Many years ago I became intrigued with a particular Pharisee named Nicodemus. I was doing a slow-grind study through the gospel of John, both for personal reasons and in prep for an InWord study series. When I hit John 3:16 it dawned on me that there was a moment when Jesus Himself was uttering these famous words to just one person: an inquisitive Pharisee named Nicodemus. The words of John 3:16 have been used to lead millions of people to the saving love of God through belief in Jesus. But there was a moment when Jesus was saying these words Himself in a one-on-one conversation with Nicodemus.
In my curiosity I asked, “So, whatever happened to Nicodemus? Here is a guy drinking from the original source of these famous words? Did he believe?” (And this observation was long before “The Chosen,” an insightful and wonderful depiction of Jesus’ ministry that features Nicodemus and his curiosity.) Nicodemus makes two more appearances in the gospel of John (the only gospel to refer to Nicodemus). In John 7 Nicodemus actually stands up for Jesus in a meeting of chief priests and Pharisees who had been working a plan to arrest Jesus. And in John 19, on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, the day that has come to be called Good Friday, Nicodemus makes a most interesting appearance.
In the light of day, which is a deep contrast from Nicodemus’ first appearance under the cover of darkness in John 3, Nicodemus accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to take Jesus’ body from the cross to the tomb. Nicodemus brought about 75 pounds of burial spices, which was a lavish amount, an amount reserved for royal burials. Jewish families kept 2-3 pounds around the house for burials, which was at most, an armful. Nicodemus brought a wheelbarrow-full amount! As I learned this factoid, I cried. I remember sitting at my study desk, crying the words “Nicodemus got it!” In the light of day, at great risk to his job, his career, and possibly his life, Nicodemus made a declaration about Jesus. What a beautiful journey!
But my epiphany didn’t stop there. As wonderful as it is that Nicodemus likely found faith in Jesus (and was possibly one of the Jewish leaders being described in Acts 6 and Acts 15 as followers of the faith), he missed out on a once-in-a-creation opportunity to walk with Jesus in His incarnational form. And if I may toss out a pastoral challenge: we are in danger of doing the same thing. As we walk our journeys on this side of heaven, we have a once-in-a-creation opportunity to know the grace, redemption, forgiveness, and love of Jesus in the crucible of a fallen world. When we get to heaven, these wonderful traits of Jesus will be experienced in an entirely different way, if experienced at all.
So, as you ponder the events of that dark, but now, Good Friday, be inspired by Nicodemus’ journey. Think how you can soak up as much Jesus as you possibly can. How can you experience His grace? Where can He do His redemptive work in your life? How can you live in a state of forgiveness in your daily pressures and dynamics?
Consider creating a practical reminder with something in your home. Think of five 15-pound bags of potatoes, a commercial sized bag of dog food, a bag of Quikrete concrete mix. Picture Nicodemus bringing that amount in burial spices to Jesus’ body. Then, have your own private coronation: read those familiar words of John 3:16, and breathe a prayer that reflects your commitment to not miss a drop of Jesus as you journey with Him in this fallen world.