The story of Nicodemus is one that speaks to all of us, especially those who may be seeking deeper spiritual understanding or grappling with doubts about faith.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council, known as the Sanhedrin.
He was an educated man, a leader in his community, and deeply religious. Yet, despite his position and knowledge, Nicodemus found himself struggling to fully understand the teachings of Jesus.
His story, found in the Gospel of John, offers us a glimpse into the journey of faith — from curiosity and confusion to a transformed life.
Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus is a powerful reminder that no one, no matter their background or status, is beyond the need for spiritual rebirth and new life in Christ.
Nicodemus Meets Jesus: The Night Visit (John 3:1-2)
Nicodemus came to Jesus under the cover of night. The Bible tells us that he approached Jesus with a question that had been on his mind. It says:
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night…” (John 3:1-2)
Why did Nicodemus come at night? Some believe that it was because of fear. Nicodemus was a prominent Pharisee, and coming to Jesus in the daytime could have attracted attention and possibly criticism from his fellow religious leaders. Others believe that his visit at night symbolized a deeper, spiritual truth — Nicodemus was in darkness, seeking the light.
He had heard of the miracles Jesus performed, and he wanted to know more. But despite his high standing, Nicodemus was willing to humbly seek the truth, even if it meant doing so secretly.
As he approached Jesus, he acknowledged Him as a teacher sent from God, saying:
“Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” (John 3:2)
Nicodemus recognized something special in Jesus. He wasn’t just a teacher; there was something more profound about Him, something Nicodemus needed to understand. But what did Jesus want to say to him? How would Jesus answer this man’s curiosity and searching heart?
This marks the beginning of a deeply transformative conversation — one that would change Nicodemus’ life forever. As we dive into the rest of the story, we’ll see how Jesus not only spoke to Nicodemus’ mind but also invited him to experience a new kind of spiritual rebirth.
Jesus’ Teaching on Being Born Again (John 3:3–8)
Nicodemus came to Jesus looking for answers. He began by showing respect — calling Jesus “Rabbi” and acknowledging that His miracles must be from God. But before Nicodemus could ask anything deeper, Jesus went straight to the heart of what really mattered.
Jesus said something that must have surprised Nicodemus:
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
This was a strong and unexpected statement. Jesus didn’t begin by praising Nicodemus for his religious role. Instead, He gently told him the truth — no one can enter God’s Kingdom just by following rules, attending the temple, or being a teacher. A person must be born again.
What Does It Mean to Be “Born Again”?
Nicodemus didn’t understand. He asked, “How can a man be born when he is old?” (John 3:4). He was thinking in natural terms. “Can I go back into my mother’s womb and be born a second time?” he asked. He was confused — and maybe even a little embarrassed.
But Jesus wasn’t talking about a physical birth. He was talking about a spiritual birth — a complete transformation that only God can do in the human heart.
Jesus explained:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
Born of Water and the Spirit
This verse has been explained in many ways, but most Bible teachers agree: Jesus is talking about two kinds of cleansing:
Water – This often represents the washing away of sin and the turning away from the old life (some see this as repentance or baptism).
Spirit – This is the new life that only comes from the Holy Spirit — a life filled with God’s presence, love, and power.
Jesus was telling Nicodemus: You don’t need more religion. You need a new heart.
The Wind and the Spirit (John 3:6–8)
To help Nicodemus understand, Jesus used a simple example — the wind. He said:
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
The wind is invisible, but we see its effects — the trees move, the air shifts, and we feel its touch. In the same way, the Holy Spirit cannot be seen, but we know He’s real by the change He brings.
When someone is born again, they begin to live differently:
Their heart softens
They desire God’s Word
They turn away from sin
They love others more
Peace begins to replace fear
A Message for All of Us
Nicodemus wasn’t a bad man. He was religious, educated, and respectful. But even he needed to be born again. This shows us that no one — not even the most “righteous” person — can enter God’s Kingdom without a new spiritual birth.
And the beautiful truth is this: That new birth is a free gift, given to anyone who believes in Jesus.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in New Birth (John 3:5–8)
When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being “born again,” He made it clear that this spiritual birth was not something we can do on our own. It is the work of the Holy Spirit — the very Spirit of God.
