Episode 590: Nicodemus

We continue with “Perspectives on Easter” – our series focused on the people who played both major and minor roles in the Easter narrative, as well as the relevant places, practices, artifacts, and traditions related to Easter. Today we feature a first person monologue from Nicodemus.

All that we know of Nicodemus in the Bible is from the Gospel of John. In John 3:1, he is described as a Pharisee. The Pharisees were a group of Jews who were fastidious in keeping the letter of the Law and often opposed Jesus throughout His ministry. Jesus often strongly denounced them for their legalism. John 3:1 also describes Nicodemus as a leader of the Jews. According to John 7:50–51, Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the ruling body of the Jews. 

John reports that Nicodemus came to speak with Jesus at night. In their conversation, Jesus immediately confronts Nicodemus with the truth that he “must be born again” (John 3:3). 

At the end of Jesus’ life, we find Nicodemus assisting with the Lord’s burial. As such, he becomes an important character in the Easter narrative.