Imagine using our God-given sanctified imaginations so you and I can enter more fully into each Jesus story. Don’t you think we would see a bigger vision of His love?

What if we were standing there in John chapter 3 when Nicodemus secretly meets with Jesus at night? I can imagine Nicodemus takes a deep breath and begins his oft-rehearsed speech. Don’t you want to lean in to hear what he says?

Suddenly, Jesus interrupts the esteemed religious leader. Back and forth the two men go at it. At every turn, Jesus drives the discussion exactly where He wants to go, verbally batting Nicodemus back and forth—first this way, then that. To Jesus, the master conversationalist, relationship and meaning triumph over social norms—every time. He interrupts. He puzzles. He changes the subject. He provokes. He monologues.

It’s all fair game toward one overriding mission. To shake Nicodemus to the core of his being. To inflict many a sleepless night. To haunt him with statements he never wanted to hear. And, ultimately, to win his heart.

Like Jesus, let’s not hesitate to turn conversations toward a person’s need for the eternal salvation that Jesus offers.

This is Luis Palau.