A Bible Preaching Baptist Church in the Waterloo Region

Nicodemus: A Man Who Could Not Deny the Truth

September 15, 2026 · Pastor Jerry A. Burns

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32

Nicodemus was a man with tremendous potential. He was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, and a man who possessed religious knowledge, influence, and respect. He had much to lose by openly identifying himself with Jesus Christ. Yet, something about the Lord captured his attention. He could not ignore what he had seen and heard.

John 3:2 tells us, “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” Nicodemus recognized something that could not easily be explained away. He had witnessed the evidence of Christ’s power, and he understood that Jesus was no ordinary teacher. The miracles pointed to something greater. They pointed to the identity of the One standing before him.

Jesus then revealed to Nicodemus the truth he needed most: “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Nicodemus had religion, position, and knowledge, but he needed a spiritual birth. He needed to place his faith in Jesus Christ. His position could not save him. His religious works could not save him. Only faith in the Son of God could give him eternal life.

As we follow Nicodemus through Scripture, we see evidence that his confidence in Christ grew. In John 7, when the religious leaders wanted to condemn Jesus without hearing Him, Nicodemus spoke up: “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?” (John 7:51). He was willing to challenge the injustice of…