“Nicodemus Steps Into the Light”
One of my great joys is serving as a Police Chaplain with our local police force. I offer spiritual support to the men and women who protect our community and I am so grateful for their service.
One interesting component I’ve noticed is that my community is very different after the sun goes down. So many more criminal acts are done under the cover of darkness! When you think about it, darkness can cover evil acts, but it can also cover curiosity.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin, and a respected religious leader. He came to Jesus under the cover of night, not because he was a criminal but because he was curious. He was seeking answers and truth. He was intrigued by Jesus's teachings, but he was afraid to be seen with Him in the light of day for fear of what his fellow Pharisees might say. So, he chose the night to have a conversation, and Jesus met him in the dark (see John 3)!
Nicodemus is a lot like those of us who are drawn to Jesus but are hesitant to fully commit. We want to believe, but we're afraid of what others will think. We're afraid of losing our status, our reputation. Often, we never engage with Jesus because of that fear.
What I love about Nicodemus is that his story doesn't end in the shadows! At some point, all that Jesus shared with him under the cover of night transforms him into a devoted friend.
How do I know? John 19 tells us, “Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:38-40, NIV)
Nicodemus witnessed Jesus's crucifixion and brought spices for His burial—a public act of devotion! He stepped out of the shadows and into the light.
Nicodemus's transformation was a gradual process, a journey from secret seeker to public proclaimer. He learned that following Jesus meant taking risks, standing up for truth, and embracing the light.
friend, don't let fear hold you back. Don't let the opinions of others dictate your faith. Step out of the shadows and into the light. Embrace your identity as a follower of Jesus. Don't be afraid to publicly proclaim your faith. Allow God to transform your fear into courage.
Jesus, we want the light. Thank you for allowing us to come to you, even under the cover of night. Thank you for allowing us to grow in our relationship with you and give us the courage to go public with our relationship with You. Amen
Never forget my friend, you are a miracle!
