Nicodemus the Righteous, “A secret disciple of Christ”
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews during the Apostasy era, who learned Lord Jesus Christ sermons. This man was a teacher himself but knew that our Lord’s Holy words were the only powerful and true. He use to go Him in the night hour to hear His words seeking to avoid others spotting speaking to Him. He also craved to escape the world of darkness since he saw the light of salvation and life in Christ. Our kind and caring Lord Jesus did not reject but received him with Heavenly instructions. He talked to Nicodemus in a way that encouraged Him to ask questions.
Nicodemus then asked Lord Jesus, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Lord Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”(John 3:2-5)
Lord Jesus explained to Nicodemus the precondition of salvation in the kingdom of God which exists only if he believed that he was God’s own Son, that he was equal with God the Father, and that the power to become children of God by rebirth is available only through the mystery of Baptism, which is one of the seven sacraments of the Church. (John 3: 2-13, 5: 17-18)
Nicodemus desired to become a child of God and was baptized. He had love for God and desired the grace of Baptism. Lord Jesus Christ explained to him about the regeneration of man through Holy water. But at that time, Nicodemus did not understand the mystery of Baptism to mean how a man could be born again. When the Lord reprimanded him for his ignorance and accepted it with humility, He believed in the Words of Jesus who descended from above. (John 3:1-21)
Nicodemus never again came to Lord Jesus in the dark due to his shamelessness but loved Him. He came back to Lord Jesus Christ from time to time, defended Him to the Pharisees and even became His follower proudly! He was also the one who brought spices to anoint His body during His crucifixion. (John 7:50-52, 19:39)
The seventh Sunday in the Great Fast is named after Saint Nicodimus directing to the new birth given by water and the Holy Spirit. After being cast out the synagogue for his faith in Lord Jesus Christ, Saint Nicodemus went to live with Saint Gamalile at his country house until his death.
May God cleanse our Soul with His Holy water, Amen!
Source: Coptic Orthodox Church, Russian Orthodox Church and Eritrean Orthodox Church