Character Study Of Nicodemus Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF NICODEMUS – A PHARISEE WHO MET JESUS AT NIGHT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 3:1-21

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." – John 3:3

Supporting Texts: John 7:50-52, John 19:39

INTRODUCTION:

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. He is best known for his secret meeting with Jesus at night, where Jesus revealed the necessity of being born again. Though initially hesitant, Nicodemus later showed signs of faith, defending Jesus and helping with His burial. His life represents the struggle between religious tradition and true spiritual transformation.

1. NICODEMUS SOUGHT JESUS FOR UNDERSTANDING

a) He came to Jesus by night (John 3:2)

He was cautious due to his position.

b) He acknowledged Jesus as a teacher from God (John 3:2)

He recognised Jesus' divine authority.

c) He had religious knowledge but lacked spiritual understanding (John 3:4)

He struggled with Jesus’ teaching on being born again.

d) God desires seekers who sincerely seek the truth (Jeremiah 29:13)

Those who seek Him find Him.

e) Biblical Example: The Ethiopian eunuch also sought divine understanding (Acts 8:27-31).

2. NICODEMUS STRUGGLED WITH SPIRITUAL TRUTH

a) He misunderstood the concept of being born again (John 3:4)

He took Jesus’ words literally.

b) Jesus explained the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-8)

True transformation is spiritual, not physical.

c) The natural mind cannot comprehend spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Without revelation, God’s truth seems confusing.

d) The gospel is beyond human reasoning (Isaiah 55:8-9)

God’s ways are higher than ours.

e) Biblical Example: The disciples also struggled to understand Jesus' parables (Matthew 13:10-11).

3. NICODEMUS EVENTUALLY DEFENDED JESUS

a) He questioned the unfair judgment against Jesus (John 7:50-51)

He urged the religious leaders to give Jesus a fair hearing.

b) Standing for Christ often brings opposition (John 7:52)

The other Pharisees mocked him.

c) Faith should lead to action (James 2:17)

His defence of Jesus showed growth in his faith.

d) God can use influential people for His purpose (Esther 4:14)

Nicodemus' influence helped spread Jesus' message.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph of Arimathea also took a stand for Jesus (Luke 23:50-52).

4. NICODEMUS SHOWED HIS FAITH THROUGH ACTION

a) He helped prepare Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:39)

He brought costly spices to anoint Jesus.

b) True faith is demonstrated in deeds (James 2:26)

He moved from curiosity to commitment.

c) He was willing to be associated with Jesus after His death (John 19:39-40)

He publicly identified with Christ.

d) Worship involves sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:24)

His gift was costly.

e) Biblical Example: The woman with the alabaster jar also showed her love for Jesus through sacrifice (Mark 14:3).

5. NICODEMUS TEACHES US ABOUT THE POWER OF SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION

a) He moved from doubt to faith (John 3:9 to John 19:39)

His journey reflects spiritual growth.

b) God is patient with those seeking the truth (2 Peter 3:9)

He did not reject Nicodemus despite his initial confusion.

c) Salvation is for all, including religious leaders (John 3:16)

Jesus extended grace to Nicodemus.

d) Being born again is necessary for entering God's kingdom (John 3:5-6)

Religion is not enough; transformation is required.

e) Biblical Example: Paul, a Pharisee, also experienced transformation (Acts 9:1-6).

STRENGTHS OF NICODEMUS

a) He was a sincere seeker of the truth (John 3:2)

He genuinely wanted to understand Jesus’ message.

b) He had courage to question religious authorities (John 7:50-51)

He defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin.

c) He showed growth in faith (John 19:39)

His commitment to Jesus became evident over time.

d) He was willing to sacrifice for Jesus (John 19:39-40)

His gift for Jesus’ burial was costly.

e) He demonstrated that intellectuals and religious leaders can find true faith in Christ (John 3:16-17)

Salvation is for all, regardless of status.

WEAKNESSES OF NICODEMUS

a) He initially feared public association with Jesus (John 3:2)

He came to Jesus at night, possibly out of fear.

b) He struggled to understand spiritual truths (John 3:4-9)

His religious background limited his understanding.

c) He was slow to take an open stand for Jesus (John 7:50-52)

He did not boldly declare his faith initially.

d) His transformation was gradual (John 19:39)

Unlike the disciples, his faith took time to develop.

e) He was influenced by religious traditions (John 3:10)

As a teacher of the law, he found it hard to accept new revelations.

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF NICODEMUS

a) Seeking Jesus leads to revelation (John 3:2-3)

Those who sincerely seek Him will find Him.

b) Spiritual transformation is more important than religious status (John 3:5-7)

Being born again is essential for salvation.

c) Faith in Jesus must move from secret to public confession (John 19:39-40)