Nicodemus: The Teacher Who Learned

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Nicodemus: The Teacher Who Learned

by John M. Duvall

The gospel of John tells the story of a teacher who, under the cover of darkness, went to learn from Jesus. This man’s name was Nicodemus. Nicodemus, being “a ruler of the Jews,” a member of the Sanhedrin council, probably feared the rebuke of his fellow Pharisees for his interest in Jesus.

Nicodemus had great respect for Jesus. Upon approaching Jesus, Nicodemus said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2) From this point on, Nicodemus learned more from Jesus than he had expected. Jesus taught Nicodemus about being born again and how that He, Jesus, would have to be lifted up. Jesus also told Nicodemus that whoever would believe in Jesus would have everlasting life. Nicodemus went home that night with a great deal upon which he had to think. Here he was, a Pharisee, a part of the Sanhedrin council, contemplating the teachings of this Jesus of Nazareth, the person his brethren sought to bring down.

At a later event, when the Pharisees were perplexed and trying to decide how to deal with Jesus, Nicodemus spoke up and said, “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” (John 7:51) Nicodemus is to be admired for speaking up for Jesus in the presence of those who could cast Nicodemus from the council. Before this point, Nicodemus had gone under the cover of night to see Jesus. Nicodemus has now grown to the point of being willing to speak up for Jesus.

Approximately six months later, the crucifixion of Jesus has taken place. Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and Pilate granted Joseph’s request. Once Joseph had the body of Jesus, Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes for the preparation of the body for burial. After binding the body in strips of linen with the spices which Nicodemus brought, Nicodemus and Joseph placed Jesus’ body into a new tomb.

While the Bible reveals nothing further regarding Nicodemus, his brief occurrence in the Bible is of a valuable lesson for followers of Jesus Christ. Our faith in Jesus Christ should be strong enough to stand in the face of those who would denounce Jesus Christ. Before sending the apostles on the limited commission, Jesus said, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Mathew 10:32-33) Being willing to speak up for one’s faith in Jesus Christ is crucial to a Christian receiving eternal life in heaven. Consider Paul’s admonition to the church in Rome when he wrote, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Never be afraid of letting other people know about your faith in Jesus Christ. As Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

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