Bible Study: Who Was Nicodemus and What Was His Role?

Nicodemus: A Pharisee’s Journey into the Light!

Isn’t it amazing how God uses all sorts of people to show us His incredible love? Today, we’re going to talk about a truly fascinating man from the Bible, Nicodemus. He only shows up in the Gospel of John wow, his story is packed with powerful lessons about faith, about how God can change a life from the inside out, and how different folks came to Jesus.¹ This was a man who had it all – a Pharisee, a leader, a respected teacher! But his journey, from secretly asking questions in the quiet of the night to boldly honoring Jesus even when it was tough, is such an inspiring picture of a faith that grows and blossoms. We’re going to discover who this Nicodemus was, why his meetings with Jesus were so important, and the wonderful, uplifting lessons his life has for every single one of us today. Get ready to be encouraged!

Who Was This Man Nicodemus in Your Bible?

To really get to know Nicodemus, we’ve got to see just how important he was back in his day. The Bible, God’s amazing Word, tells us he had some very major roles:

He was a Pharisee.² the Pharisees were a major religious group, known for studying God’s law very carefully and following it to the letter, along with all the traditions. They were big influencers with everyday folks, you see.
The Bible also says he was “a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1). That’s a big deal! It means Nicodemus was part of the Sanhedrin, the top Jewish council and court in Jerusalem. They handled religious and even everyday issues, all under Roman watch.²
And listen to this: Jesus Himself called Nicodemus “the teacher of Israel” (John 3:10, NIV). When Jesus says something like that, you know it’s true! It just shows how much people respected Nicodemus as a wise and knowledgeable scholar of God’s law and teachings.²
His very name, Nicodemus, is Greek, and it means “conqueror of the people” or “victory of the people” – isn’t that powerful?⁶ Even though he was a Jewish leader, having a Greek name wasn’t so strange back then because Greek culture had spread far and wide. It just gives us a little peek into the diverse world Nicodemus lived in. It doesn’t mean he was all Greek it shows that Greek names and language were around, even for devout Jewish leaders.
And many believe Nicodemus was a wealthy man, blessed with abundance. We see hints of this because he knew Joseph of Arimathea, who was also rich. And think about this: Nicodemus brought a huge, expensive amount of spices – about a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes – for Jesus’ burial.² that would have cost a fortune!

When you put all these things together—a Pharisee, a Sanhedrin member, a famous teacher, and likely a very wealthy man—you see someone who was at the very top in Jewish religious and social circles. That’s what makes it so incredible that he decided to go and see Jesus, who was often seen as controversial and not on the same page as the religious leaders.¹¹ Nicodemus had so much he could have lost by talking with Jesus something deep inside him pulled him toward this teacher from Galilee. This just shows a wonderful truth: no matter how much religious knowledge or respect someone has, there can still be a hunger in their heart for something more, a deeper connection with God. Nicodemus’s story starts right here, with this amazing situation—a man from the very top, stepping out into a new spiritual adventure.

Where in the Bible Can We Read About Nicodemus?

If you want to read about Nicodemus, you’ll find his story only in the Gospel of John.² That’s right, he’s not in Matthew, Mark, or Luke. This special focus in John’s Gospel tells us that Nicodemus’s encounters with Jesus were super important for John as he shared his story of Jesus’ life and ministry. John often used conversations with individuals to explore deep spiritual truths like believing, light versus darkness, and eternal life, and Nicodemus’s story is a perfect fit for that style.²

Nicodemus shows up at three different, very important moments in John’s Gospel. Each time, we see him growing in his understanding and his walk with Jesus:

Scripture Reference	Context of Appearance	Nicodemus’s Key Action/Words	Initial Significance
John 3:1-21	Secret nighttime visit to Jesus	Comes to learn from Jesus; acknowledges Him as a teacher from God; asks how one can be “born again.”	Shows initial curiosity and respect for Jesus, but also profound spiritual confusion and misunderstanding.
John 7:45-53	Sanhedrin discussing Jesus’ arrest during the Feast of Tabernacles	“Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?”	Demonstrates growing courage; appeals to justice and due process, subtly defending Jesus against his colleagues.
John 19:38-42	After Jesus’ crucifixion	Brings a large quantity of costly spices (myrrh and aloes); assists Joseph of Arimathea in burying Jesus.	Reveals open devotion, reverence, and commitment to Jesus, even at great personal risk when others had fled.

