It’s been nearly twenty years since I met Jesus, but I can still remember what it was like to be completely hostile toward the gospel, when what seemed so obvious to those who believed made no sense to people like me.
The Bible is full of the stories of people who were trying to make sense of Jesus—people like Nicodemus. He was one of the religious elite, one of the people you would expect to know everything about what it meant to worship God (John 3:1). But when he heard about Jesus’s teaching, he was curious. When he heard about the signs He performed, Nicodemus knew he had to speak to this miracle-working man.
But when he actually talked to Jesus, Nicodemus was confused. Jesus said strange things that seemed to make no sense, things that were surely impossible, like: “Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). At the moment Jesus explained this mystery, Nicodemus didn’t get it.
In fact, I’m willing to bet that Nicodemus didn’t get it for a while.
But there was a time when I didn’t, either (and ditto for you, too). And that’s okay. But here’s what I love: the interaction between Nicodemus and Jesus isn’t the end of Nicodemus’s story. Nicodemus keeps showing up all throughout John’s Gospel. He’s on this journey trying to figure things out. He left Jesus in the night and didn’t understand, but He kept wrestling with what Jesus told him. When the other religious leaders were trying to decide what to do with Jesus, Nicodemus began to defend Him (John 7:45–52). He still didn’t seem to quite know what to make of Him, but He knew that Jesus wasn’t some charlatan. And then we see him again, after Jesus has been killed, as one of the people who prepared His body for burial (John 19:38–42).
Nicodemus was on this journey for years. He didn’t understand at first, but he didn’t stop trying to figure out who Jesus was. It wasn’t obvious to him, but eventually, it seems like he got it. Through three years of wrestling, he began to see what can only be seen by those who are born again.
I still remember when I saw and understood the truth; when what wasn’t obvious to me, suddenly was. And that’s something I hope I don’t forget, especially when I think about people I know who still don’t understand the gospel. They don’t get it now, but that doesn’t mean they never will. It might be three years or thirty, but someday, it could happen. They, just like you and me, could be born again. And when they are, they will see the kingdom of God for themselves.
Leave a Reply
123 thoughts on "Nicodemus"
Thankyou Lord you came to give me life and life more abundantly ❤️❤️
❤✝️
♥️
The words of John 7:51 stood out to me today:
“Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?”
Contemplating on whether we are the religious elite who believe that we know everything about God or do we need to keep our hearts and eyes open to what Jesus did and said.
May we truly follow Jesus in how this applies today.
Amen❤️
❤️
God is working in each person’s heart.
Hello Shes
A confession & conviction…
From the scripture reading, John, Ch. 3…
20 For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed.
21 But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”
From the SRT Week 2 podcast:
Raechel prompted a self reflection & offered the guided prayer, which I paraphrase:
“In what areas of my life need to be uncovered?
Ask God to bring any darkness, every thing, into the light.”
Out of my own neediness:
Where in my soul is something hidden?
What darkness within my life needs to be dispelled?
Where do I need to be, must become, fully known?
It is He, not I, who can overcome.
He is the true deliverer.
That, is really what we call, rebirth.
Amen
I love today’s study, Aaron’s comments and all of yours. I feel peaceful after reading of Nicodemus and his journey. I love that he was genuinely asking how what Jesus was saying could actually be, and not just being obstinate. I love that the Bible shows us that Nicodemus eventually came to understand and believe. I know our prayers for lost loved ones may not be answered when we first pray, or maybe not even in our lifetime, but God is always working. And answers may come many years down the road.
Update on Amanda: she is recovering nicely from her surgery. She isn’t happy with still having a drain in, but realizes the need for it. No word on the pathology from the surgery yet. Please pray for her to be patient while she allows her body to heal. Being still is not her favorite thing to do, and besides the drain, her biggest complaint is being bored. But, today, I sensed a realization from her that this time of rest is necessary, and maybe some depression to go along with that realization.
Thanks so much for this update, Teresa!!! I am sorry there hasn’t been any news. I am sure that is unnerving on top of the inconvenience of the drain. There are some beautiful Scripture adult coloring books on the market along with water color markets, alcohol markers ,etc. Would she consider ‘resting’ with one of those? Mine was a great distresser when I was in the hospital! ❤ Continued prayers for patience and leace in the waiting!
