The story of Nicodemus is one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking narratives in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin, appears three times in the Gospel of John (John 3:1-21, John 7:45-52, and John 19:38-42). His interactions with Jesus and the subsequent actions he takes provide a fascinating glimpse into his spiritual journey and raise the question: Did Nicodemus become a follower of Jesus?
In John 3:1-21, Nicodemus first comes to Jesus by night. This nocturnal visit is significant, as it suggests that Nicodemus did not want to be seen by his peers, possibly due to fear of persecution or loss of status. During this encounter, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about the necessity of being "born again" to see the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus, puzzled by this concept, questions how an old man can be born again. Jesus explains that this rebirth is spiritual, involving water and the Spirit.
John 3:16-17, part of this dialogue, contains some of the most famous verses in the Bible:
"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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
This profound teaching must have left a significant impression on Nicodemus, as it encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message. However, at this point, the narrative does not explicitly state that Nicodemus becomes a follower of Jesus.
The second appearance of Nicodemus is in John 7:45-52. Here, Nicodemus subtly defends Jesus in front of the Sanhedrin. The chief priests and Pharisees are furious that the temple guards did not arrest Jesus, and Nicodemus raises a point of law, asking,
"Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?" (John 7:51).
This question, while not an outright declaration of faith, indicates that Nicodemus is willing to ensure that Jesus receives a fair hearing, which suggests a level of respect and openness towards Him. The response from his peers is dismissive and scornful, but Nicodemus's courage to speak up in such a hostile environment is noteworthy.
The final appearance of Nicodemus is in John 19:38-42, after the crucifixion of Jesus. This is perhaps the most telling moment regarding his faith. Along with Joseph of Arimathea, who is described as a secret disciple of Jesus, Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight, to anoint Jesus's body for burial. This act of devotion and respect is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates that Nicodemus is willing to be associated with Jesus publicly, even after His death, which is a stark contrast to his initial secretive visit. Secondly, the quantity of spices Nicodemus brings is substantial, indicating a level of honor typically reserved for royalty. This act of reverence suggests a deep respect and possibly a belief in Jesus's messianic identity.
While the Gospel of John does not provide a direct statement that Nicodemus became a follower of Jesus in the same explicit manner as the disciples, his actions speak volumes. His journey from a secretive inquirer to a public participant in Jesus's burial reflects a significant transformation. This progression mirrors the spiritual journey that many individuals experience: initial curiosity, growing understanding, and eventual commitment.
The transformation of Nicodemus can also be seen as a fulfillment of Jesus's teaching about being "born again." Initially confused by the concept, Nicodemus's actions by the end of the Gospel suggest that he has undergone a spiritual rebirth. His willingness to honor Jesus in death, despite the potential repercussions from his peers, indicates a profound change in his heart and beliefs.
Nicodemus's story also serves as an encouragement to those who may be seeking faith in a context of opposition or fear. His gradual journey towards faith illustrates that coming to believe in Jesus can be a process, marked by questions, doubts, and gradual steps of courage.
In Christian literature, Nicodemus's journey is often viewed as a powerful example of the transformative power of Jesus's message. Theologians and scholars have long debated the extent of Nicodemus's faith, but many agree that his actions, particularly in John 19, indicate a significant level of belief and commitment. For instance, F.F. Bruce, a well-respected New Testament scholar, suggests that Nicodemus's participation in Jesus's burial is a clear sign of his allegiance to Jesus (Bruce, "The Gospel of John").
Moreover, Nicodemus's story is a testament to the inclusive nature of Jesus's ministry. Jesus engages with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, without prejudice, demonstrating that the message of the Gospel is available to all, regardless of their background or status. This inclusivity is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing that faith in Jesus is open to everyone.
In summary, while the Gospel of John does not explicitly state that Nicodemus became a follower of Jesus in the same way as the twelve disciples, his actions suggest a significant transformation and commitment to Jesus. His journey from a secretive inquirer to a public participant in Jesus's burial reflects a deepening faith and willingness to honor Jesus, even at great personal risk. Nicodemus's story is a powerful example of the transformative power of Jesus's message and an encouragement to those who may be on their own journey of faith.
