Nicodemus at Night

Conversations within my family often travel a path that is long and includes many turns and detours. My mother and I recently traveled to visit my older brother and his family, and any time my brother and I have conversations, we lose track of time and laugh entirely too much, but I always come away feeling a little lighter and more focused. Our recent time together was no different.

One such conversation included a moment in which my mother referenced the character of Nicodemus. She said just one sentence that included his name, and my mind immediately started contemplating this New Testament character, this name that I remember since I was a child.

As soon as we returned from dinner that night, I immediately read John 3 and jotted down a few notes, eagerly awaiting a time when I could sit down and reread the chapter, mulling over many questions about this fascinating man. As a child, I always envisioned a middle-aged gentleman, dressed in a long robe of expensive fabric, a refined man of dignity and education. I imagined silver streaks in his beard, fine lines around his curious, dark eyes, and a quiet eagerness in his manner.

I admire Nicodemus. In fact, in many ways, I want to be like him. I admire his curiosity, his initiative, and his persistence. Prior to reading John 3, I had questions, and after reading and re-reading, I felt that perhaps I gained some answers.

The introduction at the meeting

John 3 begins by introducing Nicodemus by position, saying, “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews” (vs. 1). He was a man of status and highly respected, no doubt. I would imagine he was someone that others came to with their spiritual law questions. This man of high spiritual and social standing addresses Jesus with respect, calling him Rabbi. He realized that at the very least Jesus was a divine teacher, saying “we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (v.2). The tone of his words is one of great respect. He viewed Jesus as someone from whom he could learn, and he desperately wanted to understand and walk away with answers to some very pointed questions.

The time of the meeting

“The same came to Jesus by night” (vs.2). Night is quiet, a time that Nicodemus could be heard without interruption. Coming by night also allowed Nicodemus a measure of privacy, most likely due to his desire to remain unseen. No doubt, if seen, he would be questioned, and keep in mind that Jesus wasn’t wildly popular in the religious scene. But he couldn’t help himself. His pursuit of truth couldn’t be tempered, his curiosity couldn’t be quelled.

Like Nicodemus, I have often had my closest encounters with God at night, whether while driving, sitting on my back porch stargazing, reading, or praying. Often when the rest of the world slows and quiets, communion with God is sweeter. The quiet allows for feeling His presence more keenly and voicing questions that only He can answer.

The questions at the meeting

Although Nicodemus started with the usual amenities, his next questions were “How can a man be born when he is old?” and “Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” (vs. 4). As a man of education, he was logically attempting to understand this outlandish idea of a second birth. Even after Jesus explains both the physical and spiritual aspect of the question, Nicodemus again asks, “How can these things be?” (vs. 9). Even realizing Jesus’ wisdom, he was desperate to understand, and Jesus was not bothered or impatient by his incessant questions. Jesus knew Nicodemus. He tied in Old Testament teaching. As a teacher he was willing to try various types of teaching (strategies we call them) in order for Nicodemus to come to an understanding.

Like most, I have questioned God. I happen to believe that God much prefers questions to not talking at all. Seeking wisdom requires questions, and I want to know God’s heart as well as His will for my life. I have asked Him to walk with me, comfort me, show me, and teach me, and I always want to be a better student.

The message of the meeting

Jesus immediately delivered his message of salvation when he answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (vs. 3). As the omniscient Son of God, He knew exactly why Nicodemus was there and was acutely aware of the questions Nicodemus had. Jesus didn’t spend time talking about Himself or even acknowledging His own identity. He was burdened for Nicodemus, and He wanted to get to the heart of the matter.

Jesus’ message is the same to us today as it was to Nicodemus then. His greatest desire is for us to come to Him in salvation and develop a relationship with us. While the answers to my questions may not always be immediately clear, God has neither hidden from me nor discouraged my communication with Him.

The outcome of the meeting

There is no real conclusion at the end of John 3, but Nicodemus is mentioned two additional times in John. In John 7:50-51 he offers a rather timid defense of Jesus, and in John 19:39-42 he assists Joseph of Arimathea

in preparing Jesus’ body for burial. While we can’t know for certain if he ever reached a real resolution with his questions, I find it hard to believe that he would participate in preparing Jesus’ body, a truly intimate act, without some type of established relationship.

With the same passion that He pursued Nicodemus and pursued me, in return, I want to continue to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ, steeped in constant communion.