I second see geeks idea. The coloring Bible’s are good;too
Cee Gee
:) ❤
“At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid.”
John 19:41 NIV
This stood out to me. There was a garden laid next to a tomb that was empty not used yet. I know about you but this is foreshadowing!
Gardens are beautiful amazing and lovely to look at but before they can be that way death has to happen to bring new life. I can’t but just wonder why God put this verse here and knew this detail was soo important
Wow! That’s an amazing observation
Happy Monday shes. I loved the episode in the Chosen about Nicodemus (praise God for the Chosen series, and their hard work spreading the gospel despite the ever growing hostility toward biblical truth, among many critics and cultural worldviews). It is an emotional scene when Jesus looked around the corner, seeing Nicodemus hiding and shaking, but did not come to join with other disciples. And Jesus said you came so close. I found that so hard to watch. That was a touching moment for me. How many of us have come so close but not dare to walk along? Because is He really really the Christ? Is he truly the One? Who do we say He is? He came after Jesus’s death bringing spices. What could Nicodemus be thinking? What emotions did he have then? Outwardly, Nicodemus had everything that religion could offer, status, knowledge, tradition, and moral discipline. et something within him stirred when he heard Jesus teach and saw His miracles. He came at night (for Fear of religion). The verdict is …”unless one is born again”. How could someone so religious, so disciplined, so learned, need to start over? This story is such a warning. True faith requires courage. “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). Ouch. May the Lord give us strength when we need to start over, if we are tangled in the religious confusion and pride. Religion can blind us at first, but only truth can set us free. It is never too late to follow Jesus. Be blessed dear sisters.
Yes, Amen Mercy! So important to teach and warn, we want everyone to see truth.
I forgot to add how much I love how The Chosen has presented Nicodemus as well!!
Never too late! ❤
Powerful words, Mercy! So true. What is holding me back from always speaking of Jesus????
Praying that I would never forget how it felt to come to Jesus. I want to continue to let him remake me.
I’m back from a fun trip. us along with 8 friends went to Maine.
I totally didn’t understand the Bible when I first started studying it. I can relate to Nicodemus and his questions. I still have questions, but my understanding has come a long way.
Yes! And that’s what it’s all about, the relationship that grows…sanctification and transformation!! Knowing WE have the Holy Spirit in us!!! Mind-blowing!
Then one day it “clicks” We understand. Better yet, it’s made known to us, the blinders in our eyes are lifted (or taken off) and we can “see.” I still remember the very day, it made sense to me. Trust me, Jesus was already knocking on my heart’s door. So thankful I went to that youth retreat on May 5th 1984! Best decision ever to follow Jesus for the rest of my life! He is my EVERYTHING! Happy Monday sweeties!!
Glory, Glory! The day the blinders are gone!! It is so amazing, and the more you want to get closer, the more he keeps revealing! What a journey!
I was in tears by the time I finished reading this. Yesterday I had a family member on my heart all day-a younger version of Nicodemus. Aaron,your words renewed my hope!
❤️
Many of us are like Nicodemus—seeking Jesus in the quiet, unsure seasons. Maybe we don’t have all the answers yet. Maybe our faith is still growing. That’s okay.
Nicodemus reminds us that the journey of faith doesn’t have to be instant or loud. It can be slow, genuine, and deeply transformational. God is patient with our process. He meets us in the dark and walks with us into the light.
❤️
Well said!
Yes! ❤
The wind goes where it wants. Oddly, this comment of Jesus had me thinking on boundaries.
I like boundaries. I like to know I’m on the right path and can’t go astray. The wind blowing and going where it wants makes me nervous. It seems like it made Nicodemus nervous too. I’m glad Jesus was gentle, but truthful and direct in his comments to Nicodemus.
I often have questions too even though I’ve been a Christian for a long time. Maybe the winds going where they want represent my freedom in Christ from the rigors of the law. I’m just trying to process my thoughts. I was glad to hear that the Spirit was in the wind.
❤️
Your comment had me going back and looking up commentary on the verse 8. I found an article by John Piper that has a (free) book downloadable called Finally Alive talking about the Holy Spirit. I can’t remember if Piper is good or not, as far as teaching. There are so many NOT to listen to these days now I’m always weary. Would love to hear from ya’ll.
