The Power of Cognitive Dissonance
John 2.24-3.15
Cognitive dissonance​ is the painful feeling we experience when our
confirmation bias points us one way but our life moves in a
different direction.
Cognitive dissonance​ is part of becoming an adult.
God uses ​cognitive dissonance​ to mature our faith.
Jesus used ​cognitive dissonance​ to communicate truth about the
kingdom. We can learn an effective way to accommodate and
confront our own culture with the Gospel through his example.
Many people “believed” in Jesus because of his miracles. He did not
take this too seriously because he “knew what was in each person.”
John uses this to introduce the next three chapters in which Jesus
will use ​cognitive dissonance​ in three conversations. (John
2.24-25)
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of Israel’s ruling council,
meets with Jesus in secret. He wants to know what Jesus thinks
about God’s fulfillment of His promise. Jesus tells him the
unexpected. Even Israelites, even Israelite leaders, even Pharisees
must start afresh and be transformed by the Spirit. (John 3.1-3)
Nicodemus experiences ​cognitive dissonance​. He is confused and
unable to sort it out. (John 3.4)
January 24, 2016
Jesus elaborates further about the experience of the Spirit
(John 3.5-8 see John 7.38-39 for water as metaphor for the
Spirit). Nicodemus is still confused (John 3.9). Jesus takes a
key story from the Law of Moses and redefines it for
Nicodemus. The ancient Israelites put a snake on a post.
Those who looked at in faith were healed. In the same way the
Son of Man will be lifted up. Those who look at him will
likewise be healed. (John 3.10-15).
Nicodemus couldn’t understand. Jesus deposited a “truth
bomb” that will explode at a later moment, in this case the
crucifixion. Nicodemus in fact, witnessed the execution of
Jesus and assisted in his burial (John 19.38-40)
Jesus conversational tactics:
1. Jesus ​understood the perspective​ of the other person.
2. Jesus ​did not try to "win"​.
3. Jesus ​used language and concepts​ his conversation
partner understood and he redefined them.
January 24, 2016