What Did Jesus Tell Nicodemus

Bible Gateway passage: John 3:1-21 – New International Version

3Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus A)”>(A), who was a member of the Jewish governing council and was a member of the Jewish ruling council. “Rabbi, C)”>(C)we know D)”>(D)that you are a teacher who has come from God,” he remarked as he approached Jesus in the middle of the night. Nobody could execute the signs E)”>(E)you are performing if God were not present to assist him. ” F)”> ” F”> ” F”> (F) “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they have been born again,” Jesus said.

“Surely they are unable to enter their mother’s womb for a second time in order to birth!” Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they have been born of water and the Spirit.

H)”>(H)6Flesh gives birth to flesh, while the Spiritgives birth to spirit.

8The wind is free to blow wherever it wants.

The same is true for everybody who has been born of the Spirit.
” K)”>(K)Nicodemus was the one who inquired.
11I swear to you, we speak of what we know, M)”>(M), and we testify to what we have witnessed, yet you people refuse to believe us despite our testimony.
13There has never been anyone who has gone into heaven O)”>(O) save for the one who came from heaven.
Q)”>(Q)14Just as Moses hoisted up the serpent in the desert, R)”>(R)so the Son of Man must be lifted up, R)”>(R)as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, So that everyone who trusts in T)”>(T)15 may have eternal life in him, S)”>(S)15.
16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, X)”>(X), so that whoever believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life.
The Bible says that whomever believes in him will not be condemned, but the Bible says that anyone does not believe will already be condemned because they have refused to believe in the name of God’s one and only Son.
AF)”>(AF)20Everyone who does evil despises the light and will not come into the light for fear of being exposed for their activities.

AG)”>(AG)21 The truth, on the other hand, brings those who live by it into the light, allowing it to be clearly recognized that what they have done has been done in the eyes of God. Read the entire chapter.

Footnotes

3:3 (John 3:3) In verse 7, the Greek word foragain is translated as “from above.” John 3:6But the spirit
John 3:7The Greek word for spirit is multiple. Several manuscripts translate the Greek word for Spirit as “wind.” John 3:13 Some manuscripts translate it as “Man, who is in heaven.” John 3:14 The Greek word forlifted up also implies exalted. John 3:15 Some commentators conclude the statement with verse 21.

Cross references

John 3:1:Jn 7:50
19:39
John 3:1:Lk 23:13
John 3:2:S Mt 23:7
John 3:2:S Jn 2:11
John 3:2:Jn 10:38
14:10, 11
Ac 2:22
10:38
John 3:3:S Mt 3:2
S Jn 1:13
John 3:6:S Mt 3:2
John 3:8:1

New International Version (New International Version) (NIV) NIV® stands for New International Version® of the Holy Bible. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, and 2012 byBiblica, Inc.®Used with permission from the owner. All rights are retained around the world. The New International Version (NIV) Reverse Interlinear Bible provides translations from English to Hebrew and from English to Greek. Zondervan has copyright protection till the year 2019.

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31st chapter of John Now there was a guy named Nicodemus who belonged to the Pharisees and was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus in the middle of the night and said, “Rabbi, we are aware that you are a divinely inspired teacher who has come from God. Without God’s assistance, no one could do the amazing signs that you are currently performing.” “I tell you the truth; no one can see God’s kingdom unless he has been born again,” Jesus proclaimed in response. “How is it possible for a guy to be born when he is old?” Nicodemus inquired.

5Jesus said in the affirmative, “Everyone who is not born of water and the Spirit will not be able to enter the kingdom of God, I tell you the truth.
Seventh, you shouldn’t be startled by my statement, ‘You must re-birth yourself.’ 8The wind is free to blow wherever it wants.
The same is true for everybody who has been born of the Spirit.” 9″How is this possible?” Nicodemus inquired.
11We proclaim the truth to you, and we witness to what we have seen and heard, yet you refuse to believe us despite the fact that we have spoken the truth to you.
13Except for the one who comes from heaven, the Son of Man, no one has ever entered the kingdom of heaven.

14 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 “In fact, God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life with him.

18Whoever believes in him is not condemned; but, whoever does not believe is already condemned because he has not placed his faith in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Anyone who commits evil despises the light and will not enter it for fear that his or her sins would be discovered.
John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, where there was plenty of water and people were always flocking to be baptized because it was a popular spot.
‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of Jordan-the one who testified about you-is baptizing, and everyone is flocking to him,’ they said to John.
27In response to this, John said, “A man can only receive from heaven what has been given to him.
The buddy who is accompanying the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and he is overjoyed when he hears the bridegroom’s voice for the very first time.
30 He must grow in stature, while I must shrink in stature.
The one who comes from heaven is superior to all others.
33 The guy who has embraced it has given his seal of approval to the fact that God is trustworthy.

35The Father adores the Son and has entrusted him with complete control over all things. The Son has given everlasting life to everyone who believes in him. But everyone who does not believe in the Son will perish because God’s wrath remains on him.”

