“There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews” who knew the law (John 3:1), but had yet to encounter love Himself. That is, until the night he came to see Jesus. For Nicodemus, faith was synonymous with his pharisaical practices. His belief system was built on the foundation of strictly adhering to the rules and doing good works to please God. Faith in the person of Jesus was hard to make sense of beyond the law. So when Nicodemus sought Him out, Jesus told him the truth:
“Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,
he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Jesus told Nicodemus he was blind! This Pharisee had heard God’s Word, but did not recognize the person of Jesus standing before him. Without believing in Jesus and being “born of the Spirit,” Nicodemus would stand “condemned” (vv.8,18). Nicodemus must have walked away confused and conflicted. Yet, after Nicodemus personally met with Jesus, something in him changed.
As we follow his story, we see Nicodemus courageously confront the other Pharisees who tried to condemn Jesus unjustly (John 7:45–52). Later, he joined Joseph of Arimathea to anoint Jesus’s body for burial with aloe and myrrh—more than a thoughtful gesture, considering Nicodemus would have known that myrrh was used to anoint high priests and kings (John 19:38–42). Were his actions implying he now understood Jesus’s true role?
As we reach the end of Nicodemus’s story, I am led to believe that Nicodemus knew Jesus, not as a distant ideology, but as a personal Savior. We see his faith, though not instantaneous, refined over a series of choices to honor Jesus as more than a teacher: a King.
This is what happens when we meet the person of Jesus—we’re given life, again! Though we may not be physically reborn, we are forever changed. A personal encounter with Jesus opens our eyes and beckons us to turn and look at “the Son of Man… lifted up” for who He truly is (John 3:14). And by believing in Him, we receive the gift of eternal life (v.15). Now we have assurance of seeing the kingdom of God—not by anything we have done, but by what Jesus has done for us.
We can now come into the light of this saving truth, no longer hiding behind our seemingly good religious deeds. Instead, we continue to practice what Scripture instructs us to do—things like giving generously to the local church, honoring our parents, obeying God by sharing the gospel, fighting against injustice, remaining faithful to our spouses, or keeping the Sabbath—knowing that our faithfulness points to our God (John 3:21). And when we are tempted to earn our salvation, may we remember that Jesus invites us to seek Him and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33), whether in the middle of the night like Nicodemus or first light of day, at work or at home, in the classroom or the car. What He has for us is not just a set of rules, but a relationship. Not just the law, but a life-changing love.
Writer and speaker Bailey T. Hurley is everyone’s favorite cheerleader for godly friendships. With a life-long heart for hospitality, Bailey offers simple friendship habits to help women build meaningful, lasting relationships. She’s written for publications like Deeply Rooted Magazine, Grit and Virtue, and Salvation Army’s Peer Magazine. She loves podcasts, and you can find her on Sally Clarkson’s “Life with Sally,” Kristin Schell’s “At the Turquoise Table,” and a dozen more. Bailey holds an MA in Leadership from Denver Seminary. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Tim, and kiddos, Hunter and Liv. Learn more at baileythurley.com.
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37 thoughts on "Nicodemus"
We are assuming Nicodemus eventually believed in Jesus based on his actions. He defended him in John 7 and anointed him in John 19.
I feel like I’m not truly understanding this story about Nicodemus. Yes he was asking Jesus questions and Jesus was answering but how was his life transformed? I feel like I’m missing something. It goes from talking about him to talking about Moses and I’m lost. Please forgive my lack of knowledge, I know I have a lot to learn.
Lord may I remember to seek you and your kingdom first!!
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So thankful for this mew life in Christ!
I really enjoyed reading about Nicodemus and his first encounter with Jesus. What I found interesting was that he wasn’t afraid to ask Jesus questions. He wasn’t sure what it meant for someone to be “born again” but didn’t hide his interest when it came to learning about this. And Jesus was right there—willing to answer! Seeing how this one encounter really helped spur the change that was going on in Nicodemus’ heart is something so incredible to read about!
I am very intrigued by the passage from Numbers. The snakes were killing the people and yet they were to look up at a snake to be saved. So much of the Scriptures have symbology but this seems confusing to me. Am I over reading it?
This makes me think about how scripture says that although Christ knew no sin, He “became sin” on the cross. Our sin was killing us, but we look to Christ crucified for salvation, like how the Israelites looked to the snake in this story.
Nancy Syngleton, thank you for your response. As I see it is that Jesus approached those who believed in His powerful abilities to heal their bodies and souls, and after encounter with Jesus, people have been coming to know Him. “Fight for social injustice” does not sound as the peaceful act of healing or Gospel sharing. I believe we only could change the world around us by the example of our humbleness and humility toward people around us, be it our neighbors or our enemies.
