Who are you?

In Luke 4, Jesus stands in the synagogue and reads from Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free..."

His mission is clear. He comes for those on the margins. The blind, the poor, the bound, the imprisoned. Today that list might include the refugee, the bullied, the lonely. Jesus loves everyone, yet his heart seems especially drawn to those who have been pushed aside.

This episode of The Chosen introduces us to two characters: Nicodemus and Mary. Their lives could not be more different. Nicodemus, a respected rabbi, holds honor, power, and influence. His words carry weight.

Then, there is Mary, a woman scorned and abused, living in a place polite society avoids.

Nicodemus represents status; Mary represents shame. One is admired, the other dismissed. Yet when Nicodemus tries to help Mary, even his learning and authority cannot bring her freedom. He calls her "beyond hope" and walks away.

But Jesus does not. He goes to Mary and sets her free with a powerful word of authority.

Jesus sees both Nicodemus and Mary, both the powerful and the broken, and He wants to meet both of them right where they are.

Maybe you look up to certain people very much. There might be a ‘Nicodemus’ in your life. Maybe you feel small in comparison to others. Or maybe it's the exact opposite, and you think you are a big deal. Others could learn quite a bit from you...

What would change if you learned to look at yourself and others through Jesus' eyes?

Reflection Questions

• Nicodemus was a man of status. What status or influence shapes how you see yourself or others?
• Who in your world might feel like an outcast or forgotten?

Prayer

Lord, who am I? Will You show me who I am? Thank You that You know me through and through. Lord, let me experience Your nearness today, and help me to see myself and those around me as You see them. Amen.