Orborn from above
This is also mentioned in verse 7. Spirit of Orbut
The Greek word for “many” is plural
Some texts have a guy who is in heaven, or who believes that he has everlasting life inside him. Alternatively, his only begotten Son
Alternatively, God’s only begotten Son The passage is sometimes ended after verse 15 by certain commentators
Some manuscripts and certain Jews do the same. OrMessiah
sGreekhe
Some interpretations choose to finish the passage after verse 30
Others choose to continue with verse 31.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus What It Means to ‘Be Born Again’

2:23–3:21 (JOHN 2–3:21)

What it means to be “BORN AGAIN” is discussed in JESUS’ conversation with NICODEMUS.

During his stay in Jerusalem for the Passover festival in 30 C.E., Jesus performs a series of astonishing signs, known as miracles. As a consequence, many individuals have placed their trust in him. Nicolas, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court), is taken aback by the performance. He comes to Jesus after nightfall, maybe out of concern for his reputation with the other Jewish officials if he is discovered. “Rabbi,” Nicodemus tells him, “we know that you have come from God as a teacher because no one can accomplish these signs that you perform unless God is there.” “We know that you have come from God as a teacher,” Nicodemus continues.

— How, on the other hand, does a person re-experience birth?

— John 3:4 (KJV).

The Lord Jesus says, “Unless a person is born of water and the spirit, he will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God.” (See also John 3:5) In the event that Jesus was baptized and the holy spirit fell upon him, he was said to have been born “from water and spirit.” “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved,” said the Father in heaven at the moment.

Later, at the feast of Pentecost in the year 33 C.E., the holy spirit will be poured forth on other baptized believers, and they will be reborn as spirit-begotten sons and daughters of God.
— Nicodemus has a tough time comprehending what Jesus is teaching him about the Kingdom of Heaven and Earth.
“Just as Moses held up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, in order that everyone who believes in him may have everlasting life,” Jesus adds.
Those Israelites who were bitten by deadly snakes had to stare at the copper serpent for a long time in order to be rescued centuries ago.
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising trust in him could not be destroyed but might have eternal life,” Jesus tells Nicodemus next, emphasizing Jehovah’s loving participation in all of this.
In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus explains that “God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world.” He was not sent to pass judgment on it negatively, sentencing all mankind to extermination as a result of this.
Nicodemus had come to Jesus in a state of terror, under the cover of darkness.
Anyone who does what is right, on the other hand, comes into the light, so that his deeds may be shown as having been done in accordance with God.” Scripture reference: John 3:19–21.

This now falls to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and teacher of Israel, to ponder what he has just learned about Jesus’ position in God’s plan for the world.

Bible, King James Version

In the time of Jesus, there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus who was the ruler of the Jews: The same person came to Jesus in the middle of the night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher sent from God: for no one can accomplish these marvels that thou doest unless God is with him.” No one can do these miracles unless God is with him. In response, Jesus remarked to him, “Truly, verily, I say unto thee, a man shall not see the kingdom of God until he is born again.” Nicodemus confronts him with the question, “How can a man be born when he is old?” Is it possible for him to enter his mother’s womb for a second time and be born?

Things born of the body are considered to be flesh, whereas things born of the Spirit are considered to be spirit.
The wind blows where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound of it, but thou cannot tell from where it came or where it is going; so it is with every person who has been born of the Spirit.
If I have informed you about worldly things and you do not trust me, how can you expect to believe me when I tell you about heavenly things?
And just as Moses hoisted up the snake in the desert, the Son of Man must be lifted up as well: That whomever believes in him will not die, but will have eternal life as a result.
Because God did not send his Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but in order that the world could be saved through him.
Because their acts were bad, light has been brought into the world, but humanity preferred darkness to light.
Because everyone who does evil despises the light and does not come to the light for fear of being held accountable for his or her actions.

After these events had place, Jesus and his followers traveled to the country of Judaea, where he stayed with them and baptized the people.

And the people came and were baptized.

Then there was a disagreement between some of John’s disciples and the Jews over the issue of purification.

You yourselves bear witness to the fact that I stated that I am not the Christ, but that I am a messenger sent before him.

He must rise, but I must shrink in order for him to succeed.

Furthermore, what he has seen and heard is what he testifies to, and no one can contradict his evidence.

Since he whom God has sent speaks the words of God, because God does not send the Spirit to anybody in proportion to his or her ability.

The Father adores the Son and has entrusted him with complete control over all things. He who believes in the Son has eternal life; while, he who does not believe in the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God will remain upon him forever.

Next Chapter

According to John 3, Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to Jesus in the middle of the night with a question for him. He heard an answer that would be hidden in the minds of Christians for decades to come.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus: You Must BeBorn Again

Now there was a guy named Nicodemus who belonged to the Pharisees and was the ruler of the Jews. When this man came to Jesus in the middle of the night, he told him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher sent by God, since no one can do the marvels that you perform unless God is there with him.” When he asked Jesus about it, he received the following response: “Truly, truly, I say to you, until one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “How is it possible for a man to be born when he is old?” Nicodemus inquired.

Is it possible for him to enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?” According to Jesus’ response: “Truthfully, really, I say to you, unless one is born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” When the body gives birth to anything, it is called flesh, and when the Spirit gives birth to something, it is called spirit.