These three moments show us a beautiful journey, as Nicodemus moves from asking questions carefully to showing his loyalty in a big way. The fact that only John tells us about these interactions means he saw Nicodemus as a powerful example of how anyone, even someone really caught up in the religious systems of the day, could be drawn to Jesus and have a major spiritual turnaround.

Why Did Nicodemus Go to Jesus in the Middle of the Night (John 3)?

The Gospel of John tells us very clearly that Nicodemus “came to Jesus at night” (John 3:2).³ People have wondered why he chose that time, and there are some really good thoughts on this:

He Might Have Been Afraid of What Others Thought: This is a common idea. Nicodemus was a big deal, and his fellow Pharisees and Sanhedrin members weren’t too happy with Jesus.² If they saw him openly talking with Jesus, it could have cost him his reputation, his job, and his influence.¹⁵
He Wanted a Quiet, Personal Talk: Nighttime might have been the perfect chance for Nicodemus to have a long, private chat with Jesus, without all the crowds and noise that were usually around Jesus during the day.⁷ This way, he could really focus and ask his deep questions.
It Could Be Symbolic: John’s Gospel often talks about light and darkness to mean spiritual truth and not knowing, respectively.⁵ So, Nicodemus coming “by night” could be a picture of his spiritual state—he was coming out of darkness or confusion and moving toward Jesus, who is “the Light of the world” (John 8:12).⁹
It Was a Good Time for Study: Some experts say that it wasn’t unusual for rabbis and religious scholars to get into deep talks about God during the quiet hours of the night.⁷

It’s very likely that Nicodemus had a mix of these reasons. Our reasons for doing things, especially when it comes to faith, are usually not just one simple thing. He might have been careful because of his job also truly wanted a serious, quiet talk. And that beautiful picture of coming from darkness to light is probably John showing us how spiritually important this meeting was.

But no matter why he came at night, look at how Jesus responded! He didn’t tell Nicodemus off for being secretive or careful.¹¹ No, Jesus welcomed him and had one of the most amazing spiritual conversations with him that we read about in the Gospels. This shows us that Jesus is always ready to meet people who are sincerely looking for Him, no matter where they are on their journey. He’ll answer their deepest questions, even if they come to Him a little shyly or in the dark.

What Did Jesus Mean by “Born Again” When He Talked to Nicodemus?

That incredible conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3 really focuses on this amazing idea of being “born again.” Jesus said it so clearly: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).⁶ the Greek words for “born again” ( gennatha anothen) can also mean “born from above.” Isn’t that powerful? It tells us that this new birth comes straight from God!

Nicodemus, even though he was a very smart teacher, at first he didn’t quite get it. He thought Jesus was talking about being physically born all over again. He asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (John 3:4).² His question really shows the difference between how we see things on earth and how God sees things spiritually.

Then Jesus, with so much grace, explained that He was talking about a spiritual change: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:5-6).⁶ This new birth is something special:

It’s Spiritual, Not Physical: It’s a complete renewal on the inside, a fresh start that the Holy Spirit brings about.³ It’s not just about trying to be a better person or changing a few habits; it’s a total change of who you are deep down.¹⁸
It’s a Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the One who makes this new birth happen. Jesus compared the Spirit’s work to the wind: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).⁶ This beautiful picture shows us that the Spirit works in ways we can’t always see or control the results are real and you can see them!3 We can’t tell the Spirit what to do we can see His amazing power changing lives.
Everyone Needs It: the idea of being “born again” was something Jewish people understood for non-Jews who wanted to join their faith. But Jesus said everyone needs it, even a devout Jew and a “teacher of Israel” like Nicodemus.¹¹ That was a huge teaching! It meant that just being born Jewish and following the Law perfectly wasn’t enough to get into God’s kingdom. Everyone needed God to step in and give them a new spiritual life.

This teaching really shook up Nicodemus’s whole way of thinking. As a Pharisee, he would have believed that following the Law was the way to be right with God.⁴ But Jesus was showing him a new truth: having a relationship with God and getting into His kingdom comes from a deep, inner change that God Himself starts.

How Did Nicodemus Stand Up for Jesus with the Jewish Council (Sanhedrin) in John 7?

