John 19:39  And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.  The name Nicodemus means “Conqueror.”
Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin, a ruler of the Jews.  To be in this position one had to be very well educated.  Nicodemus had to first conquer his pride in order to come to Jesus.   He came by night, he told Jesus we know thou art a teacher come from God for no man can do these miracles except God be with him.  Jesus went on to teach Nicodemus that in order to go to Heaven a person must be born again.  After John chapter three we find this verse… John 7:50-51 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)  Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?  I believe that Nicodemus not only conquered his pride, but he conquered his belief system as well.  He was willing to speak up and take the part of Jesus when he was being accused.  The scripture declares whosoever beliveth in Him shall not be ashamed!  I believe there is more evidence that Nicodemus conquered unbelief.   It was only recently that I realized that John 3:16 was actually spoken to Nicodemus!  Jesus let him know that God loved him so much that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,  but have everlasting life!  Finally, in our opening text we find that Nicodemus assisted in the burial of Jesus.  Why would a man do so if it cost him his status in his religion?  Personally, I’m convinced he was a believer! 
Not only has Nicodemus defended Jesus, he goes through the process of preparing Him for burial, something the disciples did not do as they had fled. The amount of costly spices (which were a typical amount for a king) and attention to a proper burial.  They may not have known it, and again they may have,  they were burying a king!  The King of Kings!  The Lord of Lords!
In three days, the grave will give up the King!  He arose!  And because Jesus arose from the tomb every born again believer will as well!  Nicodemus conquers again… death, hell, and the grave!  All because of Jesus!  Amen.  Pastor