I second the recommendation for The Chosen! My family loves this show, and the Nicodemus portrayal is wonderful.
Whenever a discussion of being born again comes up I relive the transformation that occurred in my own life because of Jesus’ love for me. And in so doing my faith is strengthened, as is my desire for others to also begin an eternal & saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing this devotional & the testimony of Nicodemus.
Spending time with my granddaughter today, the same day that I am reading about being born again, gave me a fresh perspective on how spiritual new birth into Gods family gave me and continues to give me “fresh eyes” to see everything around me: in the earthly world, in people and relationships, in Gods established truths. Everything!- it’s as if experiencing for the first time and it’s glorious. Old things have passed away and all things have become new
TAYLOR: I didn’t get a chance over the weekend to look back at Friday’s comments as I try to do after reading and responding to the current devotion. I appreciate your desire to continue the conversation about how we, as Christians, should be engaged in the dialog about racial reconciliation. First, I will say each of us need to be humble first before God and then with others, admitting that we don’t know everything. Every bit of wisdom I’ve been able to share has been pleaded for at the throne of grace as I confess my lack to the Lord. In speaking with those who have been oppressed because of racial bias, we need to come with gentleness and respect — not in harsh and prideful ways you noted often in social media (I see it too).
I’ve been reading and listening to various viewpoints. I’ve found that not all in the black community agree on the level of systemic racism that is happening. I continue to pray for the Lord to reveal the truth because there is a lot of conflicting information. I think perhaps the way to deal with this is to present the conflicting views and information side-by-side and ask questions of what views the person in front of you has. Then, bring in the biblical worldview of God plan to bring justice into oppressed places through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Listening first may give us more chance for hearts to be open to listen to us, but that is not guaranteed. Given that my human tendency is to avoid conflict, it has taken much sanctification by the Holy Spirit to get me past my ‘fear of man’ to be willing to enter into conversations where the risk of anger or opposition is high. But that is exactly why the Lord Jesus came, to save and sanctify sinners like me! I just want this for my brothers and sisters who have been oppressed because of their race as well as for those who do the oppressing. Because in reality we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God! I welcome ongoing conversation on this matter and so grateful to you Taylor for keeping the conversation going!
Where in the scripture we find that Jesus fought the social injustice? Jews expected for him to fight Rome, to judge between brothers their inheritance, but He declined that role. He came with the radical “ love your enemies, do good to those who mistreat you. If some one slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what be,ones to you, do not demand it back.” Luke 6: 27-30
I believe Jesus lived a life that spoke against social injustice by showing love to those most hated, scorned & abused by the culture of the day; women, disabled, tax collector, laborers, Samaritan (representing different ethnicity), rich, poor, etc. His example, if followed by us all, would heal the country, perhaps even the world.
KRISTEN: Thank you for sharing this video from Todd Freil. I’ve been watching him for about a year now. His heart for the true and explicit gospel intertwines with mine. I agree with him that kids really need church as a place to ask their hard questions, not entertainment. This was a conflict I had with others when I served in children’s ministry years ago. The leaders of CM thought if we didn’t make church “fun” kids wouldn’t want to come. Not that I was advocating for the expectation for kids to sit constantly and “just listen”, but that we need a place to go deeper with them. And kids need to know the truth that they are sinners in desperate need of a Savior, who is Jesus — not the self-esteem worldview that was mixing with Christian teaching in many places. Focusing on God’s glory and goodness and grace rather than “what is in it for me?” is such a needed change. It breaks my heart to hear of stories like this singer from Hawk Nelson and I pray for his soul along with millions of others who are in these confused and conflicted places. Oh Lord Jesus, have mercy and open the eyes of the blind!
I am trying to find a balance with my own children. Our short conversations outside of devotions, music and reading seem to be the most impactful. I don’t want them to have the experience I did. In church as a child, I felt like the main focus was for us to accept Savior so we could get out of hell. Yes, that’s part of the message but I didn’t really learn about God’s goodness and his overwhelming love or what it meant to have a relationship with him until college and after.
Just want to second what Rachel from Texas said! The Chosen Series has been a gift to me. It’s allowed me to imagine Jesus walking on Earth and engaging with people like Nicodemus. If you don’t have time for a full episode or TV series right now, just download the phone app & skip to Episode 7, time 20:50 to watch the scene based on John 3:1-21. Beautiful. Here’s the link to download the app (you can also just search The Chosen in your app store)! https://thechosen.link/31NG1
“What He has for us is not just a set of rules. but a relationship.” I cherish my relationship with Jesus. I can go straight to Him!
The closer I draw to Jesus, the more I realize His love for me, right where I am.
The closer I draw to Jesus, the more I realize His love will not leave me there.
