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Nicodemus’s Profile
God specializes in finding and changing people we consider
out of reach. It took awhile for Nicodemus to come out of the dark, but God was
patient with this "undercover" believer.
Afraid of being discovered, Nicodemus made an appointment to
see Jesus at night. Daylight conversations between Pharisees and Jesus tended to
be antagonistic, but Nicodemus really wanted to learn. He probably got a lot
more than he expected - a challenge to a new life! We know very little about
Nicodemus, but we know that he left that evening’s encounter a changed man. He
came away with a whole new understanding of both God and himself.
Nicodemus next appears as part of the Jewish council. As the
group discussed ways to eliminate Jesus, Nicodemus raised the question of
justice. Although his objection was overruled, he had spoken up. He had begun to
change.
Our last picture of Nicodemus shows him joining Joseph of
Arimathea in asking for Jesus’ body in order to provide for its burial.
Realizing what he was risking, Nicodemus was making a bold move. He was
continuing to grow.
God looks for steady growth, not instant perfection. How well
does your present level of spiritual growth match up with how long you have
known Jesus?
Nicodemus’s Strengths and Accomplishments
1. One of the few religious leaders who believed in Jesus
2. A member of the powerful Jewish council
3. A Pharisee who was attracted by Jesus’ character and miracles
4. Joined with Joseph of Arimathea in burying Jesus
Nicodemus’s Weakness and Mistake
1. Limited by his fear of being publicly exposed as Jesus’ follower
Lessons from Nicodemus’s Life
1. Unless we are born again, we can never be part of the kingdom of God
2. God is able to change those we might consider unreachable
3. God is patient, but persistent
4. If we are available, God can use us
Nicodemus’s Vital Statistics
1. Where: Jerusalem
2. Occupation: Religious leader
3. Contemporaries: Jesus, Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea
Key Verse
" ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot
enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ " (John 3:4).
Nicodemus’s story is told in John 3:1-21; John 7:50-52; and John 19:39,40.
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