726. JOH 3:1. NICODEMUS

Joh_3:1. Nicodemus

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews."’97Joh_3:1.

John is the only Evangelist who takes notice of Nicodemus, or of his interview with the Redeemer; and yet to that interview we owe one of the most interesting and important lessons on spiritual religion, that the divine word furnishes. But it is not the many and weighty doctrines comprised in this chapter, on which we can so much dwell, as on the peculiar characteristics of Nicodemus, whose history furnishes our subject on this occasion.

As such, notice,

I. His general character as noticed in the text.

This is distinctly specified, as to,

1. His religious profession.

He was a Pharisee. The Pharisees were one of the leading sects of the Jews, and were so called, because they professed to be separated from the rest of the Jews, and to be more fully devoted to the spiritual purposes of religion. Their views and doctrines contained several weighty truths, with many grave errors. They believed the world was governed by fate, or by a fixed predestinating decree of God. That the Jews were the especial favorites of God, and that he was obligated to distinguish them as the seed of Abraham. Their religion was ostentatious and vain. It sought publicity and the praise of men. It was exceedingly ceremonial: and deficient in integrity, sincerity, and spirituality. The Saviour dealt most faithfully with their deceits and hypocrisies. I may add, that they were the wealthy religionists of the day, and are well represented by the Tractarians of the present time.

No doubt, there were some excellent persons of this sect; but they were so in spite of a bad system, and were the exceptions to the general rule. Nicodemus is described,

2. By his official station.

"A ruler of the Jews;" that is, one of the great Sanhedrim, or council of the Jews. This was an office of an ecclesiastical kind’97one of honor and influence, and possessed only by those of rank and power in the community.

Notice,

II. His interview with Jesus.

Here several particulars crowd on our attention.

1. The season of this interview.

It was by "night;" Joh_3:2. We know not the occasion of this period being selected. Was it to have a more calm and quiet opportunity for conversation? or was it from timidity, and want of moral courage? We fear it was the latter. His mind, however, was not fully, perhaps, certified as to the path of duty. Better, however, to come to Jesus by night, than not at all.

Observe at this interview,

2. His views of Christ were pleasingly expressed.

"We know that thou art a teacher," &c. Thus he not only expresses his own views, but those of many of his own class. He here acknowledges Christ as a great religious teacher. As a teacher confirming his doctrines, by the most surprising miracles. As thus giving the most satisfactory evidence of the divinity of his mission. Now these were enlightened just views, and they were clearly and well expressed.

It is evident, however,

3. That his ideas of real religion were very defective.

Jesus at once entered on the subject of experimental godliness; Joh_3:3. "Verily, verily, I say," &c. And then the ignorance of Nicodemus is made very apparent. "How can a man when he is old," &c. He seemed to have a totally dark mind on the subject of inward piety’97a new heart’97spiritual religion. His religion had never recognized this. Jesus, therefore, enlarged on this subject’97illustrated it’97and proceeded to deliver his most rich and beautiful discourse on the redeeming love of God, towards our lost and perishing world; Joh_3:12-21.

The effect of this address is not stated’97the two separate. And we have then a considerable interval in the history of this distinguished Pharisee.

Consider Nicodemus in connection with the history of Jesus,

III. As a public advocate of truth and equity.

Two years have probably passed since Nicodemus had heard Christ’s marvellous discourse, when he went to him by night. The opposition towards Christ by the Jews, and especially by the Pharisees, had greatly increased. They were venturing even to arrest him. Hence, officers were deputed to perform this act; Joh_7:31, &c. They return, however, without him. They had heard a part of that address, on the great day of the feast; chap. Joh_7:37-46. This led to a discourse among the Pharisees concerning him; Joh_7:47, &c. And now Nicodemus appears to advantage; Joh_7:50, Joh_7:51. His remarks did honor both to his head and heart.

Nothing could be more reasonable and excellent than this. The season too was most appropriate. It was, too, unanswerable, except in the language of blind prejudice. It brake up the assembly for the time being. Nicodemus here displayed much moral courage, and evident improvement as a secret disciple of the Saviour. Notice,

IV. The last connective link between Nicodemus and the Saviour.

The burning envy and hatred of the Jews towards Christ increased; and at length his hour came, and the hour of darkness. Judas betrays him. The council condemn him. Herod mocks him; and Pilate signs his death-warrant, and delivers him to be put to death. He is crucified between two malefactors, and expires on the accursed tree. The bodies of malefactors were often cast into some pit, or allowed to go entirely without burial. Not so with the sacred remains of Jesus; Joh_19:39, &c.

Here once more we meet with Nicodemus. He honors Christ’s remains,’97does it publicly,’97at a considerable expense,’97and in the face of his enemies,’97and while the tide of popular fury was running against him. Surely this was honorable to Nicodemus, both as it respects his judgment, his heart, and his conduct. And here we part with Nicodemus. No more is recorded of him in the sacred page. We find it difficult to pass judgment, as to his real character. There is confessedly much to admire. His character is more favorable every time we see him; and yet, alas! there are some of Christ’s own sayings which compel us to conclude unfavorably respecting him. "If any man will be my disciple," &c. Mat_16:24, &c.; also chap. Mat_10:32, Mat_10:33.

It seems to me, that these passages speak out distinctly against the spirit of timidity’97time serving’97and unholy compromise, which appear to be the great defects in the character of Nicodemus.

Learn,’97

1. The necessity of whole-heartedness and decision.

2. The importance of a public profession of Christian principles.

3. The necessity of self-denial for conscience sake.

Buying the truth at any rate, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS