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Nicodemus: The Pharisee Who Came to Jesus by Night
Nicodemus: The Pharisee Who Came to Jesus by Night
Among the multitude of characters in the Gospels, Nicodemus stands out as a unique figure – a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, and "a master of Israel" (John 3:10). His initial encounter with Jesus, shrouded in the secrecy of night, offers profound insights into the nature of faith, the necessity of spiritual rebirth, and the transforming power of the Gospel. His journey, as recorded by the Apostle John, is a testament to the fact that God's grace extends to all, regardless of their religious background or societal standing, and that true faith often unfolds gradually, culminating in open devotion.
The Midnight Interview: A Quest for Truth
The Gospel of John introduces Nicodemus with striking clarity, immediately highlighting his status and the clandestine nature of his visit:
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Nicodemus's approach "by night" has been interpreted in various ways: perhaps out of fear of his fellow Pharisees, or to avoid public scrutiny, or simply because it was the quietest time for a serious theological discussion. Regardless of his motive, his words reveal a genuine, albeit cautious, seeking. He acknowledges Jesus's divine authority based on the miracles He performed, recognizing the undeniable evidence of God's presence. Yet, Jesus, in His divine wisdom, did not engage in a discussion about miracles or outward signs. Instead, He immediately cut to the very core of spiritual reality, challenging Nicodemus's understanding of salvation.
The Necessity of the New Birth
Without preamble, Jesus declares a truth that would have been utterly perplexing to a man steeped in the traditions and laws of Judaism:
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus's confusion is palpable: "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" (John 3:4). His question reveals a literal interpretation, struggling to grasp a spiritual concept. Jesus patiently explains the distinction between physical and spiritual birth:
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
This "new birth" or "born again" concept was revolutionary. It implied that adherence to the Mosaic Law, or being a descendant of Abraham, was insufficient for entrance into God's kingdom. A radical, supernatural transformation of the heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, was essential. This spiritual birth is likened to the wind – unseen in its origin or destination, yet its effects are undeniable. It is a work of God, not of man, and its outcome is a spiritual life that perceives and enters the kingdom of God.
Light and Darkness: A Deeper Revelation
Despite being "a master of Israel," Nicodemus struggles with these heavenly truths. Jesus then transitions to the very purpose of His coming, unveiling the profound love of God and the choice humanity faces:
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
This passage, culminating in the universally beloved John 3:16, presents the core of the Gospel message: salvation through belief in Jesus Christ. Jesus then connects this truth to the very reason Nicodemus came by night, speaking of light and darkness:
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Here, Jesus gently but firmly confronts the very essence of Nicodemus's cautious approach. Coming to the light implies openness, honesty, and a willingness to have one's deeds and heart exposed. Nicodemus, a man of the law, was now being called to a deeper understanding of righteousness that stemmed from a transformed heart, not merely outward observance.
A Growing Conviction: Nicodemus's Subtle Defense
The next time Nicodemus appears in Scripture, it is no longer in the shadows of night, but in the midst of a heated debate among his fellow Pharisees and chief priests, who sought to apprehend Jesus. This incident, recorded in John 7, shows a subtle but significant shift in Nicodemus's stance. While the other religious leaders were condemning Jesus without hearing Him, Nicodemus speaks up, appealing to due process:
Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
Though his intervention is cautious and framed within the confines of the law, it is a brave step. He reminds them of their own legal principles, implicitly defending Jesus's right to a fair hearing. This act, coming from "one of them," reveals the seed planted during that midnight conversation was beginning to bear fruit. He was no longer a silent observer but a quiet advocate, albeit still operating within the political and religious constraints of his position.
Open Devotion: At the Cross and Tomb
The final and most profound appearance of Nicodemus occurs after Jesus's crucifixion, a time when most disciples had fled in fear. It is here that Nicodemus's transformation is fully manifest, moving from a secret inquirer to a public, courageous devotee. Alongside Joseph of Arimathaea, another secret disciple who then became bold, Nicodemus takes on the dangerous and public task of preparing Jesus's body for burial:
And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
This act was extraordinary. To touch a dead body would render one ceremonially unclean. To associate openly with a crucified criminal was to invite social ostracism, religious condemnation, and potentially even political reprisal. The "hundred pound weight" (approximately 75 pounds or 34 kilograms) of myrrh and aloes was an enormous and costly quantity, typically used for royal burials. It speaks not only of great reverence but also of an immense financial commitment. This is no longer the cautious seeker of the night, but a man whose faith has blossomed into open, sacrificial devotion. His journey from darkness to light is complete; he now stands boldly with his Lord, even in death.
Lessons from Nicodemus's Journey of Faith
The story of Nicodemus offers several timeless lessons for believers:
- The Humility to Seek Truth: Despite his high position and vast knowledge, Nicodemus recognized a spiritual need that his traditions could not fill. He was humble enough to seek out a controversial teacher and ask difficult questions.
- The Gradual Nature of Faith's Unfolding: Not all transformations are instantaneous public declarations. Nicodemus's faith grew from secret inquiry to cautious advocacy to open devotion. God works in different ways in different hearts, respecting individual journeys while always leading to full surrender.
- The Power of the Holy Spirit to Transform: The "new birth" Jesus spoke of was not a mere intellectual assent but a supernatural work of the Spirit. Nicodemus's journey from a hesitant seeker to a bold disciple is a powerful testament to the Spirit's ability to transform even the most entrenched hearts.
- No One is Beyond God's Reach: Nicodemus, a leader among those who opposed Jesus, demonstrates that God's grace can penetrate any barrier—social, religious, or intellectual—to draw a soul to Himself.
- The Cost of Discipleship and the Reward of Open Faith: While his initial visit was discreet, his final act of devotion was public and costly. True faith, once matured, will always lead to a willingness to stand with Christ, regardless of the consequences.
Conclusion
Nicodemus's journey is a microcosm of the Christian walk: beginning with a recognition of Jesus's divine authority, moving through the perplexing truth of spiritual rebirth, grappling with the implications of light and darkness, and ultimately culminating in open, costly devotion. He represents all who, initially hesitant or fearful, are drawn by the Spirit to the truth of Christ. His transformation from a Pharisee who came "by night" to a bold participant in Jesus's burial is a powerful testament to the sovereign grace of God and the enduring, life-altering power of the Gospel. His story continues to challenge us to examine our own hearts: have we been born again? Are we willing to come fully into the light, and stand openly with our Lord, even when it costs us dearly?
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