The same holds true for everybody who is born of the Spirit.” “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus inquired of him.
Indeed, I say to you, we speak of what we know and offer witness to what we have witnessed, yet you do not benefit from our testimony.
Except for the Son of Man, no one has ever risen into heaven except for him who descended from heaven.
(See also John 3:1-15)

Nicodemus’ Secret Conversation with Jesus

Throughout John 3, Nicodemus acknowledges that God must have sent Jesus as a result of all of the miraculous wonders that he did. In his response, Jesus gets right to the core of the problem, saying, “. no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). Nicodemus, pondering both figuratively and practically, wonders how anybody can be born twice (John 3:4). Jesus resumes the discourse with Nicodemus, instructing him on the importance of being born of the Spirit (John 3:5-8).

John 3:12 – Jesus bemoans the fact that Nicodemus cannot seem to understand such a lofty notion as heaven, and he turns to an Old Testament account (Numbers 4-9), which a Pharisee was almost certain to have heard previously, in order to explain how one might be born again and go to paradise.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whomever believes in him may not perish but have everlasting life,” John says in the context of Nicodemus’s tale.

In fact, God did not bring his Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but in order to save the world through him.” (See also John 3:16-17.)

Nicodemus was Not a Spy

Nicodemus’ motivations have been called into doubt by certain researchers. They stated that he came on behalf of the Sanhedrin as a type of snoop, with the mission of tricking Jesus into delivering an official response based on the questions he would pose. After all, Nicodemus uses the first-person plural to express himself (” We know You have come from God as a Teacher “). However, there are three issues with this approach.

In light of the fact that other Jewish authorities confronted Jesus in the open, Nicodemus would not have needed to sneak through the night to see Jesus
Yet, he did not inquire and instead stated that Jesus was a Teacher from God. To be sure, Nicodemus later reveals himself to be a believer when he arrives with Joseph of Arimathea to prepare Jesus’ body for a proper Jewish burial (John 19:39)
But, more importantly, Nicodemus later reveals himself to be a believer when he comes to prepare Jesus’ body for a proper Jewish burial (John 19:39).

Nicodemus was Honestly Seeking God

The most likely explanation is that Nicodemus, while not entirely convinced of Jesus’ divinity at the time, had witnessed the marvels performed by Jesus. He devised a strategy for seeing Jesus by comparing what he understood about the Old Testament with what people expected to happen when the Messiah came. As a result, he arrived sincere in his search for God. By the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, Nicodemus had gained the confidence to share his newfound faith with the rest of the world. According to Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, “and though he arrived by night, subsequently he openly acknowledged Christ as his Lord and Savior.”

What Else Does the Bible Say About Nicodemus?

Nicodemus warned a group of unbelieving Pharisees in John 7:50-51 about the consequences of unjustly taking Jesus. Afterward, in John 19:39, after Jesus had been killed, Nicodemus joined forces with Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus in accordance with Jewish tradition. He brought “a combination of myrrh and aloes weighing around seventy-five pounds,” according to the Bible (John 19:39). Adapted from Alfred Edersheim’s The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (Book III, Chapter VI) and from the lecture notes of Dr.

Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/JamesColeman.

The Story of Nicodemus

The narrative of Nicodemus appears in three different places in the Bible, all of which are found in the book of John. After viewing the television series “The Chosen,” which is based on the story of Jesus, I developed a new respect for Nicodemus. He is the one character whose narrative brings tears to my eyes every time I see it, and I love him for it! God has provided us with enough knowledge to construct a fascinating picture despite the fact that we don’t know everything for certain. So, who was Nicodemus, exactly?

Who was Nicodemus?

Nicodemus belonged to the prestigious Pharisees sect of Judaism and was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the highest Jewish court at the time. Nicodemus held a significant position as ruler of the Pharisees, which was a position of immense authority. He was a wealthy businessman with much power and influence. The Pharisees made a pact with God that they would follow all customs and rules to the letter of the law. The fact that they believed they were the only ones capable of interpreting God’s message, however, caused them to become arrogant.

There was a guy named Nicodemus who belonged to the Pharisees and was a member of the Jewish ruling council.

“Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God,” he remarked to Jesus one night as he walked up to him. If God were not present, no one could accomplish the miraculous signs that you are currently performing.” NIV translation of John 3:1-2.

Why Did Nicodemus Approach Jesus at Night?

Although Scripture does not provide an explanation, various hypotheses have been advanced: He was an inquiring, curious seeker who was intrigued by Jesus’ teachings and his capacity to perform miracles, or was he anything more? Was he frightened to come in the daylight for fear of being mistaken for Jesus and his disciples? Visiting Jesus out of his own free choice may have resulted in his losing his position, fortune and social standing. The Jews’ ferocious hostility to Jesus was already increasing on a daily basis.

The Sanhedrin dispatched a delegation to examine the activities of John the Baptist (John 1:19-20).

Is it possible that Nicodemus had a thirst to discover whether or not Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah?