The second time we see Nicodemus in the Gospel of John, things were getting pretty tense. It was the Feast of Tabernacles, and Jesus was teaching right out in the open in the temple. The chief priests and Pharisees were really trying to get Him arrested.²⁴ The guards they sent came back empty-handed, saying, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46).

Can you imagine the frustration in that Sanhedrin meeting? But right in the middle of all that anger, Nicodemus, who John reminds us was “one of their own number, who had gone to Jesus before,” spoke up (John 7:50-51). He asked a very important legal question: “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?”.²

With that one question, Nicodemus was calling on a basic rule of Jewish law: everyone deserves a fair chance to speak before they’re judged.² He wasn’t shouting from the rooftops that Jesus was the Messiah, and he wasn’t directly fighting the council’s bad opinion of Jesus. Instead, he was questioning how they were doing things, how they were ready to ignore their own laws because they were so eager to deal with Jesus.

Well, his colleagues just scoffed at him. They shot back, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and look, for no prophet arises from Galilee” (John 7:52).⁴ That was a mean thing to say, trying to make him feel like he was just a clueless supporter from Galilee, and it wasn’t even true historically (prophets like Jonah were from Galilee).

But this moment shows us something amazing about Nicodemus. He was growing! His defense, even though it was careful and based on the law, took real courage. He risked making his powerful friends angry and suspicious by saying something that sounded like he was on Jesus’ side.¹⁶ It showed that his earlier talk with Jesus had really stuck with him, making him want to stand up for what was fair, even when it wasn’t popular. He didn’t stop them completely his principled stand for a moment showed how unfair they were being and how biased they were. This was a sign of a growing belief, even if he wasn’t ready to fully declare himself a disciple just yet.

What Part Did Nicodemus Play in Jesus’ Burial in John 19?

The last time we see Nicodemus in the Bible is in John 19, right after Jesus was crucified. And this moment is a game-changer! It shows him moving from being careful and cautious to making a bold, public statement of his love and devotion.

After Jesus died, Joseph of Arimathea, who John tells us was a disciple of Jesus “but secretly for fear of the Jews,” bravely went to Pontius Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body so he could bury Him (John 19:38).²⁵ And then John tells us that Nicodemus joined Joseph in this very important task. And listen to how John reminds us who Nicodemus was: “Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds in weight” (John 19:39).²

What Nicodemus did was truly remarkable:

He Brought an Amazing Amount of Spices: He brought a huge quantity—about seventy-five to one hundred pounds—of myrrh and aloes.² this was an incredibly generous and expensive gift, way more than what was usual for a normal burial. An amount like that was usually only for burying kings or very highly honored people.³ This powerfully shows that Nicodemus deeply respected Jesus, seeing Him as someone who deserved the honor of a king, even in death.
He Publicly Showed He Was With Jesus: By helping with Jesus’ burial, Nicodemus was openly connecting himself with a man who had been condemned and killed as a criminal by the Romans, all because the Jewish leaders (who Nicodemus was one of!) pushed for it. This was a very risky thing to do, especially when Jesus’ disciples had run away in fear.¹⁵ It could have caused big trouble for Nicodemus, like losing his job in the Sanhedrin and being rejected by society.¹⁰ The man who once came to Jesus in the dark was now openly honoring Him in broad daylight, at the very moment when Jesus seemed most defeated and shamed.
He Made Sure Jesus Had an Honorable Burial: Together, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took Jesus’ body, wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices just like the Jewish custom for burial, and laid Him in Joseph’s new, unused tomb (John 19:40-42).¹⁰ If they hadn’t stepped in, Jesus might have been buried in a common grave for criminals.²⁵ What they did ensured Jesus received an honorable burial, which some people see as fulfilling prophecies, like Isaiah 53:9, which says the Messiah would be “with a rich man in his death.”

This final act of Nicodemus is seen by so many as the high point of his faith journey. It was a selfless, brave, and expensive way to show his love and devotion, proving that he had truly changed from a hesitant seeker to a committed follower.

Did Nicodemus Become a Follower of Jesus? Let’s Look at His Faith Journey!

