NIKODEMUS: TEPATKAH SEBUTAN BAGINYA “MURID RAHASIA”?

Abstract

A figure in the New Testament who is quite well known among Christians but noted
in only one book that is in the book of John is Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee and a
member of the Sanhedrin, the highest judicial institution for the Jewish people. His
admiration for the teachings of Jesus made him want to meet and talk with Him. But
his status, position and education were very different in contrast to Jesus who had no
formal education. The meeting could undermine his credibility as a respected,
honorable assembly. That is why Nicodemus met Jesus at night after all the residents
entered their homes, after the situation was quiet outside so that no one would see the
meeting. Because of this event, a view and opinion emerged which stated that
Nicodemus was afraid to declare himself to be a disciple of Jesus openly and only
declared himself to be a disciple of Jesus after his death at Golgotha. It seems that
people often ignore Nicodemus' courage when expressing his faith in the Sanhedrin
Assembly's courtroom.