Nicodemus
The Pharisee who came at night
A teacher of Israel who sought Jesus in the dark, heard about being born again, later defended Him and helped bury Him.
The teacher who came by night
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, an educated and respected man. He came to Jesus “at night”, perhaps out of caution, perhaps because of the darkness of his own heart searching for light.
“You must be born again”
Jesus goes straight to the point: titles and religion are not enough; one must be born again, from above, by the Spirit. It is in this conversation that we find the best-known verse in the Bible, John 3:16, the measure of God's love.
From night into light
Nicodemus reappears defending Jesus in the council (John 7) and, finally, alongside Joseph of Arimathea, he buries the Lord's body with myrrh and aloes, in broad daylight, in full view of everyone. His journey is that of many: from cautious curiosity to public courage.
Where to read in the Bible
- John 3:1–21
- John 7:50–51
- John 19:39–40
Connections
- linked to Jesus of Nazareth · stated in the text · John 3:1–2
- helped bury Jesus of Nazareth · stated in the text · John 19:39
- defended Jesus of Nazareth · stated in the text · John 7:50–51
- was The Pharisees · stated in the text · John 3:1
- linked to Joseph of Arimathea · stated in the text · John 19:39
- was from the The Sanhedrin · stated in the text · John 3:1