Topical Bible: Love: Love for Jesus: Nicodemus

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Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, is a significant figure in the New Testament who demonstrates a developing love and respect for Jesus Christ. His interactions with Jesus are primarily recorded in the Gospel of John, providing insight into his journey from curiosity to a more profound commitment.

Initial Encounter with Jesus

Nicodemus first approaches Jesus at night, indicating a cautious interest in His teachings. In John 3:1-2 , it is written: "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 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.'" This nocturnal visit suggests that Nicodemus was intrigued by Jesus' miracles and teachings but was not yet ready to publicly associate with Him due to his position and the potential repercussions from his peers.

During this encounter, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about the necessity of being "born again" to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). This conversation reveals Nicodemus' initial lack of understanding but also his willingness to engage with Jesus' profound spiritual truths. Jesus further explains the concept of spiritual rebirth and God's love for the world, encapsulated in the well-known verse, John 3:16 : "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Defending Jesus

Nicodemus' love and respect for Jesus become more apparent as he later defends Him before the Sanhedrin. In John 7:50-51 , Nicodemus challenges his fellow Pharisees, saying, "Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?" This defense indicates a growing boldness and a willingness to stand up for Jesus, even amidst opposition. Nicodemus' actions suggest that his initial curiosity had developed into a deeper conviction about Jesus' righteousness and the truth of His message.

Final Act of Devotion

The most significant demonstration of Nicodemus' love for Jesus occurs after the crucifixion. In John 19:39-40 , Nicodemus, along with Joseph of Arimathea, takes part in the burial of Jesus: "Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom." This act of devotion is both costly and courageous, as it publicly associates Nicodemus with Jesus at a time when His followers were in hiding for fear of persecution.

Nicodemus' actions reflect a transformation from a secret inquirer to a devoted follower, illustrating a love for Jesus that overcame fear and societal pressure. His journey is a testament to the power of Jesus' message and the profound impact it can have on individuals, leading them to a life of faith and commitment.

Nave's Topical Index

John 19:39,40
And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Love and Life.
... LOVE AND LIFE. ... of myrrh and aloes of a hundred pounds weight to embalm the body of
Jesus. This was Nicodemus who had a talk with Jesus by night among the olive ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xliv love and life.htm

Joseph and Nicodemus
... as they moved in their offices of love, which they ... Nicodemus had had the conviction,
at the beginning of Christ's ... fear which made him steal to Jesus by night ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/joseph and nicodemus.htm

Nicodemus
... of Israel, and knowest not these things?" Jesus asked ... over the plain words of truth,
Nicodemus should have ... and tone expressed such earnest love, that Nicodemus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 17 nicodemus.htm

Love Wooing yet More.
... It is a distinct step up from the change in Nicodemus simply because there was
so much more to change. ... Jesus was love in shoes, God in action. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/love wooing yet more.htm

Jesus and the Bethany Sisters.
... Nicodemus, after Jesus was dead, brought a large quantity of spices and ... We never
can cease to be grateful to Nicodemus, whose long-time shy love at last ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter x jesus and the.htm

Immeasurable Love
... when God gave his Son, for there is love in the time. ... Our Lord had just been speaking
with Nicodemus, and that ... The fact is that Jesus was always the gift of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/immeasurable love.htm

Jesus and his Secret Friends.
... to have cheered him by their love. Mary's ointment poured upon the tired feet of
Jesus before his death was better than the spices of Nicodemus piled about his ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xii jesus and his.htm

The Tests of Love to God
... Nicodemus came sneaking to Christ by night (John 3:2). He was fearful of being seen
with Him in the ... If Jesus Christ should have said to us, " I love you well ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the tests of love to.htm

Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
... Christ was in heaven as he talked with Nicodemus"John 8:29 ... When the world was perishing
because of sin, Jesus, made to ... It is a lesson as to God's love: 1. Its ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxiv jesus attends the first 2.htm

The Test of Discipleship
... Christ said to Nicodemus, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the
sound thereof, but canst not ... No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm