If you follow the Church’s readings, today you would have read about Nicodemus. Who was this mysterious character—and what profound lessons can we learn from his journey of faith?
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, first appears in John 3:1-21. His initial approach to Jesus under the cover of night signifies both caution and curiosity.
This meeting sets the stage for one of the most profound dialogues in the New Testament.
Jesus introduces the concept of being “born again,” a spiritual rebirth that Nicodemus struggles to comprehend. His honest admission of confusion, “How can someone be born when they are old?” (John 3:4), reflects a genuine, humble pursuit of understanding.
Nicodemus’s second appearance in John 7:45-52 showcases his courage and commitment to fairness. Amidst a heated debate among the Jewish leaders about arresting Jesus, Nicodemus advocates for a fair hearing, stating, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” (John 7:51).
The final mention of Nicodemus in John 19:38-42 reveals his full transformation. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Nicodemus assists Joseph of Arimathea in preparing Jesus’ Body for burial. This act, performed in daylight, contrasts sharply with his first secretive meeting with Jesus. Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds in weight, a significant and costly contribution. His public honoring of Jesus’ Body indicates a profound shift from curiosity to true faith.
This shift, far from being merely a small development of friendship, shows a total conversion of a person. Going from a hidden and fearful interest to a brave public act of faith, Nicodemus allowed his encounter with the person of Christ to change his entire life. This is true conversion, one that we can emulate in our own encounters with Christ.
Although we may not encounter Christ physically teaching in a temple as Nicodemus did, He still desires to be with us personally. One way we can encounter the person of Christ is by diving into Scripture and reading these stories about those who met Christ during His life.
In the remaining weeks of Lent, let us recommit ourselves to the study of Scripture, letting our hearts be open to a true encounter with Christ, Who waits there to meet us. This beautiful contemplative edition of the Gospel of John is a new and immersive way to deepen your relationship with Christ in the Scriptures. Filled with gorgeous photography, this edition will bring the Gospel stories to life in your mind and heart like never before. Available today from The Catholic Company!
