No Longer Hidden

There is, perhaps, no part of the gospel story remembered by so many as the third chapter of John.  It is, of course, John 3:16 which is remembered, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life."  What is often forgotten, or overlooked is that this memorable verse comes as a part of the conversation Jesus had one night with Nicodemus.  At first glance it seems like a strange ending for such an important conversation, but what is often viewed as more perplexing is the response of Nicodemus to what Jesus had to say to him.    

If the Nicodemus narrative ended with the third chapter of John, we would forever be uncertain about the Pharisee's response to Jesus.  We would wonder if the words of Jesus took such root in him that he became a follower.  It is only much later toward the end of John's gospel that the question is answered.  John 19:39 says, "Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came...They (Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea) took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths..."  The would-be-disciple of the third chapter is revealed as the out-in-the-open-disciple of the 19th chapter.  The magnitude of the change can be seen as he appears in a public arena where his reputation and life is threatened by the visible action he took.   

The one who seems to have disappeared so early in the story steps forward boldly at the end of the story as one whose life has been forever changed by Jesus.  Looking back over my life is to see someone who walked so cautiously in the beginning, someone who was afraid to take a stand when a stand needed to be taken, and one who often tried to disappear midst the pressures of culture.  Such is my confession.  Perhaps, it belongs to others as well.  The good news is that grace is persistent and forgiving and loving giving me time to finally stand with Nicodemus as one whose faith could no longer be hidden.