We Are All NicodemusSample

Stage 4: Awakening

Sometime after this late night encounter, we find Nicodemus in the company of his fellow Pharisees and members of the Sanhedrin. Israel’s religious leaders, fearing the threat Jesus posed to their spiritual and political supremacy, send Temple guards to have Him arrested. When the guards return without Jesus, the religious leaders – the Pharisees in particular – are furious! “Why didn’t you bring him in?” they demand. “Have you been led astray, too? Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him? This foolish crowd follows him, but they are ignorant of the law. God’s curse is on them!” (John 7:45-49)

It is at this moment that Nicodemus, likely still digesting all that Jesus told him, asks: “Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?” (John 7:51) The question is accusatory – and rightly so. Nicodemus’ fellow Pharisees are not amused. In fact, they browbeat him for not towing the party line. (John 7:52)

At this point in John’s Gospel, it is difficult to say whether or not Nicodemus had already accepted Jesus as the Messiah. One verbal scuffle with his fellow Pharisees isn’t evidence enough to suggest Nicodemus was ready to “take up his cross and follow” Jesus. (Matthew 16:24) But then, why speak out at all?

It is because Nicodemus was awakening to The Truth: a new reality to which God began opening his eyes the night he sought out Jesus. This awakening enabled Nicodemus to see clearly – perhaps for the first time – the selfish motives of the men he thought he knew, the self-aggrandizing social order which gave them their authority, and the mockery of justice playing out before him. Suddenly aware of the spiritual stakes, what choice did Nicodemus have but to speak out!

If you have arrived at this stage in your faith journey – if you are finally “awake,” the way Nicodemus was in that moment – don’t shrink from it; don’t try to shut your eyes again; embrace it! Awakening to The Truth is one of the most invigorating and edifying steps in our walk with Jesus. It is the stage of spiritual development where we feel most apt – albeit least prepared – to take risks for Christ, much like Nicodemus did that day in the Temple. Such risks can be perilous, yes, perhaps even terrifying – but they are necessary – and they are good. 

Once God opens our eyes to The Truth – like He did for Nicodemus; like He will do for you, too – there is no going back to spiritual sleep.