Nicodemus The Christian Pharisee

The symbol commonly associated with medicine is of a snake wrapped around a pole. Many are ignorant that the symbol originally came from the Bible, wherein God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent on a pole so that all the Israelites who had been bitten by poisonous serpents could look upon it and be healed (Numbers 21:8, 9).

Nicodemus was a Pharisee, proud, rich, respected. As such, he believed that he had already been granted eternal life. In essence, he did not need a Savior. But Nicodemus had also seen Jesus, heard His teachings, witnessed His miracles. Something stirred within his heart to know more.

He met with Jesus in the dead of night so that no one else would know (John 3:1, 2). In that one meeting, Jesus revealed to Nicodemus the plan of salvation and in particular the true meaning of the bronze serpent. It was not the statue—it was Jesus Christ who healed. He was the Great Physician who gave victory over sin and the gift of eternal life.

A deep struggle surged within Nicodemus. Did he need a Savior? And was that Savior this Man called Jesus? Nicodemus left with that conversation buried deep within his heart, like a seed sown in the earth.

He did not immediately claim Jesus as the Messiah, but he set himself apart from the rest of the Pharisees, defending Jesus against their bigotry (John 7:45–50). That seed in his heart continued to grow until over three years later, when Jesus Christ was nailed to a cross.

As the Son of Man hung there, like a serpent on a pole, Nicodemus remembered His words from that night long ago: “[E]ven so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:14, 15). Realization dawned. In that darkest hour, Nicodemus believed. Jesus Christ had come into the world to die for his— for our—sins.

After the Savior’s death, there was no more hiding or fear or shame. When Jesus’ most faithful disciples had forsaken Him, it was Nicodemus who helped to bury Him (John 19:39–42). That little seed had finally become a fruitful tree of his burgeoning faith.

Reflect: How long has the Holy Spirit been working on your heart? Even if it has been years, you can still accept Jesus’ gift of eternal life now. Choose to serve Him and watch what He will do in your life.

Key Bible Texts

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)