I hear you. Rhonda! My husband is a professor of theology and solid biblical thinker and he likes Piper. There are so many teachers who sound good until you look at their words compared to the whole narrative of Scripture. Ugh.
John Piper is (was excellent. He passed sway
As some of you have already mentioned, I love how Jesus responded to Nicodemus, and I love how transparent Nicodemus was. It’s OK to ask questions. I know in the past (the old, immature me) would always take offense at questions & would feel that I would always have to “set them straight”. But God. He has grown me so much, I have learned and am still learning to listen – be quite and just hear what they are saying, without judgement. Nicodemus wasn’t asking so he could trip Jesus up, he was simply searching for answers.
—
Father God, give me the wisdom & discernment to know when to be quiet and just listen. Let my heart be so, so tender and compassionate to the lost and seeking. Let me love as You love. In Jesus name.
—
Happy Monday She’s – have a super blessed day! ❤️
Loved your remarks about “It’s okay to ask questions“ and your prayer:
“Give me the wisdom & discernment to know when to be quiet and just listen. Let my heart be so, so tender and compassionate to the lost and seeking. Let me love as You love.”
I guess I never realized, like many of my sweet sisters, that a verse as familiar as John 3:16 is right in the meat of the Nicodemus account. Boy, do I feel silly… duh!
Nicodemus has such a powerful story! Thankful for Aaron sharing his perspective on being a non-believer with a closed off heart/mind to becoming a believer who lives in surrender to Our Heavenly Father. / Ladies, could you pray over a new job opportunity for me? As my time with my nanny family comes to a close over the next couple of months, I have to consider whether or not I will make the permanent decision to move to Nebraska or return home to Arizona. I had a phone interview last night for a job in NE, but felt so much anxiety afterwards. I know God will make a way!!
Praying for you Susan, may God give you the wisdom and discernment to make the best decision. ❤️
Yes Amen!
Yes, you have to trust that the Holy Spirit will lead and guid you to all truths. He’s made a path for you to take, pray for wisdom and discernment in what road to choose. Ask Him to go before you so you can follow. I’m praying now.
Susan, praying that the Lord will guide and bless your decision.
Thank you!
Hmmm. Another reply that didn’t show up.
I asked God for wisdom and discernment in this decision. Keep us posted! ❤
The account of Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night… I’ve read it many times. Like the disciples, he just doesn’t seem to “get it”., does he? Jesus’ teachings and dying on the cross threw them all for a loop, but they eventually figured it out. Lord, help me to always know and believe that you teach ME what to do all of the time. And help me to remember that You died for ME! Don’t ever let me forget that.
I love How Jesus is so patient with Nicodemas! It is such a great reminder that it is ok to ask questions and not understand everything. We just need to keep seeking and listening to God’s word.
Praying for all!
Please pray for Leona who will be having her Mira valve replaced on Wednesday!
Have a beautiful day and remember you never walk alone!
Praying for safe and successful surgery and recovery!. ❤
I think there is a difference between asking good questions and questioning someone (or things). When we ask good questions, we most often come from a place of being open minded and we are actually seeking answers. When we question things, there can be a tone of defense or doubt, it can feel confrontational creating less openness about actually hearing an answer. No doubt Nicodemas had a lot of religious head knowledge, but I see him as someone asking good questions and a desire to pursue Truth. Even though its still a journey for him, it sets his heart on the right path to be ready to understand the answers to his questions and for the Lord to work in his life.
I too, have previously overlooked and never made the connection that Nicodemas was in the conversation of John 3 but in this instance the Lord choose to share this teaching, these beloved verses, with him at just the right moment.
Amongst other things, todays scripture and devotional are a beautiful reminder to us to not give up praying for those that need Jesus in their lives. At just the right moment, they will hear, know and see the Truth of who Jesus is. And, also no matter where we are at in our walk with the Lord, in asking good questions, we to have the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of who He is.
May it be so in our own lives to seek out and pursue truth. As we desire to know Jesus more and to pray for those who we long to have a relationship with Him may we do so with open hearts and humility so others can truly see who Jesus is.
So. Good!
.
Amen!
Good insight. Thank you
Yes! And Amen!
Great word, Wendy! Amen! ❤
❤️
Wendy, I love what you point out about good questions. May i always be open to the answers to my questions, and ask good questions.
