Title: Nicodemus' Courage
Nicodemus' courage
Text/ John 3:1-21, 7:50-52, 19:39
1. Introduction
The texts listed above relate to Nicodemus, who came to Jesus secretly in the middle of the night without anyone knowing. If you look at the commentaries and sermons on the above texts, the focus is on that a person must be born again in order to receive eternal life. Of course it is, but today, I would like to change the angle a little and focus on the person Nicodemus himself and share grace while meditating.
2. Who was Nicodemus?
The meaning of the name Nicodemus is “conqueror of the people.” According to the Gospel of John, Nicodemus was a Pharisee among the Pharisees, a chieftain of the Jews, and a teacher of the Jews (John 3:1; John 7:50-52). And Nagodemos was a man who tried to stop the illegal oppression of Jesus (John 7:45-52), and was rich enough to bring about a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes for Jesus' burial (John 19:39).
In today’s words, Nicodemus was not from a common family, but from a family that was very special and recognizable. In a word, he was a person who had nothing to envy by the standards of this world.
3. Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus?
We often see how Nicodemus can get eternal life from Jesus I think I asked, but when I read the Bible carefully, Nicodemus didn't really ask anything. He simply said, <Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who came from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with you. John 3:2>.
But Jesus, who had been visited by Nicodemus and heard the words, showed us the way to eternal life, so we can only guess that the purpose of his visit was to know the way to eternal life. And we should be thankful to Nicodemus that because of this secret visit of Nicodemus the famous John 3:16 verse was proclaimed.
In this sense, it may be said that the reason Nicodemus visited Jesus in the middle of the night was for the purpose of inquiring about the kingdom of God, the way to eternal life, and the truth.
4. Why was Nicodemus a courageous man?
I have never heard of Nicodemus as a courageous man, but as I read the text again this time, I thought that Nicodemus was truly a courageous man. The reason is as follows.
first. He wasn't afraid to do 不恥下問.
We, ordinary people, want to ask questions because we are younger than them, because we have a lower social status than ourselves, or because we are in the opposite party, but what if we want to know but do not know anything? I lived without knowing it until now! while giving up or turning away from asking. However, Nicodemus is a courageous man in that he was not ashamed to come and ask Jesus, whom he believed was far below in age or position, in order to obtain the truth, and was the opposite of the group he belonged to.
second. He was not afraid of being bullied by his group.
We, ordinary people, often keep our mouths shut for fear of being bullied even though we know that our group is going the wrong way. However, Nicodemus is a courageous man in that he boldly said that it is absolutely illegal for them to conspire to kill Jesus in front of the high priests and Pharisees like Kira city to which he belonged (John 7:50-52).
third. He was not afraid to bury Jesus on the cross.
Finally, Jesus died on the cross by running to death. All his disciples also ran away. But Nicodemus brought a hundred pounds of precious myrrh and aloes for the funeral of Jesus. Nicodemus is courageous in that he burialed Jesus without fear of rumors, when all of Jesus' closest disciples had also fled.
5. Closing Story
Was Nicodemus really saved? Let's ask the question. What do you think? There could be several answers. But one thing is certain: Nicodemus was a courageous man.
This is illegal in the presence of the Pharisees and priests to whom they belong, who, with their red eyes flashing, are trying to arrest Jesus and all those who are related to him and hang him on the cross! Where do you usually have the courage to do it?
I am envious and envious of Nicodemus' courage.
Weekly <Fountain of the Word>