Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Nicodemus is Baptized!


print Print  |  send Send to a friend  |  bookmark Bookmark  |   |   |  back Back

Who is Nicodemus? Nicodemus was a very important man. He was a ruler of the Jews. Nicodemus was also a Pharisee. He came to Jesus during the night when it was dark to talk to Him. He probably wanted to avoid others seeing him speaking to our Lord.

Nicodemus told Jesus, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him" (John 3:2). "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 3:3). Our kind and caring Lord Jesus talked to Nicodemus in a way that encouraged Nicodemus to ask questions.

"Nicodemus said to Him, 'How can a man be born when he is old?'" (John 3:4). "Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God'" (John 3:5). This meant that God is above and therefore to enter His Kingdom we must all be born from above.

This "one is born again" is describing our Coptic baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism is very important in our Coptic Church and was discussed by our Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism unites us with the Holy Spirit. We become children of God through the Sacrament of Baptism.

Nicodemus desired to become a child of God and was baptized. Nicodemus loved God, and wanted the grace of Baptism. Nicodemus believed in the Words of Jesus was born from above and became a child of God.

Nicodemus would never again come to Jesus in the dark of night because he was ashamed but would love Jesus and become His follower proudly!

Questions:

  1. Explain why Nicodemus was an important man.
  2. When did Nicodemus approach the Lord Jesus Christ? Why?
  3. Do you believe the Lord Jesus loved Nicodemus?
  4. Did our Lord Jesus answer Nicodemus questions?
  5. What significant event happened as a result of the Lord Jesus teachings to Nicodemus?
  6. Has every one in your family been baptized?

print Print  |  send Send to a friend  |  bookmark Bookmark  |   |   |  back Back