Nicodemus

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3:1–7 ESV).

 

Finishing our look at the Book of Hebrews I wondered where we might go in the coming days. There are so many wonderful passages from the Scripture that we could examine. However, I thought it might also be of interest to look at some of the people associated with Jesus. Today, we will briefly examine Nicodemus. They first meet when Nicodemus comes to Jesus “by night” (v. 1). They would have many such encounters; however, this beginning was one that changed everything for Nicodemus.

 

Many people have wondered and speculated about why Nicodemus went to Jesus at night. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the ruling religious council, which was often opposed to Jesus. Was Nicodemus afraid of being seen by other council members? Did he go at night because Jesus would be less busy and have time for an in-depth conversation? Did John include that detail because it fit with his emphasis on light and darkness in his account of Jesus’ life and work?

 

Whatever the reason, the fact that Nicodemus went to Jesus with questions and that Jesus engaged him in conversation has always intrigued me. Nicodemus had questions about spiritual matters, and Jesus was interested in discussing those with him, even at night. This encounter prompts me to ask, “Are we ready and willing to come to Jesus with our questions about faith?” We all have questions, and Jesus is always ready to hear them.

 

If we should learn anything from this encounter it must be that Jesus cares about us and wants us to have “life to the full” (cf. John 10:10). We can ask him questions anytime in prayer, and Jesus’ followers can help with finding answers in the Bible and providing a community that supports us in faith. Perhaps there are things yet to be revealed to you that Jesus wants you to know in order to attend to some specific ministry He will call you to perform. After all, it was Nicodemus who partnered with Joseph of Arimathea in the hours after Jesus’ death and burial. I wonder what He has for you to do?