The Person of Nicodemus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  2 Week : Wednesday

*Gospel : Jn 3:16-21*

*First Reading :Acts 5:17-26*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9*

*The Person of Nicodemus*

*1) Nicodemus in the Bible*

Nicodemus is a significant but somewhat enigmatic figure in the New Testament. 

He appears only in the Gospel of John, and each mention gives a glimpse into his growing openness to Jesus and the tension he experiences as a religious leader trying to understand Christ. 

*2) Nicodemus the Seeker* (John 3:1–21)

*“Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God…”* (John 3:2)

Nicodemus is introduced as a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council (the Sanhedrin). 

He comes to Jesus at night, likely indicating both caution (fear of public association) and spiritual darkness or confusion.

Jesus immediately challenges his assumptions by speaking of the need to be *"born again"* or *"born from above."* 

Nicodemus's confusion ("How can a man be born when he is old?") shows the limits of purely human understanding when it comes to spiritual truths.

Nicodemus represents those who are curious about Jesus but still bound by intellectual or institutional constraints. 

His search is genuine, though hesitant. He reminds us that spiritual rebirth requires more than tradition—it requires openness to divine revelation.

*3) Nicodemus the Advocate* (John 7:50–52)

*“Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”*

Here, Nicodemus speaks up during a meeting of the Sanhedrin, subtly defending Jesus' right to a fair hearing. 

While he doesn’t openly profess faith, he shows a sense of justice and a willingness to question his peers.

This moment reflects Nicodemus’s internal struggle. 

He is not yet a bold disciple, but he's moved from private inquiry to public concern. 

It shows the gradual journey of faith—standing up for truth, even in small ways, can be a significant spiritual step.

*4) Nicodemus the Disciple* (John 19:38–42)

“Nicodemus… brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.”

After Jesus’ crucifixion, Nicodemus joins Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus, bringing an extravagant amount of burial spices—a gesture of honor and devotion. 

This act likely placed him in danger of persecution.

This is perhaps the most profound transformation. Nicodemus, once afraid to be seen with Jesus in daylight, now publicly honors Him in death. 

It shows a movement from cautious belief to courageous discipleship.

His costly offering echoes the sacrifice of the women who anointed Jesus—it's a quiet but profound declaration of faith.

*5) Faith Journey of Nicodemus*

Nicodemus’s journey is emblematic of many believers:

Initial curiosity, mixed with confusion (John 3),

Growing courage, to stand for truth (John 7),

Ultimate commitment, through costly love (John 19).

His story is a powerful reminder that faith often grows gradually, and God patiently works in hearts, drawing seekers step by step.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*