3/8/10 John 3
Moving Away from Timidity
(Jn 3:2)2this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
Nicodemus whose names means “victor over the people” is a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews and he comes to Jesus by night. There are different reasons given as to why Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night, but my personal opinion is that he wanted to have an honest dialogue with Jesus and he was afraid of what might happen as people and colleagues saw him with Jesus. Nicodemus inquires Jesus about being from God and Jesus give him a lesson on God’s plan of salvation.
We do not know how this conversation ends, but apparently it made an impression because in John 7:50-52 Nicodemus gives support to Jesus when a dispute arises over Jesus. Some Pharisees (separated ones) make a statement in John 7:48 that none of the rulers or Pharisees have believed in him, have they? This is when Nicodemus speaks up in favor or support of Jesus. He has put his neck on the line with this statement. His colleagues probably raise a brow with is statement and then insult Nicodemus regarding his knowledge of the Law.
Then we read of Nicodemus one final time in the book of John in chapter 19:39. Nicodemus is only mentioned in the book of John. This time Nicodemus has joined another defector, Joseph of Arimathea, of the Council which is also called the Sanhedrin (Mark 15:43, Luke 23:50-51). Together these two men move from timidity to courage as they prepared Jesus body for burial. The amazing thing is that they risk their reputation, their jobs, their friendships, possibly their lives, for a dead Jesus. Are we willing to do the same for the Jesus that we know has risen from the dead and ascended?
Where ever you are today in your relationship with Jesus you should be moving away from timidity and toward courage. Maybe you are like Nicodemus and you have a lot of question about Jesus. I encourage you to investigate the word of God, by reading and studying it. When you come to understand the truth, you will move from timidity to courage. If you know Jesus but still fear what people think, then you too must study the word of God and as your relationship with Jesus grows and you understand more fully who Jesus is, then your fear will dissipate.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you that we can know you through Jesus. Thank you that we can ask questions and you will give us straight forward answers. Lord, you know the timidity that is still present within my heart and I ask that my faith will be strengthened where I would risk everything to be identified with Jesus. Prepare my heart for those difficult times that call for me to be a witness and give me your grace not to falter, to the praise and majesty of my Savior Jesus. Amen.