Saint Nicodemus

Saint Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. He was part of the Sanhedrin, the group that governed religious life among the Jewish people. His name, Nicodemus, comes from the Greek language and means “victory of the people.” That name appears only in the Gospel of John, but it tells us a lot about a man who wanted to understand more.

He first came to Jesus by night. This small detail has always stood out. Many believe he came at night because he was afraid to be seen. He had a lot to lose—his place, his reputation, and his safety. But something in Jesus made him curious. He came quietly, but he came with a real question.

That visit changed everything. Nicodemus listened to Jesus. He did not understand all that was said, but he did not walk away. He kept thinking. Over time, his faith grew stronger.

Even though he was only mentioned three times in the Gospel of John, each time shows growth. He moved from questions to defense, and finally to action. He started in secret, but ended in public.

Nicodemus is remembered as a man who searched, listened, and changed. That is why the Church honors him as a saint. His feast day is August 31 in the Roman Martyrology.

In John chapter 3, Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night. He starts by calling Jesus “Rabbi,” a sign of respect. He says that no one could do the signs Jesus was doing unless God was with him.

Jesus responds with a strange phrase. He says that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Nicodemus is confused. He asks how an old man can be born again.

Jesus explains that He is talking about a spiritual birth—being born of water and the Spirit. He talks about the wind and how it blows where it wills. These words are full of mystery. Nicodemus listens, but he does not yet fully understand.

Then Jesus says something very important. He says that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Nicodemus does not argue. He does not walk away. He listens. That is the beginning of faith—being willing to listen, even when the words are hard.

Later, in John chapter 7, Nicodemus appears again. The leaders are angry at Jesus. They are planning to arrest Him. Many are full of fear or hate.

Nicodemus speaks up. He asks, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing?” He does not say he believes in Jesus. But he asks for fairness.

This moment takes courage. The others mock him. They ask if he is from Galilee too, trying to make him look foolish. But Nicodemus does not fight back. He just asks a fair question.

This shows that his heart is changing. He is no longer just asking questions in private. He is now willing to speak in front of others, even if it means being laughed at.

Sometimes faith starts this way. It begins with questions. Then it grows into small acts of courage. Nicodemus was not yet ready to stand fully with Jesus, but he was moving in that direction.

After Jesus died, most of His followers were gone. The apostles had run away. The crowd had turned cruel. Only a few stood near the cross.

But Nicodemus came forward. He brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes—about seventy-five pounds. This was a large and costly gift. He joined Joseph of Arimathea, who had asked for the body of Jesus.

Together, they wrapped Jesus’ body in linen cloths with spices. This was the way Jews prepared a body for burial. They worked with care. They laid Him in a new tomb in a nearby garden.

This act of love was public. Nicodemus was no longer hiding. He was showing respect for Jesus when others would not.

It is likely that this act cost him something. He may have lost respect or faced anger from others in the council. But he gave what he had and stood by Jesus in death.

Nicodemus changed. He started in the dark, asking quiet questions. He ended in the light, serving Jesus in a public way. His faith grew over time.

This shows that God works with people in steps. Not everyone follows right away. Some need time. Nicodemus shows us that small steps matter. Each one brings us closer.

He also shows that it is never too late to act. Jesus had already died when Nicodemus stepped forward. Still, his action mattered. He gave honor where others gave shame.

Nicodemus did not speak much. He is remembered more for what he did than what he said. His silence in the end was filled with meaning.

We do not hear about him again after the burial. But his story remains, showing a quiet journey of faith that led to action and courage.

The Church honors Nicodemus as a saint. His feast day is August 31 in the Roman Martyrology. He is remembered for standing by Jesus after the Crucifixion, when many others were afraid.

He is a patron for those who come to faith slowly. He gives hope to people who are unsure or afraid to speak. He shows that faith does not have to start loud. It can grow quietly and still be strong.

He is also honored by those who serve the sick, the dying, and the dead. His care for Jesus’ body has made him a symbol of respect, mercy, and love.

Some traditions say he later joined the early Church. Others believe he was baptized by the apostles. These stories are not found in the Bible, but they show how much the early Christians loved and respected his name.

Saint Nicodemus reminds us that listening, asking, and waiting are also part of faith. What matters most is where the journey leads. His journey led him to the cross—and to courage.

He was a Pharisee, which means he was part of the strict religious crowd. Rules, scrolls, sandals.

He was also a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. That means he had some serious power.

But unlike the others, he was curious about Jesus. So he went to visit Him… at night.

Yes, Nicodemus was the original nighttime disciple. Some call him “Nick at Nite.”

He asked Jesus, “How can someone be born again?” Jesus gave him a deep answer. Nicodemus probably went home scratching his head.

That talk gave us the famous line: “God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). All because Nicodemus asked.

He didn’t become a full-on follower right away. He was a slow cooker, not a microwave.

Later, during a council meeting, the others wanted to arrest Jesus. Nicodemus spoke up. “Shouldn’t we hear Him out first?”

It wasn’t a loud speech, but it was risky. The others didn’t like it. But he planted a seed.

After Jesus died, Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Him. Surprise final act.

He brought 75 pounds of spices to wrap Jesus’ body. That’s a LOT of myrrh. Like, suitcase-sized.

He didn’t care what people thought anymore. He went from night visits to full daylight faith.

That move probably got him kicked out of the Sanhedrin. He didn’t seem to mind.

Early Christians loved him for his courage. Even if it took him a while to get there.

Some legends say he was baptized by Peter and John and became a full Christian.

Other stories say he was later martyred by the same leaders he once worked with. Quiet start, bold ending.

He’s the patron saint of seekers, question-askers, and people who believe slowly.

His symbols include a torch (for his nighttime visit), a scroll, or a jar of spices.

He reminds us that asking questions is good—and that it’s never too late to step up.