This account is found in John 3:1-21. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a teacher of the law. He also was a wealthy man who would have had social status and influence in the Jewish community. Faithful Jews embraced the Abrahamic promise, “In thee and thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 28:14). They were eagerly looking for the Messiah to establish his earthly kingdom in Israel, overthrowing Roman rule. Even the apostles at Jesus’ ascension into heaven asked in Acts 1:6, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Thus, Nicodemus wished to learn more about how Jesus was going to establish the kingdom of God. 

The Jews knew that in their day the 70 weeks prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 was being fulfilled. This prophecy predicted the time of the first advent of our Lord. Therefore, they were actively looking for someone who might declare himself as the promised Messiah. “Now the people were waiting expectantly, and all of them were questioning in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah,” Luke 3:15 (CSB).

Nicodemus was hoping Jesus was this Messiah. But he wondered how Jesus would establish his rule. Therefore, before he might give Jesus his public support, he asked Jesus how to enter God’s kingdom (John 3:5). It would have taken great courage to openly recognize Jesus as the Messiah, since many of the Pharisees opposed him to the point of wanting him dead. So, he privately talked with Jesus at night when others would not know of this conversation. 

Later, Nicodemus did publicly recognize Jesus as Messiah. According to John 19:38-42, Joseph and Nicodemus anointed Jesus’ body with myrrh and aloes and wrapped it in a linen shroud. Jesus’ body was then placed in a new rock-hewn tomb, which may have been one that Joseph had recently obtained for his family’s use, and a stone was rolled against the door. 

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1312: “How Do We Know Jesus Is the Promised Messiah? (Part I)”
Jewish skepticism and key Old Testament identifiers of the Messiah
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated Video:  How do we know Jesus was the Messiah?