In John 3:5, Jesus said:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus had spent his life learning religious laws and traditions. But Jesus wasn’t offering him a new set of rules — He was offering him a new life. That new life comes only through the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit Gives Life from Above
Jesus continued:
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6)
Here, Jesus was saying that physical birth gives us physical life — our body, our breath, our natural understanding. But spiritual life comes only from the Spirit of God.
You can be born into a good family…
You can go to church every week…
You can follow every rule…
But without the Holy Spirit, your heart remains unchanged.
The Holy Spirit is the One who gives you a new heart — a heart that wants to love God, serve Him, and follow His ways.
The Wind as a Picture of the Spirit
To help Nicodemus understand, Jesus used a simple picture from nature:
“The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it’s going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
Just like the wind, we can’t see the Holy Spirit — but we can feel His presence and see His work in people’s lives:
A heart filled with hate becomes full of love
A restless mind finds peace
A selfish person begins to care for others
A lost soul turns to God with tears and joy
These are the quiet, powerful signs that the Spirit of God is at work.
You Don’t Have to Understand Everything — Just Believe
Nicodemus didn’t fully understand what Jesus was saying. And that’s okay — because faith doesn’t always begin with full understanding. It begins with trust.
When the Holy Spirit moves in your heart, He helps you believe what your eyes cannot see. He draws you closer to Jesus. He helps you turn from sin. He fills you with peace. And He gives you the power to live a life that pleases God.
A Quiet Work — But a Powerful One
Many people expect big emotions or loud voices when they hear about the Holy Spirit. But often, He works quietly, like a gentle wind.
He speaks to your heart when you read the Bible.
He comforts you when you’re sad.
He warns you when you’re about to do wrong.
He gives you courage to speak, to pray, to love.
The Spirit is not far away. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, He already lives in you. And He is changing you — little by little — into someone who looks more and more like Christ.
Nicodemus’ Struggle to Understand and the Lesson of Faith (John 3:9–12)
After hearing Jesus speak about being born again, Nicodemus was still confused. He had been a teacher of the law for many years, yet now he was hearing something completely new — something deeper than rules and traditions.
So he asked a simple question:
“How can these things be?” (John 3:9)
This wasn’t pride. It was honest confusion. And maybe, in that moment, Nicodemus realized something humbling: all his years of study had not prepared him for a personal encounter with the truth — the truth found in Jesus Himself.
Jesus Answers With a Gentle Challenge
Jesus replied:
“Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?” (John 3:10)
In other words, “You are a respected teacher, yet you don’t understand this basic truth about spiritual life.” But Jesus wasn’t mocking him. He was gently pointing out that head knowledge is not the same as heart knowledge.
Nicodemus had studied the Scriptures. He knew the laws of Moses. But he had not yet experienced the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
The Lesson of Faith
Jesus continued:
“We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.” (John 3:11)
“If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” (John 3:12)
Here, Jesus made an important point: if someone cannot accept simple truths about life and the Spirit, how can they understand the deeper things of heaven?
That’s where faith comes in.
Nicodemus wanted to understand everything before believing. But Jesus was calling him — and calling us — to take a step of faith. Not everything will make sense at first. But if you trust Jesus, the Holy Spirit will open your heart to understand more over time.
The Promise of Eternal Life Through Jesus (John 3:13–21)
Up until this point, Nicodemus had been listening carefully as Jesus spoke about the new birth and the Holy Spirit. But now, Jesus took the conversation even deeper. He began to speak of something eternal — something that would change not only Nicodemus’ life, but the lives of millions who would read these words after him.
Jesus was about to reveal the heart of God.
Jesus Explains His Mission (John 3:13–15)
Jesus reminded Nicodemus of a story from the Old Testament — the time when Moses lifted up a bronze serpent in the wilderness, and those who looked upon it were healed (Numbers 21:9).
He said:
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:14–15)
Jesus was telling Nicodemus that He Himself would be lifted up — not on a pole like the serpent, but on a cross. And just like the Israelites had to look up in faith to be saved, people would need to look to Jesus in faith to receive eternal life.
