Show Notes — TBU Hidden Heroes (Week 3)
Series: Hidden Heroes (Week 3)Podcast: The Bible Unplugged (TBU)Episode: 72Host: Brent EatonBible Translation: World English Bible (WEB)
Listen / Follow
* Spotify: https://bit.ly/4gULxkr
* iHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/4lZg6Iz
* Show notes + more: PowerLoveandMiracles.com
Introduction
Nicodemus didn’t begin as a bold disciple. He began as a careful man with honest questions—drawn to Jesus, but aware that belief could cost him everything. In the Gospel of John, Nicodemus appears three times, and those moments trace a powerful spiritual arc: curiosity → caution → courage → costly devotion.
This episode explores how God meets people in seasons of uncertainty, and how faith often grows quietly—sometimes in the dark—before it becomes visible.
Who Was Nicodemus?
John tells us Nicodemus was:
* A Pharisee
* A ruler of the Jews (likely connected to the Sanhedrin)
* A prominent teacher—Jesus calls him “the teacher of Israel” (John 3:10)
Nicodemus was educated, respected, and cautious—yet unsettled enough to seek Jesus privately.
Nicodemus’ Three Appearances in John
1) John 3 — The Night Conversation
Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night (John 3:1–2). In John’s gospel, “night” often signals more than time—it points to fear, secrecy, confusion, and searching. Nicodemus approaches Jesus respectfully, but cautiously, and asks questions that reveal both belief and uncertainty.
Jesus challenges Nicodemus with the need to be “born anew / born from above” (John 3:3) and describes the Spirit’s work as mysterious and uncontrollable—like the wind.
2) John 7 — A Quiet Stand for Justice
As opposition against Jesus intensifies, Nicodemus speaks up with a measured but meaningful challenge:“Does our law judge a man, unless it first hears from him…?” (John 7:51)
This isn’t a public confession of faith—but it is a crack in the wall of silence. Nicodemus begins stepping out of the shadows.
3) John 19 — Costly Honor After the Crucifixion
After Jesus dies, Nicodemus appears again—this time with Joseph of Arimathea—bringing a large amount of burial spices (John 19:39). The man who once came by night now participates in a public act of devotion and honor when everything looks lost.
Key Themes
God honors honest questions
Nicodemus is not mocked for asking “How can these things be?” Jesus meets him within the struggle instead of condemning him for it.
Faith grows in stages
Nicodemus doesn’t flip a switch. His faith matures through time, tension, and risk.
The night is not wasted
Nicodemus comes in the dark, and Jesus still receives him. Seasons of confusion or fear are not proof that God is absent—often they are where faith begins.
Courage can emerge late—and still matter
Nicodemus honors Jesus after the crucifixion, proving that “late” devotion can still be deep devotion.
Takeaways From the Story
* You don’t need perfect faith to begin—questions can be a doorway to deeper belief.
* Small steps matter—quiet courage is still courage.
* Love shows up when it counts—honor is a form of devotion.
Challenge for the Week
Bring one honest question to Jesus without pretending you already know the answer.
Pray it slowly. Write it down. Sit with it. Listen—not for a dramatic sign, but for the quiet movement of God’s Spirit.
Breath Prayer:“When darkness feels heavy…… give me Your light.”
Scripture References (WEB)
* John 3:1–21 — Nicodemus comes by night; “born anew / born from above”
* John 7:45–52 — Nicodemus challenges injustice and urges due process
* John 19:39–42 — Nicodemus joins Joseph in honoring Jesus’ burial
Next Week (Week 4 Preview)
Next episode: Mary Magdalene — the woman who didn’t recognize Jesus until He spoke her name.