Nicodemus and Jesus

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again,” Jesus says in response to Nicodemus’ comment, cutting directly to the core of the problem. v3 of the NIV. (In Greek, the phrase “born again” means “born from above.”) Nicodemus takes Jesus’ words seriously and doubts whether or not a bodily rebirth is indeed possible. He felt that because he was a Jew, he had been born into God’s kingdom right from the beginning. His mind couldn’t comprehend the idea that there was an alternate path to paradise.

“How is this possible?” he wonders (v9).

Nicodemus should have been aware of God’s promise of spiritual regeneration in Ezekiel 36:26-27: “I will put my Spirit in you,” which means “I will put my Spirit in you.” Jesus, on the other hand, is persistent with Nicodemus.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Nicodemus is reminded of the story of Moses and the Bronze Serpent from the Old Testament by Jesus (Numbers 21:4-8). As Moses hoisted up the serpent in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up in order for anyone who believes in him to have eternal life. v14-15. Those who looked at the bronze snake and believed would not perish, but would instead live, when the serpent was raised on a pole. This narrative serves as a foreshadowing of the crucifixion. During Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, He explained that He would be hoisted up (on the cross) like the bronze serpent in order to free the people from eternal death.

Although this looks to be the conclusion of the discourse between Jesus and Nicodemus, we see Nicodemus resurface twice more. Make a note of it for later!

Nicodemus the Pharisee

It is now approximately 6 months till the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly career. Since their initial night-time contact, it is quite likely that Nicodemus was aware of what Jesus had been up to since that time. He was most likely aware of Jesus’ ongoing healing and teaching activities. Nicodemus addresses a group of Pharisees in John 7:50-51, and we can see him speaking to them. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were getting angry and frustrated with Jesus, and they devised a scheme to illegally seize Him from the temple guards.

When it came to his confidence in Jesus, Nicodemus did not make a straightforward proclamation.

He may have protected Jesus by raising a genuine legal argument, but he could not have altered the Pharisees’ views by declaring Jesus to be the Son of God at this moment.

Nicodemus had transformed himself from a seeker and skeptic to a protector.

Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea

After Jesus’ crucifixion, we’ll take one more look at Nicodemus’ life and ministry. The body of Jesus was later requested by Joseph of Arimathea, who went to Pilate to get it. Because of his dread of the Jews, Joseph continued to follow Jesus in secret for a while. He arrived and removed the body from the scene with Pilate’s consent. He was joined by Nicodemus, the man who had previously visited Jesus in the middle of the night. Nicodemus arrived with a combination of myrrh and aloes weighing around seventy-five pounds.

Joseph, like Nicodemus, was a member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish judicial body).
They turned their backs on Jesus out of fear and uncertainty.
(The quantity of funeral spices Nicodemus offered was prohibitively expensive.
Nicodemus’ collaboration with Joseph in the burying of Jesus demonstrates his love and dedication to the Lord Jesus.
Their acts demonstrated that they were prepared to sacrifice everything in order to care for Jesus.

What Happened to Nicodemus?

The tale of Nicodemus in the Bible comes to a close with Jesus’ burial. According to my Bible interpretation, neither guy is mentioned in Jewish records or traditions from their time, likely because they were considered traitors, and their names were deleted from all records as a result.

¹ The Bible does not tell us what happened to them. Our answers will be revealed in the hereafter. But, until then, I believe Nicodemus was a sincere seeker who developed to the point of defending Jesus in court and then courageously proclaiming his faith via his deeds and words.

What did Nicodemus Learn from Jesus?

Nicodemus was known as the “teacher of teachers” in the beginning, yet he did not comprehend what it meant to be born of the Spirit. Nicodemus, on the other hand, sought Jesus out in order to receive answers to his sincere questions. He discovered that being “religious” and understanding the Scriptures did not guarantee him entry into the kingdom of heaven. Each of us must look into the person of Jesus for ourselves and choose whether or not we think that He is who He claims to be—our Savior and Redeemer.

Nicodemus is frequently referred to be a “undercover” believer in the New Testament.
However, Jesus was patient with Nicodemus, and he continues to be patient with you and me today.
What are some of the ways your religion manifests itself in actions?
After coming out in public and assisting Joseph in Jesus’ burial, Nicodemus gave his life to Him and prayed for Him.
All of this occurred prior to the resurrection!
Do you advocate for Jesus in front of nonbelievers?

Lessons From Nicodemus

We all have a little bit of the Pharisee in us from time to time, but the Holy Spirit lives inside us to convict us, bring us to repentance, and effect true transformation in our hearts and lives. Nicodemus achieved tangible goods by concealing his interest in and faith in Jesus: he was able to maintain his prestige, power, fortune, and position. His lack of knowledge of Jesus’ deep teachings, a life lived with Him on the earth, and the presence of Jesus’ peace and pleasure in his existence, however, is astounding.

However, he was granted perpetual life!
When we allow Jesus to come into our life, He becomes our top focus, our source of satisfaction, and our source of tranquility.
As devoted followers, we recognize that He is much more valuable than anything or anybody else in the world.
If we are rejected by others because of our religion, it is because they are rejecting Him, not because we are rejecting them.
Do you think your spiritual change compares to that of Nicodemus?” As the saying goes, “When you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13 (New International Version).