The Bible doesn’t have a sentence that says, “And Nicodemus became one of the twelve disciples.” But, when you look at his story in John’s Gospel, you see such a clear, strong growth in his spirit. He went from being carefully curious to bravely committed, and that leads so many of us to believe that yes, he absolutely became a true believer in Jesus.³

Let’s follow his journey:

John 3: Asking Questions and Being a Little Confused: Nicodemus first comes to us as a respected religious leader. He sees Jesus as “a teacher come from God” because of the miracles.³ He’s looking for answers, he’s respectful he’s clearly having a hard time understanding the spiritual meaning of Jesus’ teaching about being “born again”.¹⁸ He’s an inquirer, open to learning not quite there yet in full understanding or commitment.
John 7: Carefully Defending and Growing Stronger in Belief: When he speaks up in the Sanhedrin, we see a big change. He risks his colleagues getting upset with him by asking for Jesus to have a fair hearing.² It’s not a full-blown declaration of faith it shows he’s starting to feel more for Jesus and is willing to publicly stand up for justice for Him, even if he does it carefully.
John 19: Brave Devotion and Publicly Siding with Jesus: Nicodemus’s part in Jesus’ burial is the most powerful proof of his changed faith. He openly connects himself with the crucified Christ. This act of deep devotion was both expensive and dangerous.³ This public display of honor, especially when Jesus’ cause seemed totally lost and His other followers had scattered, strongly tells us he had a deep-down belief and loyalty.

This journey shows us that faith isn’t always a lightning-bolt moment. For Nicodemus, it seems like it was more of a steady process of seeking, asking, learning, and growing in understanding and courage.²³ You can see God’s patience as Nicodemus moves from wrestling with ideas in the dark to taking bold action in the light.¹⁶

And think about this: because Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, choosing to follow Jesus meant he was risking a lot. He could have lost his reputation, his position among the religious elite, and maybe even his wealth and influence.¹⁰ The religious leaders were mostly against Jesus, and openly siding with Him could have led to serious trouble, like being “put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42), which was a big deal socially and religiously.⁸ The fact that he was eventually willing to publicly honor Jesus in such a costly way suggests that the truth and the person of Jesus had become more precious to him than anything on earth. Although we can talk about the exact moment he “got saved,” the path of his story in John’s Gospel clearly paints a picture of a man deeply changed by his encounters with Jesus Christ.

What Did the Early Church Fathers Say About Nicodemus?

The early Church Fathers, those really important thinkers and writers in the first few centuries after the apostles, they thought a lot about Bible characters, including our friend Nicodemus. What they said gives us a great idea of how he was seen in early Christian times.

Many of these Church Fathers saw Nicodemus as someone whose faith grew stronger and stronger, moving from being a bit timid to being very bold.

St. Augustine of Hippo (who lived from 354-430 AD) often said Nicodemus was like a catechumen—that’s someone who’s learning about the Christian faith before they get baptized.²⁹ He thought Nicodemus’s first visit at night (in John 3) was like an early stage of belief. Nicodemus knew Jesus was a teacher from God he didn’t quite get the deeper spiritual stuff yet, like needing to be “born from above” or what the Lord’s Supper was all about.²⁹ For Augustine, coming “by night” meant being in spiritual “darkness” but moving toward Jesus, the “light.”30 He believed Nicodemus came back to Jesus many times, and his later actions—standing up for Jesus before the Sanhedrin (John 7) and helping with His burial (John 19)—were clear signs of a complete conversion and spiritual growth. This made Nicodemus a great example for anyone on their journey to faith.²⁹
St. John Chrysostom (around 347-407 AD) also talked about how Nicodemus developed. He said that when Nicodemus first came in John 3, he was fearful and didn’t fully understand, he was “entangled in Jewish infirmity” and had “human thoughts concerning Him”.²¹ Chrysostom pointed out how merciful and patient Jesus was in teaching Nicodemus, even though he was timid at first.²¹ He saw Nicodemus’s defense of Jesus in John 7 and especially his brave and costly help with Jesus’ burial in John 19, as definite proof of big spiritual growth and deep care for Christ.²¹
Thomas Aquinas (around 1225-1274 AD), who came later but was a huge influence and studied the Church Fathers a lot, had some symbolic thoughts. He said the name “Nicodemus,” meaning “victor,” could represent those who overcome the world through faith by turning to Christ.⁸ Aquinas also thought that because Nicodemus was a Pharisee, and they believed in the resurrection and spiritual beings, it might have been “easier” for him to convert than for the Sadducees.⁸ But he agreed that what Nicodemus first said about Jesus—that He was a teacher from God—was true but not enough, because it didn’t show a full understanding that Jesus was divine and had His own power.⁸

