Nicodemus

 

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus,

A member of the Jewish ruling council.  He came to Jesus at night…

John 3:1-2a

Nicodemus was a Pharisee, one of the preeminent teachers of the Law. He had heard much of Jesus – perhaps even been in the crowds when Jesus was teaching.  He had many questions and decided to pay a visit to the Teacher in the evening.  When I was a kid, I was taught that Nicodemus came at night because he didn’t want anyone to see him talking to this upstart rabbi.   I think it might have been simply that Jesus was much more accessible in the evening, after He had sent the crowd home.

Jesus recognized an open, inquiring heart and spent the time feeding Nicodemus’ soul.  Included in that conversation is one of the most beloved verses in the Bible:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”  [John 3:16]

The words the Savior spoke that night took deep root in Nicodemus’ heart.  John records later in his Gospel that when Joseph of Arimathea received permission to bury Christ’s body, he was accompanied by Nicodemus, who brought the embalming mixture of myrrh and aloes.  Together these two grieving disciples wrapped the body of their Master in linen cloth and placed it in the garden tomb.

Today's Summer Reading:  John 1:1-3