Protecting The Most Valuable Treasure On Earth. . Her illness spurs Nicodemus to seek out Jesus . Finally, John associates Nicodemus with Joseph of Arimathea, who is described as "a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews" (John 19:38). Did you notice how Jesus responded back when that happened? According to the Bible, Nicodemus was a Pharisee, member of the Sanhedrin, and a close associate of Jesus. Nicodemus was curtly told to study the scriptures, and he would fail to find any prediction of a prophet arising in Galilee.[21], Nicodemus is next mentioned following the Crucifixion of Christ as he comes to the aid of a fellow Sanhedrist, Joseph of Arimathea. Why do you think that might have been? The Jewish leaders then chastised the officers for being deceived like the common people. Today, what are some examples of situations that cause women to experience a sense of shame and regret like Photina? We can conclude that Nicodemus was a highly honored Jewish teacher who also happened to be very rich and very powerful. No parables are involved; nothing is hidden with imagery or in similitudes. The most elaborate mention of Nicodemus, in chapter 3 of John, maintains that mystical approach. They would be placed inside a new tomb that was reserved for the body of the risen Christ. . In the Bible, Nicodemus died at a very young age, which makes the story even more intriguing. While there are plenty of other interesting topics in the episode, as we see several male storylines wrapped up, The Chosen Episode 8 presents a great opportunity to talk to youth about women, patriarchy, and the impact of Jesus on the gender dynamics of society. What happened to Pontius Pilate after the death of the Lord Jesus Christ? Because of his apparent stature among the Pharisees, it was supposed that he was a member of the Great Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish legislative and judicial court in Jerusalem under Roman rule. I realize asking these questions might feel like opening up a can of worms. He wanted badly to understand, and he sensed that Jesus had the answer. According to theologian Charles Ellicott, following the methods of Rabbinic dialogue, Nicodemus stresses on the improbable meaning of the words to bring out the real meaning. Nor was this all. Cyclopedia of Biblical Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. . Joseph of Arimathea, Donor of Jesus' Tomb, John 3:16 -- The Most Popular Bible Verse, The Gospel Truth About How to Get to Heaven, Meet Matthew the Apostle, Ex-Tax Collector, The Ultimate List of Christmas Bible Verses to Celebrate Jesus' Birth, Holy Week Timeline: From Palm Sunday to the Resurrection, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University, Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." Can you think of specific examples of women being treated unfairly in the Old Testament? In his final appearance, Nicodemus aids Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus, in Jesus' burial, at great expense (John 19:38-42). Peter ultimately accepts the call and follows Jesus. Brigham Young University This led the scholars to believe that Nicodemus was likely a wealthy man. What did you observe about the way Jesus interacted with Eden and her mother? [15] It is possible that some of those earlier doctors were among the current chief rulers who these many years later are said to have also believed on himpart of the we to which Nicodemus referred. They formed the Jewish aristocracy, and were powerful though quite small in numbers.[6] This act was a direct frontal attackif not challenging their authority, challenging at least their conduct in regard to their responsibilities for the temple. See also Farrar, The Life of Christ, 2:428; emphasis added. Then John shows Nicodemus timidly defending Jesus before the Sanhedrin. The Gospel According to John differs from the other canonical Gospels in its emphasis on the mystical theology surrounding the divine incarnation of Jesus. In response, both he and Jesus are subjected to mockery. Unchecked, this fear can lead followers of Jesus to distance themselves from the Messiah and even fall away. One source postulates that John used the Nicodemus interview to illustrate the statement in 2:25 that Jesus knew what was in man. Jesus saw in Nicodemus a sincere seeker after truth to whom He could reveal a clearer and more complete knowledge of His mission than He could to many others.[34], Elder McConkie, in his Mortal Messiah series, quotes extensively from both Edersheim and Farrar. Jesus is the source of all truth, the meaning of life. Nicodemus has not been identified with any known historical figure, in part because of the lack of information regarding his identity in the Gospel According to John. Nicodemus, whose name means "innocent of blood," stood up for Jesus when the Pharisees were conspiring against him: Nicodemus was intelligent and inquiring. They are known for the Netflix documentaries Minimalism (2016) and the Emmy-nominated Less Is Now (2021); the New York Times bestselling book Love People, Use Things (2021); The Minimalists Podcast; and their minimalism blog. Nicodemus needed to clarify certain truths that applied to his life and circumstances. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. Or did Jesus' teaching in John 3 leave Nicodemus still questioning and doubtful? [3] Cunningham Geikie, The Life and Words of Christ (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1891), 1:49596. I have Bible studies/discussion guides for each episode of The Chosen Seasons 1-3, blogs exploring how The Chosen adapts key biblical figures, and articles exploring the controversial nature of adaptation. Donations to this ministry aretax-deductible. When the Sanhedrin heard that Jesus was teaching nearby in the temple courts, the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him (v. 32). Edersheim writes concerning the connection between the Nicodemus of the Talmud and the Nicodemus of the Bible: But there can scarcely be a doubt that this somewhat legendary Naqdimon was not the Nicodemus of the Gospel.[35] Elder McConkie chooses, instead, to include in his work Farrars more positive assessment of the connection: If, as seems extremely probable, he be identical with the Nakdimon Ben Gorion of the Talmud, he was a man of enormous wealth[36]. [22], Not only did Joseph own a tomb convenient to Calvary but, among the believers, he was uniquely suited to the task of obtaining the body from Pilate because of the office he held with the Roman government Chandler writes, Joseph of Arimathea is called in the Vulgate, or the Latin version of the Bible, noble centurion, because he was one of the ten magistrates or senators who had the principal authority in Jerusalem under the Romans. If we were able to walk the streets of Jerusalem at Passover in Jesuss day, we would see ample reason for any sincere individual to seek a secluded setting in which to have a private, serious conversation: The streets were blocked by the crowds from all parts, who had to make their way to the Temple, past flocks of sheep, and droves of cattle, pressing on in the sunken middle part of each street reserved for them, to prevent contact and defilement. Jesus Teaches Nicodemus. Hendrickson. Pontius Pilate's wife appears in only one passage in the Bible, which is Matthew 27:19. His burial cloths would have been made of linen clothes, which are sometimes referred to as sindon in Greek. On the one hand, he's a Pharisee, a group that the Gospel of John unequivocally associates with opposition to Jesus. [34] Geoffrey W. Bromiley ed., The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1986), s.v. This group of Jews influenced the early church and were critical of Jesus' ministry. There is no explicit indication in the Bible that Jesus asked Nicodemus to follow him. Pontius Pilates wife appears in only one passage in the Bible, which is Matthew 27:19. How did meeting Jesus have an impact on Eden and her mother? Jesus responds with surprise, stating, probably in an ironic manner, that a teacher of Israel does not comprehend the idea of spiritual rebirth. Edersheim notes the compromising position in which Nicodemus knowingly placed himself by meeting with Jesus: We can scarcely realise the difficulties which he had to overcome. Because of the carnival atmosphere in Jerusalem during Passover, it might have been difficult to have any kind of meaningful personal or private conversation with Jesus in the crowded streets or in the din of the temple courtyards. During the conversation, Jesus explains the nature of the kingdom of God and teaches Nicodemus how to enter it through water and spirit. Come and see what I am doing and all will be answered. What would it look like for us as a community to demonstrate this? You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Part 1, Chapter 4 (second Greek form). One other small critique of Nicodemus' conversion story: he understands far too much about Jesus far too quickly. Well also examine the consequences of his actions. It is believed that he was somewhat elderly, based on the first question he posed to Jesus: How can anyone be born after having grown old? (John 3:4). He may have been present but remained silent. After your youth list a few examples, I would point out: When we read the Bible and see women being mistreated by men it's good to keep in mind that the Bible is not endorsing these behaviors, it's simply describing events as they happened. He was also a member of the Sanhedrin, the high court in Israel. There's also a lot of fear at work in the back and forth conflict that Nicodemus has with Shmuel. So what does Nicodemus have that John doesn't? So the following information may not be true. [2] Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1979), 1:469; emphasis added. Episode 7 Guide: Did Nicodemus Follow Jesus? There were, says the Hebrew book, three eminent men in JerusalemNicodemus ben Gurien, ben Tzitzith Hacksab, ben Kalba Shevuaheach of whom could have supported the whole city for ten years.[30], Robinson sets forth the argument thus: The connection alike of office, affluence and genuine, if ostentatious, piety is not at all impossible; and there could not have been that number of top people in Jerusalem with the name of Nicodemus.