About Jesus’s super important teaching in John 3:5, “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God,” the vast majority of Church Fathers believed the “water” meant the water of Christian baptism.³¹ Big names like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Cyprian of Carthage, Ambrose, and Jerome all linked this verse to baptism as being essential for being born again and entering God’s kingdom.³¹ This really shows how important the sacraments were to the early Church’s understanding of salvation. For them, what Jesus said to Nicodemus was a foundational teaching about why baptism is necessary.

The way the Fathers focused on Nicodemus as an example of gradual conversion and learning about the faith is really major. It shows that the early Church understood and valued the process of spiritual growth, where people move from asking questions and wrestling with ideas to full-blown faith and commitment. Nicodemus’s story really connected with their own experiences of guiding seekers into the full Christian life.

Is There a “Gospel of Nicodemus”? What’s That All About?

Yes, there is an old writing called the “Gospel of Nicodemus”.² But it’s super important to know that this is an apocryphal gospel. That means it’s not part of the official New Testament that the Christian Church accepts as God’s inspired Word.

Here are some key things to know about this text:

It Had Another Name: It used to be known, and maybe more correctly, as the “Acts of Pilate” (in Latin: Acta Pilati).² The name “Gospel of Nicodemus” actually came about much later, in the medieval times.
When Was It Written?: Even though it claims to be a firsthand account or based on official records written by Nicodemus, scholars generally think the version we have today was written around the 4th or 5th century AD. That’s hundreds of years after Jesus and Nicodemus lived.³⁵
What’s Inside It?: The Gospel of Nicodemus is usually split into two main parts:
Jesus’ Trial and Resurrection: The first part (chapters 1-11) talks about Jesus’ trial, using a lot from Luke 23, and also tells about His resurrection.³⁵
The Harrowing of Hell: The second part (chapters 17-27) is a dramatic story about Christ going down into Hell (or Hades) between His death and resurrection. It features two characters, Leucius and Charinus, who were supposedly raised from the dead after the crucifixion. They tell the Sanhedrin how Christ defeated Satan and freed the good Old Testament heroes (like Adam, Abraham, and David) from the underworld.³⁵ This part of the story became very popular and really shaped how people pictured this event.
Extra Details Not in the Bible: This text has details and names you won’t find in our regular Gospels. For example, it names the soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear as Longinus, and the two criminals crucified with Jesus as Dismas (the one who repented) and Gestas (the one who didn’t).³⁵
Its Influence: Even though it’s not Scripture, the Gospel of Nicodemus was very popular and influential in the Middle Ages. It inspired a lot of religious writings, art, and plays, and it really shaped how everyday people understood the events around Jesus’ death and resurrection, especially the Harrowing of Hell.³⁵

The fact that writings like the Gospel of Nicodemus existed and were popular shows that early and medieval Christians were naturally curious and wanted more details about Jesus’ life and the story of salvation than what the official Gospels give us.³⁷ These writings tried to fill in what they thought were gaps or add more to the Bible stories. But the through a long process guided by the Holy Spirit, figured out which writings were truly inspired by God and trustworthy for our faith and how we live. That’s how we got our New Testament. The Gospel of Nicodemus, Although It’s interesting historically and shows some of the religious feelings and theological ideas of early Christians, is not considered part of that inspired Word. It’s an example of how stories about historical people can get added to and embellished over time.

What Can We Learn from Nicodemus’s Story Today? Oh, So Much!

Nicodemus’s journey, from being a careful questioner in the night to a man who publicly honored the crucified Christ, is just overflowing with timeless lessons for every believer today. His story really speaks to us because it shows so many of the twists and turns, the questions, and the stages that can be part of anyone’s walk with God.