This was the way to salvation. Not through law. Not through works. But through believing in the One who would die for their sins.
John 3:16 — The Heart of the Gospel
Then came the most well-known verse in the entire Bible:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
This is the foundation of the Christian faith. It shows us three eternal truths:
God loves the world — His love is for everyone, not just a few.
He gave His only Son — Jesus was the gift, the sacrifice, the Savior.
Whoever believes in Him — no matter their past, their status, or their sins — will not perish, but have eternal life.
This wasn’t just for Nicodemus. It’s for you. It’s for the lonely, the proud, the broken, the fearful — anyone who believes in Jesus will be saved.
Jesus Did Not Come to Condemn You (John 3:17–18)
Sometimes, people think God is waiting to punish them. But Jesus made it clear that He didn’t come to condemn the world. He came to save it.
“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17)
Jesus doesn’t stand over us with anger — He stands before us with mercy. He’s calling us out of darkness and into His light.
The only thing that separates someone from eternal life is unbelief. Those who refuse to believe remain in darkness, but those who believe step into the light of salvation.
Light vs. Darkness (John 3:19–21)
Jesus ended His message to Nicodemus with a gentle warning:
“Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil…” (John 3:19)
Many people reject Jesus because they don’t want to change. They are afraid of the light exposing their sin. But those who love the truth come into the light — and in the light, they find freedom, forgiveness, and a new beginning.
What This Means for You
Jesus offered Nicodemus eternal life — and He offers it to you too.
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to understand everything. You just have to believe. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Believe that He died for your sins. Believe that He rose again. And receive the free gift of eternal life.
This is the promise of the Gospel:
Whoever believes in Him shall not perish — but have everlasting life.
Nicodemus’ Transformation — A Later Role in the Gospel
After his conversation with Jesus in John 3, Nicodemus quietly disappears from the story — for a while. But that doesn’t mean he forgot what he heard. In fact, something began to change in him.
Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to Jesus in the dark, would later step into the light — not just spiritually, but publicly.
Let’s look at how the Bible shows his slow but steady transformation.
1. Nicodemus Defends Jesus in Public (John 7:45–52)
In John 7, the religious leaders were growing angry with Jesus. Some wanted to arrest Him. Others mocked Him. But in the middle of all the noise, Nicodemus spoke up.
He said:
“Does our law judge any man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?” (John 7:51)
Nicodemus didn’t declare himself a follower of Jesus — not yet. But he took a risky step. He defended Jesus’ right to be heard. This was a bold move for a Pharisee — especially in front of his peers.
Even though it was a small step, it showed that Nicodemus was beginning to stand for the truth, even when it wasn’t popular.
2. Nicodemus Helps Bury Jesus (John 19:38–40)
The final time we see Nicodemus is after Jesus has died on the cross.
Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. And who joined him?
Nicodemus.
The Bible says:
“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight.” (John 19:39)
This was no small gift. The amount of spices Nicodemus brought was expensive and very large — a gift fit for a king’s burial.
Nicodemus was no longer hiding in the shadows. He was showing his love and respect for Jesus in a bold, public way. He helped wrap Jesus’ body in cloths and spices and laid Him gently in the tomb.
What This Tells Us About His Faith
Nicodemus may not have shouted his faith from the rooftops. He may have started slowly, carefully, and quietly. But in the end, his actions spoke loudly.
He defended Jesus when others mocked Him.
He honored Jesus when most had walked away.
He gave generously and tenderly in Jesus’ final moments on earth.
This is the story of a man whose heart was changed — not all at once, but step by step. And it reminds us that God is patient with us, just like He was patient with Nicodemus.
Key Lessons from the Story of Nicodemus in the Bible
The story of Nicodemus isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s a quiet story — the story of a religious man who was searching for something real. A man who came in the dark but slowly stepped into the light. And from his journey, we can learn several powerful lessons that still speak to us today.
1. Being Religious Is Not the Same as Being Born Again
Nicodemus was a Pharisee. He kept the law, studied the Scriptures, and was respected as a teacher. But Jesus made it clear — none of that could save him.
