What Does the Bible Say About Nicodemus?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

The Bible introduces us to many people who encountered Jesus, but few are as intriguing as Nicodemus.

He was a Pharisee, a religious leader, and someone who had power and influence.

Yet, despite his high status, he was curious about Jesus.

He had questions that could not be answered by tradition or religious law.

Unlike many of his fellow Pharisees, who rejected Jesus outright, Nicodemus wanted to understand who Jesus was.

His story is one of searching, learning, and ultimately, transformation.

The Bible gives us glimpses of his journey, showing how a man who once lived in secrecy became a bold follower of Christ.

Who Was Nicodemus?

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council.

This means he was well-educated, respected, and had significant authority in Jewish society.

Pharisees were known for strictly following the law of Moses and for often opposing Jesus because they saw Him as a threat to their religious traditions.

Yet, Nicodemus was different.

Instead of condemning Jesus, he was drawn to Him.

John 3:1-2 tells us, “Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.

He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God.

For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.’”

Nicodemus recognized that Jesus was no ordinary man.

He saw the miracles and understood that God was with Him.

But he was not ready to follow Jesus openly—at least not yet.

That is why he came to Jesus at night, when no one would see him.

Nicodemus and His Late-Night Conversation with Jesus

Nicodemus had an important conversation with Jesus that would change the way he saw God and salvation.

He came with curiosity, calling Jesus “Rabbi” (teacher) and acknowledging His power.

But Jesus did not waste time with small talk.

He went straight to the heart of the matter.

John 3:3 records Jesus’ response:

“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

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This confused Nicodemus.

“How can someone be born when they are old?” he asked (John 3:4).

Nicodemus was thinking in human terms—physical birth.

But Jesus was talking about spiritual rebirth.

Jesus explained further in John 3:5-6, “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.”

Jesus was telling Nicodemus that salvation was not about following religious rules.

It was about being transformed by God.

He needed a new heart, not just a religious title.

The Most Famous Verse in the Bible

During this conversation, Jesus spoke some of the most well-known words in the entire Bible.

John 3:16 says, “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.”

This was a radical message for Nicodemus.

As a Pharisee, he had spent his life trying to follow the law perfectly.

He believed righteousness came through obedience to rules.

But Jesus was saying that salvation came through faith in Him.

It was not about earning God’s favor—it was about believing in Jesus and receiving the gift of eternal life.

Nicodemus came to Jesus looking for answers, and Jesus gave him the most important truth of all: God loves people so much that He sent His Son to save them.

Did Nicodemus Understand?

After this encounter, the Bible does not tell us immediately how Nicodemus responded.

He did not suddenly declare his faith in Jesus.

He did not start preaching about the need to be born again.

Instead, he went back into the shadows.

But something had changed in his heart.

Nicodemus had heard the truth.

And though he did not respond right away, he did not forget what Jesus said.

The next time we see Nicodemus in Scripture, he is starting to show his faith in public.

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Nicodemus Defends Jesus

In John 7:45-52, the Pharisees were angry because people were starting to believe in Jesus.

They wanted to arrest Him.

But Nicodemus spoke up.

He said, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” (John 7:51).

This was a bold move.

The other religious leaders were furious at Jesus.

By defending Him, Nicodemus was putting himself at risk.

Even though he did not openly declare his faith yet, he was no longer hiding completely.

His heart was changing.

He was starting to step into the light.

Nicodemus at the Crucifixion

The final time we see Nicodemus in the Bible is after Jesus’ death.

In John 19:38-40, we learn that Nicodemus helped bury Jesus.

Along with Joseph of Arimathea, he brought about seventy-five pounds of spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.

This was an act of love and devotion.

It was also a public act.

By helping with Jesus’ burial, Nicodemus was revealing his allegiance to Christ.

He was no longer afraid.

He was no longer hiding in the dark.

He was standing with Jesus, even when others had abandoned Him.

The Transformation of Nicodemus

Nicodemus’ story is one of spiritual growth.

At first, he was curious but afraid.

Then, he started speaking up for Jesus.

Finally, he boldly honored Jesus after His death.

His journey mirrors the journey of many believers.

Faith does not always happen instantly.

For some, it is a slow process of learning, questioning, and growing.

Nicodemus was not like Peter, who immediately left everything to follow Jesus.

He was not like Paul, who had a dramatic conversion.

But he was a man who sought truth.

And when he found it, he embraced it.

What Can We Learn from Nicodemus?

Nicodemus teaches us several important lessons about faith.

First, it is okay to have questions.

Nicodemus did not understand everything about Jesus right away.

But instead of rejecting what he did not understand, he sought answers.

God is not afraid of our questions.

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He invites us to seek Him.

Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Second, faith is a journey.

Nicodemus did not believe in Jesus overnight.

But little by little, he moved closer to the truth.

Sometimes faith grows slowly, but every step toward Jesus is a step in the right direction.

Third, true faith requires boldness.

Nicodemus went from visiting Jesus in secret to publicly honoring Him.

When we truly believe in Jesus, we cannot stay in the shadows.

Faith is meant to be lived out.

Romans 1:16 reminds us, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

Finally, Nicodemus’ story reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach.

He was a Pharisee, part of the group that opposed Jesus the most.

But Jesus still spoke with him.

He still invited him to be born again.

No matter how religious or lost someone might be, Jesus offers them the chance to start over.

Final Thoughts

Nicodemus is a fascinating character in the Bible.

He started out as a curious seeker, moved toward cautious support, and eventually became a bold follower of Christ.

His story is a reminder that faith takes time.

It is okay to have questions.

It is okay to wrestle with doubts.

But the most important thing is to keep seeking Jesus.

Like Nicodemus, we must all answer the question: Will we stay in the shadows, or will we step into the light?

Jesus calls us to believe, to be born again, and to live boldly for Him.

Nicodemus eventually did.

Will you?