Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night. (John 3:1–2)
Expanded Passage: John 3:1-2
If one wants to learn the value of coins, the amount of silver or gold in them, the best place to take them is to a coin expert. A person schooled in that trade. He has a sincere interest in his work. His clients soon learn they can trust his expertise concerning the value of coins.
Nicodemus was a man such as this, an expert with impeccable credentials. He wore a robe and mantle of respect. The people looked upon Nicodemus as an important man. Because of his status, they believed he could be trusted. After all, he taught them the Scriptures. He was a member of the well-known religious group called Pharisees. His membership in the Sanhedrin, the high court of justice in Jerusalem, brought him honor and prestige. In order to protect his position, Nicodemus came to Jesus at night under the cloak of darkness. Nicodemus may have thought, “Who is this man? What can I learn from him?” Jesus immediately saw a genuineness in Nicodemus. In truth, he was seeking something lacking in his life.
Many today are seeking something more. Emptiness and discouragement seem to be a way of life. Nicodemus has shown us that the One who knows our heart can help. He can take the sadness and emptiness and fill those places with his love.
Seek the knowledge of the expert of your heart.
Lora Goff-Pitts has taught Bible classes for forty years at her local Wesleyan church. She is a mother, grandmother, author, and retired teacher. She and her husband, Rex, reside in Noblesville, IN.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
