This whole Nick story comes off as being rather “odd” right from the “get go.” You don’t make “house calls” in the middle of the night! You don’t hide around in the shadows…
It just doesn’t look or sound legit!
We also get it – that Nicodemus comes quite literally in a “state of darkness” in more ways than one.
This is about having friends in “high places”…and Jesus “really, truly could have used” a few more of them.
But this “Nicodemus guy” was a VIP in his own right with a large theological reputation…he was after all – a member of the ruling council.
The name “Nicodemus” is kind of important to remember…because the name actually means “the conqueror of the nations” or “conqueror of the people” or “the people’s victory!”
Based on his name alone, it’s no wonder -– he rose to the ranks of the party of the Pharisees. He could lead, he could command, and he could conquer.
That’s right – he was part of the opposition party – those who were almost always opposed to Jesus…
Nicodemus didn’t trust Jesus. He had heard enough about him and what he was up to – to pay him a little visit – to see if he could find out some MORE about him.
But only after most people were indoors and behind locked doors with their lamps lit…for the night or already in bed!
Was it “a fact-finding-mission” for the Sanhedrin, the council of 70 Jewish elders? Or was he maybe after intel?
Or, was this a more personal visit?
Skepticism is written all over this account…as is misunderstanding…it is to be a rather clandestine conversation…that at times, is a little bit uncomfortable even to read.
Again, odd…just odd…especially for the gospels…
Nicodemus is unable or unwilling to think beyond certain established categories.
The two exchange dialogue back and forth – almost speaking “past each other” rather than “to” each other.
It is a verbal sparring contest – at its worst.
Back and forth they go, clearly without understanding…with coded language and obtuse similes.
Poor Nicodemus remains clueless to what is being said in spite of his great theological education.
The language used is cryptic to the point of obtuseness and then two sparring partners seemingly go into full debate mode…at certain points.
That’s when poor old Nicodemus finally has had enough and cries “Uncle” and admits that he is in way over his head…
Jesus plays with him a little bit longer, saying, “Aren’t you a teacher of Israel?” “How can you NOT understand these things?” “Come on this simple stuff!” This is Religion 101.
Jesus was very simply or not so simply saying – that Nicodemus needed to start his life over again…from scratch…from the beginning. (As in Baptism)
As a “conqueror of the people or of nations” – he might be able to function quite well in the Kingdom of the Pharisees…and in the Kingdom of the Romans and with Jerusalem politicians, but the Kingdom of God…required another kind of life orientation.
To even see the Kingdom of God, Nicodemus would have to start over from the beginning…
Perhaps that is why in the fledgling days of the early church, those who chose to follow Jesus were expected to change their names…
“Christian names” – the ones received in baptism were the mark of this “radical new reorientation” that was required to follow Jesus into the Kingdom of God.
What a contrasting encounter this was!
The Conqueror of the Nations versus the Suffering Servant, the Son of Man…
It was an odd night and an odd day.
Power, prestige and privilege attempted to have conversation with compassion, servant-hood and service. This must be why Nicodemus found it so difficult to understand Jesus on any level.
Jesus was emphasizing the “radical change of heart” the values, the worldview and the orientation that is required of all those who expect to be a part of the Kingdom of God. And poor old Nicodemus simply could not wrap his head around that…
But he does eventually come around…you may remember him being the one – who reminds his colleagues in the Sanhedrin that the law requires that a person be heard “before being judged.”
And then, finally, Nicodemus appears after the Crucifixion of Jesus – in the broad daylight to provide the customary embalming spices, and to assist Joseph of Arimathea in preparing the body of Jesus for burial. After that – it is said he became a Christian and probably changed his name, his heart and his attitudes about life and about living…and he became a kingdom person!