Nicodemus the Pharisee

Pharisees are known as the “Pious ones.” Often we put Pharisees down because we see criticism of this sect in the words of Jesus...Mt 23:26; Luke 18:10, however in doing so, we do not see the full picture of who the Pharisees were.

The Hebrew word which is at the root of the title Pharisee (פָּרַשׁ) means to make distinct, clarify, distinguish or separate. The Pharisees were interested in clarifying what the word of God meant so they could understand and follow it better. Josephus said of the Pharisees “The Pharisees are those who are esteemed most skillful in the exact explication of their laws,” (Josephus Wars 2.8.14; Antiquities 18.1.3)

There were many classes of Pharisees. Some of the Pharisees were ultra orthodox (Luke 11:38). Some were more moderate. During one period there were opposing pairs of Pharisees (zugot) who discussed everything (see chart on page 70 of book Spring: Connecting with God). An example of this are the famous arguments between Hillel and Shammai.

Nicodemus was a commendable Pharisee. Nicodemus appears three times in the Gospel of John. In chapter 3 he visits Jesus one night to discuss his teachings. In John 7:45-51 Nicodemus is mentioned when he states the law concerning the arrest of Jesus during the Feast of Passover. Nicodemus also assists Joseph of Arimathea in preparing the body of Jesus for burial. (John 19:39–42)

Nicodemus was a Pharisee who came to Jesus seeking truth at night. Many speculate why at night. Was he trying to hide? Or this could be a symbol Nicodemus was coming out of the evil world, and into the light of Jesus (John 9:4; 11:10; 13:30; 21:3). Or maybe he worked, and he was on his way home or came when Jesus was available.

Nicodemus was impressed by the works of Jesus. Jesus had changed water into wine (his first sign), and performed many other signs. Josephus says of Jesus: "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ." (Antiquities 18.3.3)

Jesus shared a truth with Nicodemus: “You must be born again.” This is a truth that Nicodemus should have seen. Abram was born again (his name was changed to Abraham). Isaac was born again (on Mount Moriah). Jacob was born again (his name was changed to Israel). Moses was born again at the burning bush. Ezekiel talked of the new birth (18:31; 36:24-32; see also Jeremiah 31:31-34)

Nicodemus wanted to know how a man could be born again. Could he enter again into his mother’s womb? (This would be as impossible as the nation of Israel going back to Egypt to dwell in the flesh). Jesus said, no, one must be born of the Spirit (wind), meaning we must be born of God. We don’t know how this birth comes about because it is not physical, it is by faith.

Jesus taught Nicodemus a lesson from Exodus 4:1-6. God told Moses to throw down his shepherd’s crook. It became a snake. God said, “Pick it up.” Moses thought “snakes bite!” And then because of faith … he picked it up. He trusted God.

If Nicodemus was to become God’s man, he must have faith he must lift up the name of Jesus, he must believe God’s one and only Son. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” (John 3:18)

Jesus said, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” (John 3:19-21)

To be a Pharisee, serious about our faith can be a good thing or a bad thing. We always need to measure: are we over serious or under serious; are we theoreticians (about our faith) or do we believe on the Name of Jesus … and act on our belief. ... See the next blog (also written Sept. 20)