(Wow, such a lovely promise! ) “Blessed are all those who seek shelter in Him,” the Bible says. Psalm 2:12b (New International Version). Blessings! AnnMarie

Barker, Kenneth L., and Kohlenberger III, John R., eds., Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary, Volume 2: New Testament. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Grand Rapids Press, 1994.

What Does Nicodemus Know about Being ‘Born Again?’

Throughout his ministry, Jesus was frequently at odds with the Pharisees, who were obstinate and rigid. His teaching, which was in direct contradiction to their authority and ideals, was oriented on a spiritual change of the heart rather than a strict commitment to the letter of the law, as was the case with them. When it comes to experiencing salvation and genuinely seeing the kingdom of God at action in one’s life, Jesus taught that we must lay away our old, sinful lives in order to become new creations—transformed, renewed, and reformed by the grace of God, rather of our own efforts.

One of the most powerful and widespread motifs in Christian religion, the concept of being “born again,” came forth as a result of Jesus’ interaction with an adherent of the Pharisees.

Not only would Jesus’ response affect his life, but it would also change the lives of future Christians and like-minded searchers for the rest of time.

Who was Nicodemus in the Bible?

The obstinate and legalistic Pharisees were a frequent source of contention for Jesus during his career. It was his message, which was in direct contrast to their authority and ideals, that was most important, not a strict conformity to the law, but a spiritual change of the heart. In order to experience salvation and actually witness the kingdom of God at action in one’s life, Jesus taught that we must lay away our old, sinful lives in order to become new creations—transformed, renewed, and reformed by God’s grace, rather by our own efforts and efforts of faith.

One of the most compelling and widespread ideas in Christian theology, the concept of being “born again,” came forth as a result of Jesus’ encounter with Pharisee Judas Iscariot.

In addition to changing his life, Jesus’ response would also impact the lives of future Christians and like-minded searchers for the rest of their lives.

What Did Nicodemus Ask Jesus and Why?

Nicodemus’ original assertion elicited the following response from Jesus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he will not see the kingdom of God” (John 3:2). The curious Pharisee was visibly perplexed by this remark, and he swiftly inquired, “How can a man be born when he is old? How can he possibly enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time, isn’t that true?” (See also John 3:4) Nicodemus would pose a very rational inquiry to clarify a very spiritual fact, and the answer would be quite reasonable.

In terms of sheer physicality, he was correct.

The secrets of God and the wonders of His kingdom, on the other hand, are not always obvious or understandable in strictly literal or physical ways.

It wouldn’t take long for Nicodemus to realize that being “born again” had absolutely nothing to do with bodily rebirth.

“Make a call to me and I will answer you, and I will reveal to you profound and hidden secrets that you have never known before.” According to (Jeremiah 33:3)

« It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to find out what has been concealed.» Proverbs 25:2 tells us that

In God’s eyes, it is a glory to conceal things, but it is the glory of kings to seek things out. Proverbs 25:2 tells us how to be wise.

Often, God, in His immense might and divine wisdom, remains a mysterious being beyond the reach of human comprehension. This does not imply that He is unknowable or that He has purposefully concealed himself from the rest of the world. But in order to comprehend God’s divine essence, we must seek divine knowledge and allow ourselves to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds,” as the Bible says. (See also Romans 12:2) In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus stated that “a person cannot enter the kingdom of God unless he or she is born of water and the Spirit.” “What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” “What is born of the body is flesh,” says the Bible.

The human intellect, since it is made of flesh, is incapable of comprehending the secrets of the kingdom of God or comprehending the fullness of God.
For them, any kind of spiritual reform or philosophical surrender was out of the question since they were too entrenched in their ways and relied on their political power and influence.
However, in the kingdom of God, a person’s earthly influence and political rank are meaningless.
Something like this was just beyond the comprehension of the Pharisees.

What Does Nicodemus Demonstrate about Faith?

Nicodemus, on the other hand, arrived with an open mind and a desire to understand more about Jesus’ teachings. As a result, his heart had been moved and his intellect had been stretched, and as is true in Scripture, people who seek the Lord and solutions to the mysteries of his kingdom will not be disappointed in their efforts (Jeremiah 29:13,Deuteronomy 4:29,Luke 11:9). As a teacher of the law, Jesus may have gently corrected Nicodemus for his early ignorance, saying, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not comprehend these things?” (Are you the teacher of Israel and do not grasp these things?) In spite of this, Jesus lead him to understanding with a reference to an Old Testament account that referred to his ultimate sacrifice (see John 3:9).

Some have pointed out that Nicodemus arrived to Jesus’ home in a stealthy manner and at night.

That would soon come to an end.

Moreover, even after Jesus’ death, Nicodemus was seen, together with Joseph of Arimathea, carrying myrrh and spices to the tomb of Jesus, which had been prepared after he had died on the cross (John 19:39).

As Matthew Henry puts it, “while he arrived by night, he afterwards openly confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior.” Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/Brian Jackson

Why Does the Bible Address Being Born Again?

