We are first introduced to Nicodemus in John chapter 3. He is a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin who is intrigued by Jesus, and he comes to Jesus under the cover of night so he can ask him questions he longs to know the answers to. The implication is that Nicodemus sees something in Jesus the other religious leaders do not see. He is not so quick to disregard his claims. Yet, he is still puzzled, unsure, and noncommittal. This is why he arranges a “safe” meeting with Jesus where he can ask him pointed questions. This “under the radar” meeting provides us with our most famous verse as evangelical Christians, John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
In this conversation, Nicodemus is most confused about Jesus’ statement that a person must be “born again” to see the kingdom of God. “How can someone be born when they are old?” he asks. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Nicodemus is perplexed. He is not ready to declare Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, yet he is not ready to dismiss him either. Again, he is noncommittal. We do not hear any more about Nicodemus throughout John’s gospel until chapter 20, where we learn that he helps Joseph of Arimathea, a “secret” disciple of Jesus, with the burial of Jesus’ body. The two men risk ritual defilement by touching a corpse that day. Together, they wrap Jesus’ body with spices and strips of linen and bury him in Joseph’s own tomb.
Does Nicodemus also become a “secret” disciple of Jesus? The evidence seems to suggest this. Why else would he risk so much to ensure Jesus has a proper burial? Yet, there is tension here. If he is a member of the Sanhedrin, then he is also present when Jesus is questioned and illegally tried. He does nothing. His silence lends approval to Jesus’ death. And yet, something within him must have stirred this desire to bury Jesus. Was it watching Jesus die on the cross? Was it the words he uttered to his Father, the forgiveness he pled for on behalf of those responsible for his death, forgiveness for him? It was something, for sure.
The Bible does not tell us what happens with either Nicodemus or Joseph. We can only guess. I like to think that both become members of the new Christian movement. Perhaps they are present on the Day of Pentecost when Peter preaches in the power of the Spirit and three thousand people become saved. Maybe they are saved as well. If they are, Nicodemus finally gains his understanding of what it means to be “born again.” I hope my version of the story is true.
I would wager to say that there are many this Easter who are in a place like Nicodemus. All their lives they have been intrigued by Jesus. Yet, his words have also puzzled them. The result has been a noncommittal stance. They have never decided. My prayer this Easter is that God will bless them with a “born again” experience, that they will come to know this Jesus in a personal way, that he will fill them with the presence of his Spirit and visit their lives with mercy and grace. Easter is the opportunity for all of us to respond to the good news the resurrection brings. Will you be open to such a decision and the life change it can bring?