age who stands up for what is right.”[2]

Nicodemus teaches us the need to speak for justice as well as the biblical principle of fairness. We live in a world that often reacts quickly. We hear part of a story, see a headline, or hear a comment about someone, and judgments are made in an instant. The Bible teaches us a better approach, as seen with Nicodemus. We need to take time to gather all the facts before making a decision or passing judgment on someone.

Lord, we live in a world where information comes from many different sources. Help me to not jump to conclusions but rather gather all the information before making a decision or passing judgment. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] The Wycliffe Bible Commentary: New Testament on the Gospel of John.

[2] J. Carl Laney.  Moody Gospel Commentary – John, pg. 148.