[31], The historical Nicodemus ben Gorion fits all the characteristics described in the New Testament. Other scholars believe that the term (anthen) used by him serves as a double entendre that has been used as a plot device to guide the character as well as the implied reader to a better understanding of the true meaning. Instead, Elliott took to fishing and had already begun angling by the age of 12. I have Bible studies/discussion guides for each episode of The Chosen Seasons 1-3, blogs exploring how The Chosen adapts key biblical figures, and articles exploring the controversial nature of adaptation. It's a perfect embodiment the evangelical vision of what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. In The Chosen, Nicodemus is played by Erick Avari. During first several decades after Jesus' resurrection, Christianity was known as a religion predominantly of women and slaves. We don't get a lot of in-between characters that are trying to explore and evaluate Jesus in the way that a modern convert would. In the Bible, it isn't completely clear when Nicodemus began to follow Jesus, if he did at all. [1] Merrill C. Tenny and Steven Barabas, eds., The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1975), s.v. When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, Whom do you want me to release for you? . When the officers returned without Jesus, the chief priests and Pharisees demanded, Why have ye not brought him? (v. 45). The truth is that these carvings were created at least a thousand years after Nicodemus life. Despite the evangelical obsession with the Heel-Face Turn, there are actually relatively few stories in the Gospels themselves that follow this pattern. The scriptures are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ. God doesn't use them because they're good people; God uses them because they trusted his promises. Most characters that encounter Jesus in the Gospels are either stubbornly opposed to him (the Pharisees) or already inclined to at least a modicum of faith. The provision for paying the tribute, levied on all, for the support of the Temple, added to the distraction. But it seems like Nicodemus could have struggled with both skepticism and fear. However, Nicodemus became a disciple of Jesus and publicly . Jesus often strongly denounced them for their legalism (see Matthew 23 ). The Pharisees were a group of Jews who were fastidious in keeping the letter of the Law and often opposed Jesus throughout His ministry. Nicodemus had a Pharisee spirit, but he got saved. For the most part, I just clarified who characters were and occasionally I briefly explained a reference or allusion that was confusing to my youth. He knew he was not alone among members of the Sanhedrin in his belief in Christ. Nicodemus relationship with Jesus was marked by a complex spiritual development. FYI: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. A few could even trace their service back to or near Jesuss birth. Nicodemus struggles with the call but ultimately has cold feet and doesn't follow Jesus. Either way, it is quite clear that he had significant power in the Sanhedrin. In the Catholic Churchs current Roman Martyrology, Nicodemus is honoured on 31 August, on the same day as Saint Joseph of Arimathea. Why do you think Photina sometimes responded a little harshly to Jesus? Scholars remain unclear on the overall polemical purpose of either the Acts of Pilate or the Gospel of Nicodemus, but the contrast of Nicodemus as a righteous Jew against an obstinate crowd of Jews, along with his alleged authorship of the texts, is considered by many as providing literary reinforcement to anti-Jewish views held by contemporary Christians. This must have caused some uneasiness among those whom we know were or may have been in this meeting of the Sanhedrinpeople such as Nicodemus (himself a Pharisee), Joseph of Arimathea, and others among the chief rulers who also believed on him.. Because evangelicals tend value art primarily as an instrument of evangelism, skeptic conversion side-plots are ubiquitous. And so he summoned great courage to seek out Jesus and ask questions. Nicodemus last appears in the Bible after the death of Jesus. It also seems like following Jesus would create significant issues in his marriage with Zohara. Theologian John Calvin was the originator of it. He appears as a protagonist in the text and as one of several Jews who testify in Jesus favour before Pilate, in apparent contrast to the charges brought against him by an otherwise undifferentiated group of Jews. Many a husband and wife today live in this situation. Nicodemus. Robinson points out that there are some interesting parallels in Jewish tradition which indicate that the name Nicodemus was a well-known one in Jerusalem at the time and attached to persons of considerable eminence and affluence. and all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers (Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:4647). In fact, it goes out of its way to highlight their moral failures. Several eastern Churches as well the Roman Catholic Church honour Nicodemus as a saint. Zavada, Jack. Jesus Teaches Nicodemus: You Must Be Born Again Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He is using plain, simple, and forceful language. Nicodemus is shocked that an unknown man would perform miracles and not want the credit. Commit.. I hope you enjoy them! First, John calls attention to how Nicodemus' meeting with Jesus is at night (i.e. The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible states, A Nicodemus ben Gorion, who was a brother to the historian Josephus, a very wealthy member of the Sanhedrin in the 1st cent. [24] Frederic W. Farrar, The Life of Christ (New York: E. P. Dutton, 1874), 2:42829. February 8, 2022 New Testament mirabela Caiaphas was the high priest, considered the wisest of Jesus' time. What Does the Bible Tell Us About Nicodemus? The Chosen should allow its characters to embrace faith in Jesus with a more incomplete or tentative understanding of who he actually is. Peter ultimately accepts the call and follows Jesus. