Where Are You, God? 30 First Encounters With Godਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 14: Nicodemus - Secretly Seeking

Have you ever had questions about faith that you were afraid to ask publicly? Nicodemus understood that feeling. As a respected Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, he had a reputation to maintain—but he also had questions that wouldn't go away.

He came to Jesus at night. The darkness wasn't just about avoiding crowds; it represented Nicodemus's spiritual condition. Here was a man who knew the Scriptures inside and out. Others looked to Nicodemus for the answers, yet something about Jesus intrigued him enough to risk his reputation for a private conversation.

The Respectful Approach

"Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him" (John 3:2). Nicodemus came with genuine respect, acknowledging what he'd observed about Jesus. But Jesus cut straight to the heart of his real need.

The Shocking Declaration

"Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (John 3:3). Jesus didn't engage in theological small talk. He confronted this religious leader with the radical truth: the Pharisee's knowledge, position, and good works weren't enough. He needed spiritual rebirth.

Nicodemus was baffled. "How can someone be born when they are old?" (John 3:4). Jesus patiently explained that this birth wasn't physical but spiritual—a work of God's Spirit that transforms hearts from the inside out.

From Darkness to Light

The conversation that began in darkness contained some of Jesus' most famous words: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Light was breaking into Nicodemus's darkness.

Gradual Transformation

Nicodemus's journey wasn't immediate. Later, we see him cautiously defending Jesus before the Pharisees: "Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him?" (John 7:51). Finally, after Jesus' crucifixion, Nicodemus emerged from the shadows, bringing expensive spices to help bury Jesus' body—a public declaration of his faith (John 19:39-40).

The Private Path

Not everyone comes to faith dramatically. Some, like Nicodemus, need time to process, question, and gradually move from darkness to light. Jesus was patient with this secretive seeker, meeting him where he was and gently leading him toward truth.

Your Questions Welcome

Jesus still welcomes honest seekers, even those who come with doubts and questions. Whether you approach Him publicly or privately, in confidence or confusion, He meets you with patience and truth.

The same Jesus who patiently responded to Nicodemus is ready to meet you in your questions today.