The Night Visitor: Nicodemus and the Weight of Faith
"And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight." - John 19:39
In John 19:39, we encounter a profound moment in the life of Nicodemus: "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight." This brief but impactful verse encapsulates a journey that began in darkness and culminates in a significant act of honor and reverence.
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, first approached Jesus under the cover of night, illustrating the potential complexity and fear that often accompanies the quest for truth. His nighttime visit reflects the spiritual struggle many face when confronted with divine truth. The cover of darkness symbolizes not just the time of day, but a state of bewilderment and caution. Nicodemus was caught between the societal expectations of his peers and the transformative teachings of Jesus.
In his conversation with Jesus, recorded in John 3, Nicodemus expresses his longing to understand the new birth that Jesus talks about. Jesus presents him with concepts that are foreign to his understanding, yet they stir a profound curiosity within him. Nicodemus represents all of us who have experienced moments of uncertainty, yet we are still drawn to the light of Christ.
Fast forward to the crucifixion, and we find Nicodemus again. This time, he is coming forth openly. The night has dissipated, and daylight reveals his intentions. He brings with him a hefty mixture of myrrh and aloes, about one hundred pounds in weight. This is significant for a multitude of reasons.
First, the choice of myrrh and aloes is rich in symbolism. Myrrh, a resin used for perfume and incense, carries a connotation of death and is often associated with burial practices, as seen in the anointing of Jesus post-crucifixion. Similarly, aloes, noted for their soothing and healing properties, were used in the preservation and embalming of the dead. Thus, Nicodemus’s offering symbolizes both acknowledgment of Jesus’s death and a profound reverence for His life and ministry. It reflects the understanding that Jesus was not merely a prophet, but the Messiah, worthy of honor even in death.
Nicodemus’s expensive gift can also be seen as a testimony to his faith journey. Having initially approached Jesus in secret, Nicodemus now publicly declares his allegiance to Jesus through this act of devotion. His weighty offering signifies an outpouring of his faith, a surrender of his earlier hesitations. Nicodemus moves from the shadows of doubt into the open light of belief, and this transition speaks volumes to us today. It urges us to examine our own faith journeys. Are we holding back due to fear of societal judgment? Are we clinging to our old understandings when Christ calls us to something new?
Moreover, Nicodemus’s story invites us to consider what we are willing to carry for Christ. Are we ready to bear the weight of our faith? Just as Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes, we too have burdens to offer—our struggles, our praise, and even our resources. Jesus has invited us into a relationship where our sacrifices, though sometimes heavyweight, contribute to His glory.
Finally, this verse beckons us to reflect on the significance of standing for what we believe, especially in a climate that often mocks or undermines the teachings of Christ. Nicodemus was a leader among men, but he chose to follow Jesus. Like him, we are called to take a stand for our faith, regardless of what it may cost us socially or personally.
May we, like Nicodemus, traverse the path from doubt to faith, revealing the weight of our devotion in our actions and offerings. Let us learn to honor not only who Jesus was, but who He is in our lives today—as our Savior and our King.
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John 19:39 Artwork
John 19:39 - "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight."
John 19:39-40 - "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury."
"And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight." - John 19:39
John 19:39-42 - "And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby."
"And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury." - John 19:39-40
"And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby." - John 19:39-42
John 7:37-39
John 7:37-39
John 12:39 - "Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,"
John 10:39 - "Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,"
Joshua 19:39 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages."
John 5:39 - "¶ Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."
Job 39:19 - "Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?"
Job 39:19-25 – "Do you give the horse its strength or clothe its neck with a flowing mane?"
Acts 19:39 - "But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly."
Luke 19:39 - "And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples."
"Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again," - John 12:39
John 4:39 - "¶ And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did."
Job 39:19 KJV (19) Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?
Exodus 39:19 - "And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the ephod inward."
John 1:39 - "He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour."
John 9:39 - "¶ And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind."
John 7:39 - "(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"
John 19:38
John 19:1
John 19:19 - "¶ And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS."
John 17.6-19
John 18:39 - "But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?"
John 8:39 - "They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham."
John 19:1-3