went back to Moses himself. Unfortunately, they assumed a self-satisfaction that nullified their worthy points and brought a common hypocrisy to their lives. (See Jesus’ warning to them in Matthew 23.) It seems plain that Nicodemus was more sincere and open than most of his fellow Pharisees. One can recall some of the questions the Pharisees asked on other occasions. “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” (Matthew 12:10). “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife …?” (Matthew 19:3). “By what authority