When Jesus talked of being “born again,” he was attempting to convey what must take place in the heart, mind, and soul of a believer who has been transformed by the forgiveness and grace of God. Every human existence begins with birth, and in order to be born of the Spirit, one must begin at the foot of the cross. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have gone away; behold, new things have arrived,” Paul wrote to the Corinthians, referring to Jesus’ proclamation as the Lamb of God who wipes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

As a result of His resurrection, new life is birthed.
Everything must be in accordance with Christ’s image and will now that we have been reborn.
He is the source of all these things.
Following his discussion of being born again, Jesus offered one of the most renowned passages in Scripture, a passage that perfectly summarized the entire Gospel.
In other words, it is a spiritual treatment that permits us to experience and enjoy an eternity of spiritual bliss with Jesus.
He was saved by the searching heart of Nicodemus, who transcended the limitations of his earthly training and the narrow-mindedness of his spiritual colleagues.
It appears that the most effective method to comprehend what it means to be “born again” is to go through the process yourself, as demonstrated by Nicodemus’ life and subsequent change.
Having served as a youth pastor in the past, he has a special place in his heart for teenagers and young adults.

He is enthusiastic about involving adolescents in the arts through cinema, literature, and theater. His blog, Perspectives Off the Page, explores the creative and spiritual lives of individuals via the medium of story and artwork. The image is courtesy of Getty Images/TinnakornJorruang

Meet Nicodemus: A Pharisee Who Placed Jesus’ Body in the Tomb

To express what must take place in the heart, mind, and soul of a believer who has been transformed by God’s mercy and forgiveness, Jesus used the metaphor of being “born again.” Every human being’s life begins with birth, and in order to be born of the Spirit, one must begin at the cross. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have gone away; behold, new things have arrived,” Paul wrote to the Corinthians, referring to Jesus’ proclamation as the Lamb of God who wipes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Through His resurrection, new life is brought into the world.
Everything must be in accordance with Christ’s image and will now that we have been reborn in His likeness.
He is the source of all these things.
Following his discussion of being born again, Jesus offered one of the most renowned passages in Scripture, a phrase that perfectly summarized the entire Gospel message.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life,” the Bible says.
) In contrast to a temporary cure for an earthly ailment, spiritual rebirth and new life provided by the mercy of Jesus Christ are permanent solutions.
They had unwittingly fallen into the trap of legalism, and in doing so had lost the heart of God revealed in Jesus.
“You will seek me and find me,” Jeremiah declares, “when you seek me with all your heart.” Nicodemus did indeed find Him, as Jeremiah 29:13 states.
Life Pacific University’s Joel Ryan is a children’s and young adult novelist based in Los Angeles who also teaches writing and communications.

He is enthusiastic about engaging adolescents via the mediums of cinema, literature, and theater. In his blog, Perspectives Off the Page, he explores the creative and spiritual lives of people via the medium of tale and illustration. Getty Images/TinnakornJorruang provided the image.

Nicodemus

Nicodemus was a major Pharisee and a well-recognized religious leader of the Jewish people, and he was known for the following: Furthermore, he was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was ancient Israel’s ultimate court. References to the Bible: John 3:1-21, John 7:50-52, and John 19:38-42 are the three episodes in the Bible that tell the tale of Nicodemus and his friendship with Jesus, respectively. Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin is what he is known for. Nicodemus possessed a sage and inquisitive intellect, which served him well. He was dissatisfied with the Pharisees’ strict adherence to the law. His intense desire for truth, along with the bravery to seek out the truth at its source, made him a hero. As soon as Nicodemus realized he was dealing with the Messiah, he was prepared to defy the Sanhedrin and the Pharisees and bury Jesus with honor. Weaknesses: At first, Nicodemus was deterred from pursuing Jesus in the open because he was afraid of what others might say.

What Does the Bible Tell Us About Nicodemus?

Nicodemus has his first appearance in the Bible in John 3, when he goes in search of Jesus at night. That nightfall, Nicodemus learnt from Jesus that he would have to be reborn, which he duly did. The Chief Priests and Pharisees then sought to have Jesus imprisoned for fraud roughly six months before the Crucifixion. Nicodemus raised his voice in protest, imploring the congregation to give Jesus a fair hearing. Nicodemus is the final person to appear in the Bible after Jesus’ death. Nicodemus, in collaboration with his friend and fellow Sanhedrin member, Joseph of Arimathea, carefully cared for the corpse of the crucified Savior, entrusting the body’s remains to Joseph’s tomb after the crucifixion.

Jesus and Nicodemus

Nicodemus is identified by Jesus as a famous Pharisee who also serves as a leader of the Jewish people. He was also a member of the Sanhedrin, Israel’s supreme court, where he served until his death. Nicodemus, whose name literally translates as “bloodless,” stood up for Jesus when the Pharisees plotted to kill him: Nicademus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own, inquired, “Does our law condemn a guy without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” Nicodemus was a member of their own group.

When he first learned of Jesus’ ministry, he became upset and perplexed by the words the Lord was preaching to the people.
As a result, he mustered tremendous bravery to seek out Jesus and to ask questions of him.
Nicodemus assisted Joseph of Arimathea in removing Jesus’ body from the crucifixion and burying it in a tomb, putting his own safety and reputation at stake in the process.
These efforts called into question the legalism and hypocrisy of the Sanhedrin and Pharisees.
This amount of spice was sufficient to properly bury royalty, demonstrating to Nicodemus that Jesus was indeed the King of the Jewish people.

