Nicodemus: Visitor by Night

John 3:2
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

     o, Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night.

Why at night? There are a few possible reasons. Emphasis on possible since none are specifically given in the Word of God for Nicodemus’ nocturnal visit. Since this is pure speculation, I would not consider any of these ideas to be the perfect truth. Nevertheless, thinking along these lines do provide an opportunity to mentally explore the potential reasons for the nocturnal visit. Then, perhaps, for a moment, put ourselves in Nicodemus’ shoes.

►Fear◄

Plain and simple. Fear has caused many to stand idly by, doing nothing. When the opportunity to step in and help someone who is being wronged, fear has kept many feet rooted and grounded, and mouths taped shut.  Fear has also caused many to do things under the cover of darkness, they would never do in the everyone-can-see-you-daylight.

Perhaps, in Nicodemus’ case, the fright stems from the fact that he sees in Jesus one who is truly beyond any man who’d come before. Nicodemus pretty much says so, in verse two: for one, he calls him, Rabbi, and secondly, he exclaims “…thou art a teacher come from God…” Thirdly, Nicodemus just says it aloud: “…no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” This fountain of thought would put Nicodemus in direct opposition to most of his Pharisee colleagues. In his thinking towards Jesus, Nicodemus would realize the necessity of coming to Him without the distractions of other Pharisees trying to railroad Jesus’ ministry into oblivion.

►Busy Life◄

Another conjecture for the nighttime visit could be for convenience. As both Pharisee and Ruler, Nicodemus would have a very busy day. Nighttime may have been the only time Nicodemus could meet with the Lord. Secondly, it may have been the only time he could give Jesus his entire, undivided attention. [Kevin’s Komment: whether this is a true reason for his nocturnal visit or not, it does apply to us: meet with the Lord when we can give Him all of our attention. If no time is suitable, then schedule it in! {Secondary-Kevin’s Komment: yeah, I need to swallow my own medicine on that note }]

►Expedience◄

Perhaps,knowing that Jesus’ days were filled to the brim, along with all that Nicodemus had seen Him do and heard Him say, he decided to get to the Lord as soon as feasible. Why? Jesus travelled…much. Therefore, it may have crossed Nicodemus’ mind, or perhaps was prompted by the Lord’s invisible Presence, burning and speaking within his heart, that if he was going to talk to Jesus, it had better be tonight.

posted by kevro2000 @ 7:29 PM