Ten Minute Bible Talks Devotional Bible Study
Ten Minute Bible Talks Devotional Bible Study

What Happened to Nicodemus? | The Gospels | John 19:38-42

August 27, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

What Happened to Nicodemus?

Nicodemus appears only in the Gospel of John, and each appearance is brief and ambiguous. He is introduced in John 3 as a respected Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. He comes to Jesus at night—secretly, because he is afraid. Jesus tells him he must be born again of the Spirit and speaks the famous words: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in him might have eternal life." But the story ends without resolution. We never learn whether Nicodemus believed or walked away.

Three Encounters, No Clear Answer

Nicodemus reappears in John 7. The Pharisees are discussing whether to condemn Jesus, and Nicodemus speaks up: they have no charge to bring against him. The other Pharisees mock him for his apparent sympathy. Again, the scene ends without telling us what Nicodemus does next. Does he go silent? Does he let them proceed? We do not know.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:05) **Introduction: Nicodemus's Story in John** - Host Patrick Miller introduces Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Sanhedrin member, and sets up the episode's focus on his character arc across the Gospel of John.
  • 2 (01:06) **Second Encounter: John 7 - Nicodemus Defends Jesus** - Nicodemus appears again when other Pharisees want to condemn Jesus, but he speaks up to say they have no charge to bring against him.
  • 3 (01:39) **Third Encounter: Jesus's Trial - Nicodemus's Silence** - During Jesus's trial before the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus is present but remains silent as false witnesses condemn Jesus.
  • 4 (02:13) **Final Encounter: John 19:38-42 - The Burial** - After Jesus's crucifixion, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea give Jesus an extravagant burial with 75 pounds of myrrh and aloe in a garden tomb.
  • 5 (03:51) **The Key Inference: Nicodemus Became a Follower** - Because John knew Nicodemus's story and Nicodemus shared it, the logical conclusion is that after the resurrection, Nicodemus became a public follower of Jesus.
  • 6 (04:10) **Application: The Danger of Being a "Jesus Admirer"** - Many modern listeners resemble Nicodemus: curious about Jesus but unwilling to risk reputation or status to follow him openly.
  • 7 (05:33) **Hope: It's Never Too Late** - Nicodemus's eventual change demonstrates that no matter how long someone has kept Jesus at a distance, it is never too late to become a follower.

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Show Notes

Have you ever kept your faith a little too private? What happens when following Jesus threatens your reputation or comfort? And is it ever too late to step into the light? In today’s episode, Patrick explores John 19:38–42 and considers what Nicodemus’s story can teach us about moving from admirer to follower.


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Passage: John 19:38-42

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