Life Lessons From Nicodemus

Nicodemus was not going to rest until he discovered the truth. He wished desperately to comprehend, and he had a sneaking suspicion that Jesus had the solution. Nicodemus went to Jesus’ house at night so that no one would see him when he first arrived. He was concerned about what may happen if he talked to Jesus in broad daylight, when people would overhear him and denounce him to the authorities. When Nicodemus came across Jesus, the Lord realized the urgency of his situation. Nicodemus, a bereaved and befuddled guy, was catered to by Jesus, the Living Word, with much compassion and respect, as did the entire congregation.

Following his conversion to Christianity, Nicodemus’ life was irrevocably altered.

Jesus is the fount of all truth and the source of all purpose in life.

Whenever we are reborn, like Nicodemus was, we must never lose sight of the fact that we have received forgiveness for our sins and eternal life as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Nicodemus is a role model for all Christians, serving as a symbol of faith and courage.

Key Bible Verses

“Very honestly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they have been born again,” Jesus said. (John 3:3, New International Version)
“How is it possible for someone to be born when they are old?” Nicodemus inquired. “Surely they are unable to enter their mother’s womb for a second time in order to birth!” (John 3:4, New International Version)
In fact, God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that whomever believes in him would not perish but will have eternal life (John 3:16). In fact, God did not bring his Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but rather in order to rescue it through him. (John 3:16-17, New International Version)

Nicodemus – Wikipedia

SaintNicodemus
Nicodemus helping to take down Jesus’ body from the cross (The Deposition, byMichelangelo)
Defender of Christ
Born	Galilee
Died	Judea
Venerated in	The Catholic ChurchEastern Orthodox ChurchOriental Orthodox ChurchAnglican ChurchLutheran Church
Canonized	Pre-Congregation
Feast	2 August (Eastern Orthodox ChurchByzantine-rite Catholic Churches) 3 August (Roman-rite Catholic Church)Third Sunday ofPascha(Eastern Orthodox ChurchByzantine-rite Catholic Churches) 31 August (Roman-rite Catholic Church)
Attributes	Pharisee
Patronage	Curiosity

Nicodemus (; Greek: o, translit.Nikódmos) was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, and he is named in the Gospel of John in three different places:

He initially comes to Jesus in the middle of the night to discuss Jesus’ teachings (John 3:1–21)
Then he meets Jesus again the next day to discuss Jesus’ teachings (John 3:1–21). It is the second time that Nicodemus is said that he tells his fellow members of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court system) that the law demands that a person be heard before being condemned (John 7:50–51)
The final character to appear is Nicodemus, who arrives after theCrucificationof Jesus to bring the traditional embalming spices and to assistJoseph of Arimathea in preparing the corpse of Jesus for burial (John 19:39–42).

It is believed that an apocryphal work bearing his name—theGospel of Nicodemus—was written in the mid-4th century, and it is mostly a reworking of the earlierActs of Pilate, which describes theHarrowing of Hell. Ochser and Kohler (in an article in The Jewish Encyclopedia) and other historians have argued that Nicodemus may be the same person asNicodemus ben Gurion, who is recorded in the Talmud as a wealthy and popular holy man claimed to have had magical powers. Those who disagree with this interpretation point out that the biblical Nicodemus was probably an older man at the time of his encounter with Jesus, whereas Nicodemus ben Gurion arrived on the scene 40 years later, during the Jewish War.

In John’s Gospel

Nicodemus, like Lazarus, does not belong to the tradition of the Synoptic Gospels and is only addressed by John, who devotes more than half of Chapter 3of his gospel and a few lines of Chapter 7to Nicodemus, and who references him for the final time inChapter 19. It is revealed that Nicodemus is a Pharisee who comes to visit Jesus in the middle of the night the first time he is mentioned. According to the scriptures, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem to participate in the Passover festival. The moneychangers from the temple were ejected and their tables were thrown to the ground during his visit to Jerusalem.

Because no one could achieve the miracles you are performing unless God was present with them.” (See also John 3:2).

Then there’s a dialogue with Nicodemus about what it means to be “born again” or “born from above” (Greek: v) and what it means in practical terms: In his discussion with Nicodemus, the idea of being actually born again from one’s mother’s womb is explored; nonetheless, most theologians agree that Nicodemus understood Jesus was not speaking about literal rebirth.

‘You cannot mean that a guy is going to be born for the second time after entering his mother’s womb the first time.
In response to the “ateacher of Israel,” Jesus expresses amazement, possibly sarcastically, that he does not comprehend the notion of spiritual rebirth: 3:10–11 (John 3:10-11.) Is it possible that you are a master of Israel and are unaware of these things?
KJV Nicodemus is described by James F.
In Chapter 7, Nicodemus counsels his colleagues, who are referred to as “the chief priests and the Pharisees,” to listen carefully and thoroughly before reaching a judgment on Jesus.
Nonetheless, it seems likely that he had some kind of influence on the Sanhedrin during his time there.

