Bible character overview - Nicodemus
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Time to read 3 min
Introduction:
Welcome to an insightful character overview of Nicodemus. Here you'll learn about who Nicodemus was, what he did, and his strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of Nicodemus to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.
Who was Nicodemus from the Bible?
Key facts
- When: roughly around 20 B.C - 50 A.D
- Where: Jerusalem
- Name meaning: 'Victory of the people'
Glimpse: Nicodemus was a Pharisee in ancient Israel who was intrigued with the teachings of Jesus. He battled with the compelling message of the gospel and the fear of what his peers might think of him. However, we see him grow and his heart changes as his heart is softened by the love of Jesus Christ.
Born again
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. He is mentioned only three times in the Bible, all in the Gospel of John. Nicodemus had seen and heard about Jesus and was intrigued, desiring to learn more. In John 3, we read about his secret meeting with Jesus at night and their conversation about being "born again," a concept with which Nicodemus struggles to understand.
John 3:4-8 :
Nicodemus asked Jesus, “How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born?”
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Questions
→ If Nicodemus was a teacher of Israel, how did he not understand what Jesus was saying?
→ Why is it important to be born again?
"How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus"
Heart change
In John 7, we see Nicodemus subtly defending Jesus when the council questions why Jesus had not been brought before them. This action indicates that Nicodemus’ heart had begun to change, though he still faced significant social pressures from those around him.
Later, we read that Nicodemus assisted Joseph of Arimathea in laying Jesus’ body in the tomb. He also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to anoint Jesus for burial.
Questions
→ Do you see a difference in the heart of Nicodemus?
→ How was Nicodemus different from the other Pharisees?
" Nicodemus (who had previously come to him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes.''
Strengths:
- Humble: Most Pharisees were prideful in their own knowledge but Nicodemus humbled himself in meeting with Jesus to find out more about what He taught
- Compassionate: He brought Myrhh and aloes for the burial of Jesus showing his heart
Weaknesses:
- Blinded: We see in John 3 that he doesn't understand what Jesus is saying as he has been blinded to the truth
- Fear of man: He met Jesus in secret because of fear of what others may think of him
Conclusion
Nicodemus was a man who looked for truth but was afraid of what others might think. However as time goes on, we see his compassionate heart at play and we can learn that even if we fear at times, God still gives us grace to understand. Yes, Nicodemus was afraid when meeting Jesus, but he still met with him and Jesus still taught him about what it means to be born again. Sometimes it's just a case of simple obedience and showing up.
''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''
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