Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

The Bible, in John 3, wrote about the time when an old man named Nicodemus came at night time to speak with Jesus.

And one thing that’s really interesting is, the old man (presumably in his 60s) called Jesus (who’s about half his age), ‘Rabbi’ (in another word, ‘Teacher’)

Nicodemus was at least twice Jesus’ age, but he respected and admired him.

Nicodemus was a much older leader and a spiritual teacher himself, but he regarded himself as a ‘pupil’ in front of Jesus. A student who was ready to learn and listen.

It is EASY (or at least ‘easier’) for someone who’s still YOUNG to be humble. Because in reality, when compared to someone who’s much much older, the younger ones still have so much to know and learn.

However, it is much HARDER for someone who’s OLD in age to be humble. ESPECIALLY towards someone else who’s much younger.

It is more common to see an older person talk (or ‘boast’) about his ‘experiences’, because the reality is, the older a person, the more things he has experienced.

And so when Nicodemus genuinely referred to a much younger Jesus as his ‘Teacher’, he was in fact very humble.

He didn’t see his age gap (and the fact that he’s much older) as a problem that hindered his search for the truth.

Nicodemus humbly asked questions, he listened, and he learned.

…

Do we find it hard to be humble?
Do we share our experiences with others with humility, or do we brag about them and look down on others?
Do we continually search for the truth, for what is right and for things that have eternal values?

Or do we let age gaps obstruct our own learning journey?

[Adopted from today’s sermon, delivered by Rev. Stephen Tong]