Salvation doesn’t come from religion. It comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It comes from being born again by the Spirit of God.
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
2. Jesus Meets Us Where We Are
Nicodemus came at night — possibly afraid or unsure. But Jesus didn’t turn him away. He welcomed the conversation and answered his questions with love and truth.
In the same way, Jesus meets us in our fear, our confusion, and even in our silence. He speaks gently and clearly to every heart that honestly seeks Him.
3. The Holy Spirit Changes Us from the Inside
Jesus taught Nicodemus that being born again isn’t something we can do ourselves. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Just like the wind, we may not see the Spirit — but we can feel His presence and see the change He brings. When the Holy Spirit comes into your life, He gives you a new heart, a new mind, and a new way of living.
4. Faith Grows One Step at a Time
Nicodemus didn’t believe everything right away. He asked questions. He struggled to understand. But over time, we see that his faith grew.
He defended Jesus in public
He brought costly spices to prepare Jesus’ body
He stepped out of the shadows and stood with Christ
Your faith may feel small today. But don’t be discouraged. Keep listening. Keep following. God is working in you, just like He worked in Nicodemus.
5. Salvation Is for “Whosoever Believes”
John 3:16 is not just for the world — it’s for you.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Jesus came to save everyone — the religious, the broken, the proud, the confused, and the forgotten. And that means there is room for you in His love and His Kingdom.
Conclusion
The story of Nicodemus is a quiet invitation — one that reaches beyond the pages of Scripture and speaks directly to your heart today.
Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions.
He didn’t understand everything.
He didn’t have it all figured out.
But he came — and that made all the difference.
Jesus Still Speaks to Seekers Today
Maybe you see yourself in Nicodemus.
Maybe you’ve been religious all your life, but still feel something is missing.
Maybe you’re curious, but unsure.
Maybe you’ve believed in God but haven’t experienced the new birth Jesus talked about.
Here’s the good news: Jesus is still welcoming honest seekers.
You don’t need to come in the daylight.
You don’t need to say the perfect words.
Just come.
Bring your questions.
Bring your heart.
Bring your need.
And Jesus will meet you, just like He met Nicodemus — with truth, gentleness, and a call to new life.
You Can Be Born Again Today
To be born again means to receive new life from God. It’s not something you earn — it’s something you receive by faith.
It means:
Turning from your old life
Believing in Jesus as your Savior
Asking the Holy Spirit to make you new
And when you do, you are:
Forgiven
Accepted
Filled with peace
Promised eternal life
One Simple Prayer Can Begin the Journey
If your heart is ready, you can pray this right now:
“Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I want to be born again. Please forgive me, fill me with Your Spirit, and make me new. I give You my heart. Amen.”
It’s not about fancy words — it’s about a sincere heart.
And just like Nicodemus, your journey of faith can begin right here, right now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Nicodemus in the Bible?
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a respected member of the Jewish council called the Sanhedrin. He was well-educated in the law but came to Jesus at night to ask spiritual questions. His story is found in the Gospel of John, and it shows his journey from curiosity to quiet courage and belief.
Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus at night?
Nicodemus may have come at night because he was afraid of being seen by other religious leaders. But his nighttime visit also shows something deeper: he was in spiritual darkness and seeking light. Jesus welcomed him with patience and truth.
What does it mean to be “born again”?
Being “born again” means receiving a new spiritual life through the Holy Spirit. It’s not a physical birth, but a change of heart that comes from believing in Jesus. When you are born again, you become a child of God — forgiven, made new, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Did Nicodemus become a believer in Jesus?
Yes. While Nicodemus didn’t openly follow Jesus during His ministry, we see signs of his growing faith. He defended Jesus in front of other Pharisees (John 7), and after Jesus died, Nicodemus helped bury His body with honor (John 19). These actions show his quiet but strong belief.
What can we learn from Nicodemus’ story?
Nicodemus teaches us that:
Even religious people need a personal relationship with Jesus
Faith often begins with questions
The Holy Spirit gives us new life
Real change happens over time
Jesus welcomes anyone who seeks Him — even in the dark
