The context of this verse is important.
Nicodemus is a leader of the Temple. He is a Pharisee. He comes to Jesus at night - a significant notation. No doubt, Nicodemus didn't want the other Pharisees to see him making this visit. Later in the Gospel, the Pharisees will figure heavily into Jesus' condemnation and death.
Jesus does his best to help Nicodemus understand. And the full story assures us that he does. When Jesus has died, it is Nicodemus who goes to claim the body of Jesus.
But this first encounter is at night; under the cover of darkness.
Near the end of the visit, Jesus speaks of himself as "the light" that has "come into the world." But many prefer the darkness and will not come to the light, "because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God."
This is my simple test of Christian ethics. Am I willing for others to see? Or do I hide my actions? Will I share my thoughts? Or do I conceal them?
Nicodemus used the cover of darkness in his first encounter with Jesus. When Jesus spoke to him, he realized the need to come out from the darkness and live in the light.
May our encounter with Jesus and with his Word allow us to live in the light - leaving behind the shadows.
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