“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 the miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.’” (John 3:1-2)
This Pharisee, this ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus by night. Was his schedule so busy that at night was the only time their schedules would mesh? Or, was it that Nicodemus did not want to be seen with Jesus?
Nicodemus knew who Jesus was but knew nothing of the New Birth. Following their nighttime visit Nicodemus is seen defending Jesus in front of the Pharisees, the first indication that his heart had been changed. (John 7:45-51)
Again we see the boldness of a man whose heart and life had been changed by Jesus. See Nicodemus as he and Joseph of Arimathaea ask Pilate to allow them to put Jesus in Joseph’s new tomb. Nicodemus brings with him about a hundred pounds of a mixture of myrrh and aloes with which they would prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Nicodemus was no longer a secret disciple of Jesus. He no longer cared who saw him with Jesus.
A good song from the past has these words: “I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian.” How much are you willing to give up in making your confession that Jesus Christ is your Savior and Lord?
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