It’s So Important to Sincerely Seek God: Nicodemus, even with all his religious status and deep knowledge of the Law, saw something special in Jesus and went looking for Him.¹⁴ This teaches us that no matter who we are or how much we think we know about religion, we should always keep our hearts open to seeking truth and a deeper connection with God. Getting spiritually comfortable is a trap for anyone, and Nicodemus shows us the courage it takes to ask questions and go after spiritual understanding.
Spiritual Rebirth is for Everyone: Jesus’s powerful words to Nicodemus—”You must be born again”—are still a bedrock of our Christian faith.¹⁴ This isn’t just about following religious rules or trying to be a better person; it’s about a radical, deep-down change that the Holy Spirit brings about through faith in Jesus Christ. Nicodemus, a devout and learned Pharisee, needed this new birth, and that just shows how essential it is for every single person to enter the Kingdom of God.
Faith Can Be a Journey, Not a Jump: Nicodemus didn’t have a sudden, dramatic conversion the first time he met Jesus. No, his faith seems to have grown over time, through thinking, watching, and becoming more willing to act on what he believed.¹⁵ This is so encouraging for those of us whose faith journey is more of a steady walk, with times of questioning, wrestling with ideas, or growing slowly, rather than one big, sudden event. God is so patient with those who are sincerely seeking Him.¹⁶
Courage Grows with Faith: The man who first came at night, probably because he was afraid, eventually stood right there with Joseph of Arimathea to care for Jesus’s body when it was incredibly risky.¹⁴ This shows us that courage isn’t always where faith starts it can definitely be a result of growing belief and love for Christ. His example challenges us to grow bolder in our faith, even when it might not be popular or might cost us something.
It’s Okay to Have Questions: Jesus patiently listened to Nicodemus’s confusion and questions.¹⁵ He didn’t brush him off for not getting it right away. This tells us that struggling with tough spiritual ideas or having doubts is a normal part of being human and having faith. Honest questions, when we ask them with a sincere heart, can lead us to a much deeper understanding.
No One is Beyond God’s Amazing Reach: Nicodemus was part of the religious elite, a group that was mostly against Jesus. But the Spirit was working in his heart!16 His story reminds us that we should never think anyone is too far gone for God’s grace or closed off to the Gospel, no matter their background, their status, or who they hang out with.
There’s Value in Quiet Faithfulness: Even though Nicodemus wasn’t one of the twelve apostles and we don’t read a ton about him in the New Testament, his acts of seeking, defending, and honoring Jesus were incredibly important.¹⁵ This teaches us that not all powerful faith happens in the spotlight. God calls each of us to be faithful right where He’s placed us, and those quiet acts of devotion and courage mean so much in His kingdom.
Your Mind and Your Faith Can Work Together: As “the teacher of Israel,” Nicodemus came to Jesus using his intellect and knowledge.² And while his first understanding was a bit limited by an earthly view, his journey shows that asking intellectual questions, when you have an open heart, can be a road to deeper spiritual truth. Faith isn’t about throwing out reason it does mean being humble enough to know that we don’t know everything and that we need God to reveal things to us by His Spirit.

Nicodemus’s story is such a powerful reminder that the path to faith is personal and can happen in ways we don’t expect. He encourages us to keep seeking, to be honest with our questions, and to be brave in how we live for Christ.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of a Night Seeker!

Nicodemus, that Pharisee who first came to Jesus in the quiet of the night, shines from the pages of John’s Gospel as a man who went through an amazing spiritual growth. His journey wasn’t about a sudden, flashy conversion a steady unfolding of understanding and courage. He went from being a careful, intellectual asker of questions, trying to get his mind around Jesus’s challenging words about spiritual rebirth, to someone who subtly stood up for Jesus in front of his hostile colleagues. And finally, he became a man who risked his reputation and his safety to publicly honor Christ in His death.

The story of Nicodemus highlights truths that never get old: every single one of us needs a life-changing encounter with God, Christ is so patient with those who are sincerely looking for Him, and people can take all sorts of different paths to find faith. He reminds us that even those who are deep in religious traditions and have positions of power can have a powerful spiritual awakening. His eventual boldness, even when things looked bleak, stands as a powerful testimony to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

For all of us believers today, Nicodemus is such a compelling example. He encourages us to embrace our own faith journey, with all its questions and complexities, to diligently seek truth, and to let what we believe shape how we act, even when it’s hard or costs us something. The legacy of this man who started his search in the night is not about having perfect understanding from day one about a persistent, determined move toward the Light—a journey that continues to inspire and teach the Church even now. Keep pressing on, keep seeking, and let God do amazing things in your life!