Lessons From Nicodemus

    

Jesus and Nicodemus 

    Nicodemus was a Pharisee at the time of Christ's ministry. He is described in the Book of John as "a ruler of the Jews." This man of high prestige comes to Jesus by night, and gives this declaration,

"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" (John 3:2).

    Nicodemus recognized that Christ was a teacher sent from God. He may not have had the knowledge and testimony that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, the great Jehovah, but he did, at the very least, have the beginnings of faith. His is a unique case. As a learned man and a ruler, he occupied a high position in society. As a Pharisee, he belonged to a group of strict law keepers and ceremonialists. As is constantly expressed in the scriptures, the Pharisees were a great obstacle to the Savior. 

    It would be easy to label Nicodemus a coward, unwilling to come to Christ in the day, and only meeting privately with Him in the night. I, however, view Nicodemus as a courageous man, willing to act upon what faith he had. I believe he was richly rewarded for his faith, by receiving a personal lesson from the Savior Himself. 

    Christ told Him, that unless a man be born again, he cannot go to the kingdom of God. Confused at this statement, Nicodemus asks how a man can possibly be born again. Somewhat amusingly he remarks, 

"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).

    Again, we must give credit to Nicodemus. He is not an ignorant man, as evidenced by Christ who calls him a master or teacher in Israel. He is willing to ask questions and listen intently to the answers. He does not claim to know the meaning behind all of the Savior's words. He is, in this sense, a humble man, quite surprisingly, based on the reputation of the Pharisees as being filled with pride. 

    We learn from Nicodemus the importance of being a pupil willing to listen to the master. We also learn from his story, of the care and attention which Christ has for all men and women, no matter their rank in society. In Christ's eyes, the ruler is no different from the slave, as long as they are willing to listen and learn. 

    We assume that Nicodemus would hereafter become a disciple of the Savior, following His teachings and living His Gospel. We know, at the very least, that Nicodemus defended Christ before the Pharisees (John 7:50-51) and brought spices for His burial (John 19:39).