Behind Closed Doors
At this late hour, restless Jerusalem is finally beginning to quiet herself. One by one, the lamps shining in windows are extinguished as the inhabitants of the Holy City turn in for the night. Yet in one large, villa-like house, the glow from the upstairs window remains undimmed. Within, a most extraordinary conversation is taking place.
Visit of Nicodemus to Jesus, by John La Farge
At a large, carved table, two men are seated across from each other. One, clearly the elder, is dressed in the characteristic garb of the Pharisee sect. The other, more plainly garbed and bareheaded, is younger — yet He seems to radiate an authority beyond His years. He speaks softly but with passion, gesturing emphatically to underline certain statements. His audience of one is captivated, occasionally venturing a question or stroking his graying beard thoughtfully. Never has man spoken as this Man …
Eventually there is a lull in the conversation, and the two are left in silence. Their features are illuminated only by the flickering lamp in the center of the table. Then, suddenly, the younger Man leans forward, His eyes glowing and voice trembling with emotion. “This,” He says, “is how God loved the world. He so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but should have eternal life!” The Pharisee remains motionless, his face a blend of bewilderment and fascination.
The younger Man looks up for a moment as if searching for the words to express Himself. Then He speaks again. “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world. No, He sent Him to save it. Whoever believes in His name will be saved.” Then a shadow of sadness passes over His face. “But whoever does not believe is already condemned.”
He sits back and sighs deeply. “The light came into the world, but men preferred darkness, because their works were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and does not approach it, lest his works be exposed.” There is a look of pain in His eyes.
The Pharisee nods slowly, although he only half understands what he is hearing. He ventures a timid question: “And the one who does good?”
“He,” replies the younger Man, “Comes to the light, so that all mayclearly see that his works are done in God.”
After a moment of silence, He rises to leave. As He reaches the door, He looks back over His shoulder with a piercing glance.
“And you?”