The closer I draw to Jesus, the more I realize I still have so much to learn.
He teaches, reteaches, and even reteaches me, as many times as I need.
Thank you merciful, gracious, loving Savior.
Amen.
What a sweet reminder that there’s nothing I can do to earn my salvation and that Jesus richly lavishes His grace and mercy upon us. As I start this week with a long to-do list, may I be reminded of this life-changing love and allow it to shape how I interact with others – that through my actions and words I might point others to Christ. I pray to have courage and faith like Nicodemus and be willing to risk it all (my reputation, my comforts, etc.) to share Jesus’ love with others and to seek first His Kingdom above all else.
Monie Mag thank you for sharing that comparison of the Numbers passage to our salvation in Jesus! I was confused as first how it related to today’s devotion but your perspective really helped!
When we live in the light and do what is pleasing to the Lord by His power, whoever sees us will see all that is done has been done of Him ♥️
Really like this devotional style today!
Nicodemus went against what was the norm in his culture and sought Jesus. He didn’t just immediately believe what was being told to him. He examined it. Thought on it. But in the end, he knew that Jesus was the true God. May I not be afraid to state my beliefs and fight for what I know is right. May Jesus give me the courage to take these steps of faith. May I be willing to fight for social justice in His Holy name.
Amen!
Again I am amazed at the words of long ago that gave a link of what was to come, God plan of salvation! Just as the people looked to the lifted up snake recovered and lived, now we look to Jesus and we are restored and given the Holy Spirit and eternal life. God is very good to us!
If you have watched the recent series called the Chosen – they portray this story of Nicodemus so we’ll! If not, it is well worth your time!! Nothing better to binge watch than Jesus! You can download their app to watch it for free! I think most of it is also on YouTube.
https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen
Nicodemus risked it all and so should we! following Jesus was never meant to be safe
We must be born again, seek first the kingdom of God, He must give us new life by His grace. He brings is to a place where we realize we are not sufficient, and then, Romans 8:11-15,”And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.
So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!”” He is my Dad, by His power and sufficiency, He has given me life! Day by day He gives me strength and teaches me to rely on Him. (Deuteronomy 33, Judges 6-7, John 3:3, Matthew 6:33) I love you Lord! Thank you for being my joy and satisfaction, for giving me fellowship with you, for caring about me.
This dovetails so beautifully with a Liz Curtis Higgs devotional I read right before this, that “I” can’t but Jesus can. Jesus saves, not our works. Jesus every day in all things. Amen.
Dorothy, I’ve been thinking about you and praying for you as you start a new week in a new home. I hope that your move went smoothly and that you are already feeling more settled. God bless you, dear friend.
Nicodemus was a rare Pharisee. He stepped out of his law-abiding comfort zone and engaged with the Truth. Though he was baffled at first, he listened and sought fuller understanding. Instead of relying on others’ interpretation of the law, he met and listened to the One who wrote the law. A life lived chained to the law was a pitiful one compared to a late night encounter with the chain breaker. Nicodemus allowed himself to rethink all he had been taught, all he thought he knew, and his mind became transformed and renewed. He became born again. What traditions, rituals, beliefs do we hold onto that might be transformed if held up to the Light? Are we ready to reconsider “that’s just what we’ve always done”? Have we relied too much on what our pastors preach rather than studying the Word for ourselves? Are we wiling to be as the Berean church and compare man’s words to God’s Word? Have we become people of the Book with the heart of Jesus? Let us pray we would be as Nicodemus and watch the chains fall.
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Questions I ask REGULARLY.
*life
“a light changing love” – AMEN
This part stood out: This is what happens when we meet the person of Jesus—we’re given life, again! Though we may not be physically reborn, we are forever changed. A personal encounter with Jesus opens our eyes and beckons us to turn and look at “the Son of Man… lifted up” for who He truly is (John 3:14). And by believing in Him, we receive the gift of eternal life (v.15). Now we have assurance of seeing the kingdom of God—not by anything we have done, but by what Jesus has done for us.
This is what I pray for all. May all have an encounter with Jesus where we are undone like Isaiah where he saw the Holiness of God and how unclean he and the people were. An encounter that totally changes they way we think, live, speak, and act. A total transformation where we hate what God hates, and love what God loves. May all have an encounter that has them in love with their Savior and in a posture of never ending awe and reverence for the King.
I saw this video the other day discussing why a Christian singer has turned away from God. Todd, the host of the show, tells youth leaders and parents that they must teach the Word , address questions that may arise and tell about Jesus. (I’m paraphrasing.) The singer had questions that kept coming up and now he says he isn’t a Christian anymore. Todd addresses these questions.. Hete is the link: https://youtu.be/0U4SOlyt8xA