The
Man Who Came to Jesus by Night
Whenever Nicodemus is mentioned it
is always with the label, “the same that came to Jesus by night.” Why is this
master in Israel always spoken of in this way? Was he a coward, afraid of what
the fellow-members of the Sanhedrin would say if they saw him seeking out
Jesus? We feel that he came by night because it was the best time for both
Jesus and himself to have a quiet, uninterrupted conversation about spiritual
matters. Nicodemus had been occupied all day with his teaching duties, and
Jesus had been active in His out-of-door ministry. Now both could relax and
talk through the night. It may be that Nicodemus had such a heart hunger that
he could not wait until morning, and so came running to Jesus as soon as he
could.
There had been no direct voice from
God in Israel for a long time, and here was One whose message carried the stamp
of divine authority. So Nicodemus, the cautious enquirer, but a man of
spiritual perception (John 3:2),
sought out Christ, and listened to one of His remarkable conversational
sermons. Nicodemus figures three times in John’s gospel:
He came to Christ (John 3:2).
This master in Israel confessed Christ to be a Teacher sent from God and heard
that in spite of his culture, position and religion, he needed to be born anew
by the Spirit of God. His name, meaning “innocent blood,” is suggestive.
Nicodemus came to realize that his salvation was dependent upon the shedding of
innocent blood (John 3:14, 16).
He spoke for Christ (John 7:45-52).
As a fair-minded man, Nicodemus, although a disciple at heart and afraid to
avow his faith, raised his voice on behalf of Christ as the Sanhedrin devised
measures against Him. The rulers were His avowed enemies, and Nicodemus raised
a point of order in favor of the One he had learned so much from. Perhaps he
should have been more courageous and outspoken on Christ’s behalf. When the
Sanhedrin condemned Jesus to death, there was no protest from Nicodemus. It is
likely that he absented himself from that fateful meeting.
He honored Christ (John 19:39, 40).
After the death of Christ, ashamed of his cowardice, Nicodemus rendered loving
though belated service to Christ. Openly he joined Joseph of Arimathaea,
another secret disciple, in preparing Christ’s body for a kingly burial. But
the dead cannot appreciate our loving attention. Mary gave her spices to Jesus
while He was alive. It is better to give flowers to the living than reserve
them for their burial.
© 1988 Zondervan. All Rights Reserved - Bible
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