Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, to sit and talk and learn--and hide. John's Gospel doesn't specify that the meeting took place in the dark to keep his fellow Pharisees from seeing it, but Jesus' words implied as much. Until you're willing to step out of the dark and into the light, you're not with me.

But let's back up.

The passive-aggression of the Pharisees was evolving into just plain aggression. The more Jesus taught and healed, the more He gained a reputation; and His audience was growing. Among the multitudes, there were some who believed Jesus was the long-awaited Savior and rightly so--He was repeatedly saying as much, which was why the Pharisees were no longer hiding their disdain. There were murder plots in the works and outright attempts on Jesus' life, but the religious leaders tried to keep their plans under wraps because they feared the reaction of His followers.

So it makes sense that Nicodemus, a renowned Pharisee with a reputation and career at stake, was scared to be seen with Jesus. Yet the first thing he said in his secret meeting was, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him" (John 3:2). He was on the right track. Jesus came from God and His works were evidence of that. Typically, Pharisees were their own biggest fans; they were proud of their education, accomplishments, piousness, and zeal--and all of the above earned them status and power. That made it difficult for Nicodemus to know how to respond to the man who was clearly from God, and "teacher" was the highest praise he could muster.

But Nicodemus' statement didn't go far enough, and Jesus' response, while gentle, didn't pull any punches. Paraphrased, it went something like this:

Because I am God's Son, whoever believes in me will have eternal life, and those who don't believe in me stand condemned--although my purpose in coming wasn't to condemn; it was to save. But unfortunately, Nicodemus, what you count as worthy of salvation--your resume, your position, your ambition, your good works--I count them as evil because they are the very things keeping you from following me now.

Being unwilling to meet Jesus in the light of day was the picture of Nicodemus' unwillingness to follow, period. At least on that night. He didn't know it yet, but Nicodemus loved the darkness and all he'd built in its domain. It wasn't until after Jesus was crucified that the reticent Pharisee emerged from the shadows.

Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus ... came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. They took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:38-42)

What caused the change? What made Nicodemus willing to publicly express his love for Jesus? Perhaps it was the unjust conviction at the hands of the Pharisees. Perhaps it was the viciousness of the Romans as they carried out the sentence. Perhaps it was the cheering of the crowd, the very ones Jesus taught and fed and healed. Most likely, it was the result of immense guilt--an attempt to make up for his previous cowardice. Whatever his reasons, the fear pride, and disbelief that had kept Nicodemus in the dark no longer did.

"Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesian 5:14).

PRAYER FOCUS

If there's any part of your life where you're either hiding your passion for Christ, or hiding something shameful, ask God to light it.

MOVING FORWARD

• What have you risked to follow Jesus, and what price have you paid?
• In what ways is Christ like light? In what ways are people asleep?
• What in your life and heart are you still keeping in the dark, away from the sifting, transforming light of Jesus?