I know this lesson spotlights Nicodemus, but my big takeaway is how Jesus respected God’s Sovereignty, His timing in all situations. I need to be more respectful of God’s timing.
.
Partial lyrics from “In His Time- old Maranatha song:
Verse 1]
In His time, in His time
He makes all things beautiful in His time
Lord, please show me every day
As You’re teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say in Your time
[Verse 2]
In Your time, in Your time
You make all things beautiful in Your time
Lord, my life to You I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to You a lovely thing in Your time
.
Love, hugs,and prayers! ❤
I love the story of Nicodemus, and his conversation with Jesus makes it clear that we all must be born again. There is no other way to God. Only Jesus, and accepting him as our Savior. Growing up in church you learned religion. And it takes a certain wrestling with it at some point to realize that you have to actually be “reborn” still. You can’t just “be” a Christian because you have been trained to believe in him your whole life. And once we do accept Jesus, we still need to mature in our relationship and always be growing.
Welcome back, sister! ❤
So sorry you’ve been sick- we missed you! Hope you and your hubby get better soon!!❤️
Praying for strong recovery over your household. Hugs.
Thank you friends! :)
Thank you Aaron for breaking down the story of Nicodemus. I loved seeing the progression of his faith so similar to my own. He kept “wrestling” with what Jesus told him. That is so true for me too! For years I wrestled, and it wasn’t until I made the choice to not to have all the answers that I was really able to accept Christ and be born again. This gives me hope for my loved ones, if He did it for me, He can do it for them.
❤
Amen ❤️
Amen, what an amazing reminder. If not now, praying someday! That those around me, friends and family, etc, that they would see Him..see Him for Who He truly is, see how much they are loved!
Yes! Aaron didn’t see or understand and then he did. I needed to read that today.
I really appreciate Aaron’s personal perspective on his faith journey. It helps us better understand those who haven’t yet come to Christ.
“Nicodemus was a man skilled in religious rhetoric. He knew Scripture and no doubt built hiown “systematic theology” that explained G-d, his world, and his relation to both. His problem was not a lack of knowledge; in fact,his greater knowledge in some fashion may have anesthesized him from true spiritual conversion. Religious knowledge can become a shield, a defense with which we protect ourselves from a God we claim to know. It is like visiting a Pentacostal worship service with a theologian or a sociologist. They can always explain what is going on without reference to genuine divine power.
The imaginative picture used by many to express the work of Christ is that Jesus died in order to placate an angry God,whereas the cross expresses the love of Christ Christ for us and his threatening wrath. This makes G-d our opponent and an adversary while Jesus is our ally.
But this not what John says in 3:16. ” G-d so loved the world “The work of Christ is G-d at work, G-d saving the world,G-d extending himself into the condition of our humanity and bringing about reconciliation.G-d himself is on our side. G-d himself is at work on our behalf. He did not send a messenger(Jesus) to do the dirty work. G-d himself came to the cross and suffered in order to bring his beloved creation back to himself.”
All of this is from the
NIV Application Commentary
❤ thanks for sharing that Tanya!
Amen
I didn’t realize John 3:16 was in the middle of Nicodemus’s story! Imagine being the first person to hear what would become one of the most well-known and quoted verses in Scripture!
I love how Jesus wasn’t as harsh with Nicodemus as some of his other interactions with the Pharisees. He knew Nicodemsus’s heart.
I would greatly appreciate continued prayers for my dad. He’s having an episode of constipation and he’s very uncomfortable. It feels weird asking you ladies to pray for poop lol but the Lord hears our prayers ❤️I hope everyone has a blessed Monday!
I’m praying for poop! :)
Praying for your Dad Taylor, that nature calls soon and he”s feeling better!
Hey, not weird! Things need to move through us. Praying for that to happen and without a lot of turmoil!
Praying for your Dad!!
Not weird at all Taylor – if God can move the mountains, he can surely move the poop! (wish I could put a laughing emoji! haha)
From Encyclopedia Britannica
“Rather than blindly follow the letter of the Law even if it conflicted with reason or conscience, the Pharisees harmonized the teachings of the Torah with their own ideas or found their own ideas suggested or implied in it. They interpreted the Law according to its spirit. When in the course of time a law had been outgrown or superseded by changing conditions, they gave it a new and more-acceptable meaning, seeking scriptural support for their actions through a ramified system of hermeneutics. It was because of this progressive tendency of the Pharisees that their interpretation of the Torah continued to develop and has remained a living force in Judaism.”
