It always surprises me whenever I re-read John just how different this Gospel is from the Synoptics, and just how many of our most remembered stories about Jesus' ministry are found in John alone. Nicodemus' visit to Jesus is one of those stories.
One of the things that stands out for me in this story is that we must beware of making sweeping generalizations about the various groups we encounter in the Gospels. Here is a Pharisee who recognizes who and what Jesus is and comes talk with, and perhaps learn more, from him. I always thought that Nicodemus came at night because he didn't want to be seen by the other Pharisees, or be seen AS a Pharisee, paying a visit to Jesus. Burridge, however, points out that rabbis often studied at night because it was a quiet time. I think both elements are present, but I also see that Nicodemus will be following a path many of us do when it comes to our faith and belief in Jesus--from quiet and/or pretty much hidden, to open and vocal support.
Nicodemus is also like many of us in his initial attempt to understand what Jesus is saying literally rather than spiritually.
Burridge spends some time in this chapter talking about "Water and the Spirit" here and throughout John. One particular thought that jumped out at me:
The paradox of this gospel is that although John's theology is extremely sacramental in the way ordinary things like water, bread and wine are used to convey great spiritual truths and meanings, he never actually describes the sacraments of baptism and communion, or indeed any others.
Peace,
Jeffri
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