Understanding Nicodemus: A Study of John 3
Introduction
Among the gospels and especially John, Nicodemus stands out as a complex and unlikely seeker. He's not one of the disciples following Jesus from town to town, nor is he a bystander. He's not white hot with passion , nor is he passive. He's a Pharisee, a religious teacher of Israel, and a respected member of the exclusive Sanhedrin--the council of Jewish leaders. Yet, despite his status and the weight of religious expectations, Nicodemus is drawn to Jesus.
His story unfolds through the Gospel of John in three defining encounters, each marking a distinct step in his journey: first, a nighttime meeting driven by private curiosity; then, a quiet and subtle defense of Jesus before the Sanhedrin; and finally, a public act of allegiance as he prepares Jesus' body for burial.
Though unique to the gospels, Nicodemus story is familiar to many. Where others saw Jesus or his teachings as a threat or something to be dismissed, Nicodemus saw a teacher worth listening to, a voice describing God's kingdom in ways he hadn't heard before. In these three encounters, we see Nicodemus transition from a curious seeker to a quiet defender, to a bold follower, showing us that stalwart faith often starts with uncertainty in the dark.
The story of Nicodemus is about more than belief; it’s about the courage it takes to follow through and do the next right thing. As we walk through these moments in Nicodemus’ life, we’re invited to reflect on the nature of faith as it grows and changes, often beginning with hidden questions and moving—when we’re ready—to bold action.
Nicodemus visited Jesus at night. Imagine him carrying a lantern, which gives him enough light for the next steps he needs to take. Often, faith is like that.
1. Curiosity: Nicodemus Talks with Jesus at Night (John 3)
Nicodemus’ story begins in John 3, where he comes to Jesus “by night” (John 3:2). There's much discussion as to why he came to Jesus in the darkened hours. As a member of the Sanhedrin, it’s unlikely he approached Jesus publicly—Jesus was already gaining attention, and the Pharisees had started to view him with suspicion. Perhaps Nicodemus wanted to avoid controversy, or maybe he simply had questions that couldn’t wait to the morning light. There’s another possibility, too: rabbis of that time often studied late into the night, so Nicodemus might have sought Jesus during his own time of study, eager to discuss his growing questions. What we do know is that he comes respectfully, addressing Jesus as “Rabbi,” a term of honor and trust used by those open to his teaching.
Calling Jesus "Rabbi" is significant. In John's Gospel, only Jesus' followers use this title for him, a detail that suggests Nicodemus was already different from his peers. He saw in Jesus something worth investigating, even if it stirred unsettling questions. Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus has come from God because of the "signs" he's performed while in Jerusalem. "Signs" in John's usage in his book, are miralces that point to Jesus' divine authority, and Nicodemus as attributing that to Jesus at the beginning of the conversation.
Yet, Nicodemus is clearly wrestling with how Jesus' teachings fit within his own understanding of his faith tradition, the Law, of which he is an expert, and his lived experience. In response, Jesus challenges Nicodemus with a powerful message, "Unless one is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).
This teaching confounds Nicodemus. How can someone be "born again"? As someone who treasured the Scriptures, he would have been familiar with Ezekiel's prophecy of God cleansing his people and giving them a "new heart" and putting within them a "new spirit" (36:25-27), and Jeremiah's "new covenant" where God writes the law on the hearts of his people (31:31-34), but being rooted in a tradition of external obedience and law, he struggles to grasp it.
This moment is pivotal, it is liminal space, the space of transition where faith leads to transformation, because it forces Nicodemus to question his beliefs and consider something he's not before. Jesus invites him to a faith that is more than tradition--a faith that's inward, spiritual, and radically renewing. In this nighttime meeting, Nicodemus' curiosity becomes the spark for a journey he didn't anticipate. He came for answers and leaves with questions. He also leaves changed, having glimpsed a different kind of kingdom than the one he expected.
Nicodemus' first encounter with Jesus shows us that faith often begins in private. It's the late-night thoughts, inner wrestlings, and questions that won't go away. Though born in quiet curiosity, his inner promptings will soon have him stand for truth in ways he hadn't planned. (Borchert, 1996, pp. 156-157; Brown, 1966, pp. 131-132)
2. Quiet Defense: A Subtle Stand in the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51)
Nicodemus’ next appearance comes later in John’s Gospel, at a time when the religious leaders are growing increasingly hostile toward Jesus. This event happens in the third year of Jesus' ministry, about 6 months before his crucifixion, in what is commonly called, "The Year of Resistance."
In John 7, the Pharisees and chief priests are frustrated with the impact Jesus is having on the people, especially during the Feast of Tabernacles, where Jesus’ teachings have stirred up division and debate. The leaders consider taking action against Jesus as they are impatient and convinced of their own view. Nicodemus, in a surprising turn, speaks up and challenges their approach. His words are cautious and brave, hinting at a quiet but substantial conviction.
Though he doesn't openly declare his allegiance to Jesus, he asks a single, stifling question, defending Jesus' right to be heard. His words are a defense rooted in justice and the law: "Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?" He holds his peers accountable to their own standards, revealing their impatience, prejudice, and imprudence.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When one considers the gospels at large and the number of times religious officials openly show defiance or hostility to Jesus, Nicodemus' defense should not be seen as a minor step forward. This vocalization demonstrates a significant shift in Nicodemus, implying a respect for Jesus that has deepened since their nighttime conversation.