Nicodemus must have been a wealthy man, according to Pope Benedict XVI, who writes in his bookJesus of Nazareth: Holy Week that “the quantity of thebalm is enormous and transcends all natural proportions, indicating that this is a royal funeral.”

Veneration and liturgical commemoration

Nicodemus is revered as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Churches as well as the Catholic Church. Several churches, including the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine-rite Catholic churches, commemorate Nicodemus on theSunday of the Myrrhbearers, which is celebrated on theThird Sunday of Pascha (i.e., the second Sunday after Easter), as well as 2 August, the date on which it is believed that his relics, as well as those of Stephen the Protomartyr and Gamaliel, were discovered. The feast of the discovery of their remains is commemorated on the next day, August 3, according to the traditional Roman-rite Catholic liturgical calendar.

In Ramla, the Franciscan Order built a church dedicated to Saints Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea under the patronage of the saints.

Legacy

Nicodemus appears significantly in medieval images of the Deposition, in which he and Joseph of Arimathea are seen taking the dead Christ from the cross, typically with the assistance of a ladder, and burying him in the tomb. Like Joseph, Nicodemus became the subject of several religious traditions during the Middle Ages, notably in association with massive crosses, which he shared with Joseph. His carvings of theHoly Face of Lucca and theBatlló Crucifix were said to have been aided by angels, with the face in particular receiving divine help, and therefore becoming examples ofacheiropoieta (angelic assistance).

In poetry

The presence of Nicodemus in Henry Vaughan’s poem “The Night” is essential because it helps to develop the poem’s description of the night’s connection with God.

In music

In the Lutheran prescribed readings of the 18th century, the gospel passage of Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus in the middle of the night was allocated to the Sunday before Trinity. Johann Sebastian Bach produced many cantatas for the event, the most notable of which being O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, composed in 1715 and based on a libretto by the court poet in Weimar, Salomo Franck, and remaining faithful to the gospel. In 1937, Ernst Pepping produced an Evangelienmotette (moteton gospel text) for the characters Jesus and Nikodemus.

Tim Curry recorded a cover version of the song for his debut album, Read My Lips, in 1978.

A very casual version of the connection between Nicodemus and Jesus may be found in the song “Help Yourself” by The Devil Makes Three, which is available on iTunes. Nicodemus is mentioned in the second stanza of the song “Help yourself,” which was performed by The Devil Makes Three (band).

In literature

The gospel passage of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in the middle of the night was allocated to Trinity Sunday in the Lutheran prescribed readings of the eighteenth century. Johann Sebastian Bach produced many cantatas for the event, the most famous of which is O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, which was composed in 1715 and is based on a libretto by the court poet in Weimar, Salomo Franck, and remains faithful to the gospel text. The Evangelienmotette (a moteton gospel text)Jesus and Nikodemus was written by Ernst Pepping in 1937.

When Tim Curry released his debut album, Read My Lips, he included a rendition of the song on it.

To Nicodemus, the band The Devil Makes Three (band) dedicated the second stanza of their song “Help yourself.”

During the Protestant vs. Catholic struggle

A person adhering to a Church other than the one that was prominent in a region during the fight between Protestants and Catholics in Europe from the 16th century to the 18th century ran the risk of harsh punishment – and in many cases, the chance of losing their lives. As a result of this development, the word ” Nicodemite ” came to be used, which is often a derogatory term to refer to someone who is accused of publicly misrepresenting their genuine religious views by showing deceptive appearances and concealing true convictions.

United States

In particular, the descriptive term ” born again “, which is used to describe salvation or baptism by certain organizations, and John 3:16, which is frequently referenced to characterize God’s plan of salvation, may be traced back to Jesus’ conversation with him. He was a figure of rebirth for African-Americans after the Civil War, writes Daniel Burke, as they strove to shed their former status as slaves. Rosamond Rodman claims that liberated slaves who relocated to Nicodemus, Kansas, following the Civil War gave their town the name “Nicodemus” in honor of the former slave owner.

evoked the biblical figure of Nicodemus as a metaphor for the need for the United States to be “reborn” in order to successfully confront social and economic inequalities.

The speech, titled “Where Do We Go From Here?,” was given during the 11th Annual SCLC Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, and was presented by the author.

Gallery

Nicodemus as depicted in art
Jesus and Nicodemus by Crijn Hendricksz, 1616–1645
Cima da Conegliano, Nicodemus with Christ’s body, Apostle John on the right and Mary to the left
Tanner – Nicodemus coming to Christ II
Cima da Conegliano, Nico

References

Cornel Heinsdorff: Christus, Nikodemus, and the Samaritanerin in the city of Juvencus. Cornel Heinsdorff: With an Annotation on the Lateinische Evangelienvorlage (= Untersuchungen zur antiken Literatur und Geschichte, Bd.67), Berlin/New York 2003
With an Annotation on the Lateinische Evangelienvorlage (= Untersuchungen zur antiken Literatur und Geschichte, Bd.67), Berlin/New York 2003

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related toNicodemus.

Nicodemus is mentioned in the Jewish Encyclopedia and Butler’s Lives of the Saints as “St. Nicodemus.”