<P> As is the case with Lazarus, Nicodemus does not belong to the tradition of the Synoptic Gospels and is only mentioned by John, who devotes more than half of Chapter 3 of his gospel, a few verses of Chapter 7 and lastly mentions him in Chapter 19 . </P> <P> The first time Nicodemus is mentioned, he is identified as a Pharisee who comes to see Jesus "at night". John places this meeting shortly after the Cleansing of the Temple and links it to the signs which Jesus performed in Jerusalem during the Passover feast . "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God . For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him" (John 3: 2). </P> <P> Then follows a conversation with Nicodemus about the meaning of being "born again" or "born from above" (Greek: ἄνωθεν), and mention of seeing the "kingdom of God". Nicodemus explores the notion of being literally born again from one's mother's womb, but most theologians recognise that Nicodemus knew Jesus was not speaking of literal rebirth . Theologian Charles Ellicott wrote that "after the method of Rabbinic dialogue, (Nicodemus) presses the impossible meaning of the words in order to exclude it, and to draw forth the true meaning .' You cannot mean that a man is to enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born . What is it, then, that you do mean?"' </P> <P> Jesus expresses surprise, perhaps ironically, that "a teacher of Israel" does not understand the concept of spiritual rebirth . James F. Driscoll describes Nicodemus as a learned and intelligent believer, but somewhat timid and not easily initiated into the mysteries of the new faith . </P>

Where is the cross mentioned in the bible