The answer is: True

John 19:39-40 - Nicodemus brought the sweet-smelling spices

Absolutely, Nicodemus played a significant role in Jesus’ burial preparations! Think about it: here was a respected Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council, showing his allegiance to Jesus after His remarkable teachings and miracle-working. It’s a fascinating intersection of faith and politics, don’t you think?

In John 19:39-40, we see Nicodemus arrive bearing a sizable amount of spices—about 75 pounds! This generous offering reflects both his honor for Jesus and the customs of the time. In that era, the Jews held specific burial practices that often included fragrant spices to mask the odors of decay and to signify respect for the deceased. Nicodemus’ actions potentially reveal his inner transformation, after a night-time meeting with Jesus earlier in the Gospels where he grappled with the concept of being “born again.”

What's particularly striking is the symbolism present in this story. The use of spices hints at the sweet aroma of acceptance and love amidst a brutal unfurling of events. Even death, after all, has no final say in the grand narrative of hope that emerges from the resurrection story.

Furthermore, the name Nicodemus itself means “victory of the people,” making his pivotal assist to Jesus even more potent. In a way, he wasn't just preparing a body for burial; he was unwittingly engaging in the founding of a movement centered on redemption and new beginnings. Isn't it intriguing how the climate of faith can shift, right under our noses?