Nicodemus: Was He Born Again?

 Nicodemus: Was He Born Again?

The “Red-Letter Words” of Jesus

Day 37

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.  John 19:38-40 (NKJV).

The above passage relates the final time John mentions Nicodemus.

Up until the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, scripture gives no evidence Nicodemus publicly declared himself to be Jesus’ disciple. The scriptures indicate just the opposite – He and Joseph of Arimathea, both Pharisees, were secret followers.

After Jesus died, many of His followers laid low for fear of being the next martyr. Not Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathea. They went public. I’m sure word spread rapidly that the two Pharisees accepted the responsibility of burying Jesus according to Jewish custom.

That act alone could’ve cost them their reputations, positions, and possibly their lives.

Be forewarned. The rest of this devotion is “the gospel according to Lollie” so please bear with me.

I want to believe Nicodemus was born again and is with his Savior.

I don’t know if Nicodemus saw Jesus after His resurrection, but the good news must’ve impacted his life. After all, he touched Jesus’ corpse. He helped wrap His body in strips of linen with the special spices he purchased. He knew for a fact Jesus died.

Jesus’ resurrection forced Nicodemus to a point of decision…to believe or not believe He was the Messiah. Jesus’ words in John, Chapter 3, would have stirred his spirit because God’s Word doesn’t return void (Isaiah 55:10, 11). Since he followed Jesus before His crucifixion, albeit secretively, I think it was a probable next step for Nicodemus to accept Him as his Living Savior.

Yes, my theory is speculation. Maybe I'm sympathetic towards him because he seemed like a sincere man, but I’ll be looking for him once I reach heaven.

How about you? The important question now is, “Are you born again?” Have you given your life to Jesus? Click here to learn how you can be born again: :May His Light Shine More Brightly: Salvation (lolliehofer.blogspot.com)

Father, thank You that I am born again. Jesus is my Savior and my Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and making me a new person. The old has past and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus’ name, Amen.   

 

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/3

http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/3