A Nighttime Look at Jesus

Jesus’ display of passion in the temple during the Passover must have raised eyebrows, but it also launched him into public popularity. Scripture says,

“When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, for they also had been there” (John 4:45).

But before this moment, Jesus had a nighttime conversation with a religious man named Nicodemus. Concerned about his reputation, Nicodemus came under the cover of darkness, unwilling to be seen with Jesus. Take a look at what happens next.

Questions from your reading

• What does this passage reveal about Nicodemus?
• What can we learn about Jesus from this story?
• What insights does this passage offer about the kingdom of God?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

All through his ministry, Jesus called people to “Come and see.” This same invitation still applies today to those who haven’t yet discovered that Jesus is the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. Some people turned away, while others came at different times and places with sincere curiosity. In this nighttime encounter, Nicodemus is challenged to lift his gaze beyond himself and see that the world isn’t one-dimensional. When people come to Jesus, he always reveals himself as the way to heaven—just as he does here.

Some have suggested that John may have been related to Nicodemus, possibly a nephew. Interestingly, Nicodemus appears only in the Gospel of John. Perhaps that family connection gave John access to the inner court the night of Jesus’ betrayal.

More importantly, this encounter shows the Master at work—teaching how to share truth with a religious unbeliever. Jesus gently guides Nicodemus from the seemingly impossible concept of being born again to the hope-filled reality of living in the light through faith. Nicodemus is struggling. He sees only what’s physical and finds the idea of spiritual rebirth impossible. But Jesus challenges him to open the eyes of faith.

Faith is the sixth root. Just like the wind—it can’t be seen, but its effects are undeniable. Jesus uses this image to help Nicodemus grasp that being born of the Spirit is real, even if it isn’t visible. What isn’t possible with human effort is possible with God. Because of his love, Jesus was sent into the world to be lifted up—to die, so that new life in him would be possible.

To drive the point home, Jesus draws on a familiar story from Moses in Numbers 21:4–9. In that account, the people rebelled and were bitten by venomous snakes. God told Moses to raise a bronze serpent on a pole, and anyone who looked at it in obedience was healed. Nicodemus needed to do the same—look beyond himself and believe in the One sent from God. The image foreshadows the cross. Jesus would be lifted up to die for sin, removing the serpent’s bite, breaking Satan’s grip, and bringing healing. While it looked like Satan had won, the cross was actually his defeat (1 Corinthians 15:55–57).

What happened to Nicodemus? Keep reading—he’ll reappear later in the story.

Applying what you’ve read

Is there someone in your life who hasn't yet seen beyond the physical to the One who offers true life? Spend time praying for that friend today—and then look for a chance to share who Jesus is.

Tell them it’s possible to be born again and begin a genuine, life-changing relationship with God through Jesus. Encourage them to lift their eyes from themselves and this world, and look to Jesus—the author and perfecter of faith.