Nicodemus' question also reveals the tension he's living in--caught between his role as a Pharisee and his respect for Jesus, he speaks carefully, but he speaks. Courage takes on many forms, and as we will see, he will be emboldened to deepen his public stance and purposely entangle himself in the story of the Messiah.
Faith often requires small but significant steps of risk. Sometimes, standing for truth doesn't begin with grand declarations but with learning how to be honest with the questions that reside within one's own self. Once one can confront the most difficult questions of faith, doubt, and curiosity, it can become easier to challenge others to look more closely as well. Here, Nicodemus does to others what he did to himself--he places them in the path of scrutiny, asking what God and the truth demands, even if it lays them bare, or makes them uncomfortable or wrong.
3. Public Allegiance: Preparing Jesus’ Body (John 19:38-42)
Nicodemus' final appearance in John's Gospel is his personal journey from private curiosity to public allegiance at one of the most tense situations of his time: the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. After Jesus' crucifixion, when nearly all of Jesus' followers have scattered, Nicodemus arrives with Joseph of Arimathea to tend to Jesus' body. In doing so, he aligns himself openly with Jesus at a time when any association with him could lead to punishment, ridicule, scorn, or worse. Nicodemus' story moves from questions, to speaking, to actions; he performs a costly and courageous act as he embrace the public consequences of living his faith in the light of day.
Interestingly, Nicodemus encounters someone who shares a secret and a struggle similar to his own. Joseph of Arimathea, also a respected leader, was “a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders” (Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50-51). Nicodemus, described as a “ruler of the Jews”—a title typically associated with Sanhedrin members—likely found an ally in Joseph, another man of influence whose faith was guarded yet genuine. Could it be that these two men, carrying the same hidden faith, shared their convictions, encouraged each other, and ultimately inspired one another to take ever bolder steps of faith? Perhaps, together, they came to the quiet resolve that, regardless of the risks, Jesus was worth it.
So scary, so scandalous the cross, it’s hard to imagine the tension that filled the air. Yet, even in such an inhumane, violent situation, good people of growing faith go and take mutual steps of commitment together - Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.
They spared no expense as they prepared Jesus' body with an extraordinary amount of spices--about
seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes (John 19:39), which would be worth over $36,000 in today's dollars. Nicodemus now knows that commitment comes with a cost. By bringing this lavish gift, he honors Jesus not only as a teacher but as someone worthy of the deepest respect, someone he has come to see as a leader and Lord. This also reflects the sincerity of his belief. This is daylight devotion to the Lord of nighttime questions.
Through Nicodemus’ final act of allegiance, we’re reminded that true faith often involves a willingness to step into the light, to let our beliefs be seen, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly. For Nicodemus, this public act of devotion is the final step in a journey that began in private curiosity and grew into a quiet defense. Now, he publicly confesses with word and action, becoming a witness to a faith lived courageously. (Brown, 1966, pp. 980-982; Culpepper, 1998, p. 305)
Conclusion: Reflection and Application
Nicodemus’ journey invites us to reflect on the ways faith often begins in private, grows in the face of tension, and eventually calls for public commitment. Like Nicodemus, many of us may start our journey with questions, at times feeling the stirrings of faith and curiosity unsure of where it will lead. His story shows it's okay to start with questions--to seek Jesus in such a way, even when we're not ready to fully commit. Faith can start in the shadows with private study or personal wrestling before we step into the light.
We also find a reminder when we contemplate Nicodemus' quiet courage. Culture often pressures us to choose sides quickly and fiercely, yet his cautious sand in the Sanhedrin reflects the reality that faith may sometime involve small acts of integrity rather than effusive declarations. It can mean speaking up when it would be easier to stay silent or raising a question when others want to act in self-confidence. Subtle acts of courage can be powerful, for they can be catalyst for our own conversion, edging us one step closer to the faith we really want to live.
Nicodemus' ultimate choice to care for Jesus' body challenges us to consider the role of commitment in our own lives. Commitment always comes with a choice and a cost. Commitment leads to a decision to live in a way that reflects what we believe and we must decide if we are willing to be uncomfortable if it turns out to be costly. Like Nicodemus, we're invited to move from curiosity to action, letting our lives speak for the faith we've let the Spirit bring about.
Each stage of our faith journey is a movement and work of the Spirit. Wherever we find ourselves on the journey--whether it is private seeking, quiet step forward, or public allegiance--we are reminded that faith is a progression. It doesn't have to be rushed or forced but can grow in its own time, because the Spirit isn't limited by our circumstances, questions, or hesitant progressions.
Nicodemus' journey shows us that faith is rarely instantaneous. The seed planted must be cared for and given time to grow. Faith is a path we walk, shaped simultaneously by our questions, doubts, and ultimately our willingness to commit.
Lastly, the outcome was the goal. Nicodemus came in the dark to ask questions, but he didn't want to remain in the dark as far as his questions went. He wanted revelation, wisdom, and truth, and when he received it, he embraced and embodied it. Faith matures over time: curiosity to courage and, with the mysterious birthing and blowing of the Spirit, to conscious commitment lived with integrity for the world to see and remember.
References:
Borchert, Gerald L. John 1-11. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996. Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John (I-XII). Anchor Bible Series. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1966.Culpepper, R. Alan. The Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1998.