.
With this in mind Jesus’ questions really were to the core of what Nicodemus understood about God “Are you a teacher of Israel and don’t know these things?”
.
AZ WALKER – rejoicing things went well with your Sunfay school class.
.
Please pray for my young mam’s second interview tomorrow. There is an issue with daycare facility for the baby not opening before her shift would start. If start/end time cannot be flexible then she will have to turn down the job.
.
Have a great Monday :-)
Praying for favor!
Praying Kelly that your young Mama’s schedule will be ironed out with her job hours and daycare.
Praying for flexibility and compassion! ❤
Praying that if this is the right job for her, God will make all the details fall into place (and that if it is not, the one He has for her will be revealed soon!!)❤️
Praying for favor and a divine solution for her!
Praying ❤️
Praying for your young mama. This has not been an easy journey for her – so many walls along the way, but none to high or thick that God can’t kick down!
Praying for God’s intervention for young mama.
Praying for things to coordinate well for mama and baby.
Really praying this mama’s gets a good blessing soon!
Father God, I want to know you more. Please open my spiritual eyes to see, ears to hear and heart to receive Your Word with Wisdom and understand. In Jesus name, Amen
In Jesus’ response to Nicodemus’ curiosity and seeking, we have the likely most well known verse in the Bible. It warms my heart to read/hear the words, For God so loved the world …. that’s all of us, sisters. Praying for the lost, that their hearts and minds would be curious and open to the Truth.
.
LASHUN REED ❤️
RHONDA J praying you & hubby continue to heal
CEE GEE ❤️
MERCY❤️
❤ amen!
Amen!
❤️
Amen❤️
Amen❤️
We have all been on the same journey as Nicodemus. What a blessing in life when we are born again in water and spirit securing our place in God’s kingdom. Truly I tell you,unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3 Have a blessed day She’s.
I’m here! Travelling back after a weekend of emotions.. will tell all over the next couple of days..
For now, just to say Morning to you all, and praying for your day to be as blessed as you each are a blessing to me!
Much, much love..
Your now retired friend/sister! Yikes!!!❤️❤️❤️
❤️
Congratulations❣️
Congratulations on your retirement! Wishing you a peaceful, restful day❣️❣️
Congratulations on your retirement from one job. Now you will have more time for your next pursuit, whatever that may be. I don’t think we ever retire from doing God’s will and work. I can’t imagine that you’ll be idle….you’ll have more time to be an encouragement to others, like you have been to us She’s for years.
Blessings on your day, sweet Tina, my friend from across the pond. ❤️
This! I agree…I don’t see you sitting idle either. ❤️
Congrats Tina!
❤
Tina, you are such a blessing here and I pray that you have a happy retirement!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see what good work Gid has for you to do in this net season! ❤️❤️❤️
That’s wonderful! Congratulations on retirement!
Congratulations! I don’t see you being idle but take a little time to relax and enjoy! The Lord will find a way to fill your time with His new purpose for you!
Good morning! It’s nice to see you back! ❤️
I’m finding retirement as a definite adjustment. He’ll help us ‘find our way’, but we must be good listeners. ❤️ and winky emoji
❤️
Whoop Whoop! Wonderful! I have not worked for awhile now, but God has kept me busy with Kingdom work! It will be fun to see where he takes you! (Maybe to Prince Charming!)
The best advice I received when I retired was to not take on any new commitments for 6 months – to spend that time with the Lord, abiding in Him, letting my body, mind, spirit settle and allowing Him to direct the next stage of my life. It was a blessed time!
I pray you find peace and rest in Him. ❤️
Congratulations Tina on retirement!
Write that book we would all love to read!!
❤️
Congratulations ♥️♥️♥️
❤️ Congrats Tina. Praying for a nice rest after busy weekend.
Congratulations, Tina! Enjoy! I second the idea of resting in the Spirit before taking on any new projects. And then maybe considering a book!
Dear Tina
You have now become your own “Upward” project!
Can’t wait to hear, Tina!
Congratulations, Tina! The best is yet to come!! I’ve been retired 19 years and have found many enjoyable projects.
Yayyyy….Congratulations Tina Praying God’s amazing blessings on you! We have been so blessed by you for so many years. Thank you.