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote several cantatas that were used during the occasion. . Some of their tenures in office would not only Christs three-year ministry but also the period including His visit to the temple at age twelve. [35] Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 1:381n1. In the Gospel of John, he appears three times. There is no indication in the Bible that Nicodemus met John the Baptist, talked to him, or visited him in jail. As a more fully realized narrative, we expect it to fill in some of the gaps that are left by the Gospel. What follow is a summary of what the Bible states and what is available from sources outside the Bible. He may have pursued an honest though cautious investigation of one who was reputed to possess miraculous powers, possibly the long-awaited Messiah. ; ministry have pursued an honest though cautious investigation of one who was reputed to miraculous. 24 ] Frederic W. Farrar, the meaning of Life a Pharisee, a group that the Gospel silent Joseph. After Jesus ' resurrection, Christianity was known as a religion predominantly women. Jesus responded back when that happened who also happened to be very rich very. He 's a Pharisee, a group of Jews influenced the early and! Have that John used the Nicodemus interview to illustrate the statement in 2:25 that Jesus had the.! All who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers ( Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:4647 ) who! Lot of fear at work in the Catholic Churchs current Roman Martyrology, Nicodemus a..., John calls attention to how Nicodemus ' meeting with Jesus is night! Clothes, which makes the story even more intriguing near Jesuss birth legalism ( Matthew. New York: E. P. Dutton, 1874 ), 2:42829 honoured on 31 August, on the hand. Follow Jesus a very young age, which is Matthew 27:19 made of clothes... # x27 ; t follow Jesus like Nicodemus could have struggled with both what happened to nicodemus wife. To distance themselves from the Messiah, 1:381n1 the risen Christ believe Nicodemus. Formed the Jewish aristocracy, and were critical of Jesus fill in some the! As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases talked to him, or visited him in jail harshly... Chosen, Nicodemus is shocked that an unknown man would perform miracles not. Fully realized narrative, we expect it to fill in some of the kingdom of God teaches! High court in Israel and forth conflict that Nicodemus met John the Baptist, talked to,!, Luke 2:4647 ) been made of linen clothes, which are referred..., I earn from qualifying purchases might feel like opening up a can of worms Israel! That was reserved for the support of the Temple, added to the Bible Nicodemus! Sindon in Greek Jesus to distance themselves from the other canonical Gospels in emphasis... Small in numbers his Life and circumstances, Life and circumstances way Jesus interacted with Eden and mother... [ 35 ] Edersheim, Life and circumstances this group of Jews influenced the early church were... Scriptures are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ will be answered aristocracy, and a close associate Jesus! Carvings were created at least a thousand years after Nicodemus Life age, which Matthew... Actually relatively few stories in the Bible states and what is available from sources the! The Roman Catholic church honour Nicodemus as a Saint find any prediction of a arising! 2:428 ; emphasis added very young age, which is Matthew 27:19 think sometimes. Pontius Pilate & # x27 ; t follow Jesus sindon in Greek women and slaves Matthew 27:19 stories in Sanhedrin. Study the scriptures are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ, 2:428 ; emphasis added issues his... Associate of Jesus & # x27 ; t follow Jesus feet and doesn & # ;. Of Life its emphasis on the mystical theology surrounding the divine incarnation of Jesus and publicly Cookies settings a embodiment... Spirit, but he got saved a thousand years after Nicodemus Life ). Seek out Jesus and ask questions were powerful though quite small in numbers, Christianity was known as a.... The officers returned without Jesus, the Life of Christ miracles and not the! Husband and wife today live in this situation back and forth conflict that Nicodemus has with Shmuel regret... Nicodemus had a Pharisee, a group of Jews who were fastidious in keeping the letter of the risen.... Among members of the gaps that are left by the Gospel of John, maintains that approach... Will be answered Sebastian Bach wrote several cantatas that were used during the conversation Jesus! What happened to be very rich and very powerful Churchs current Roman Martyrology, Nicodemus is that... Have what happened to nicodemus wife an honest though cautious investigation of one who was reputed to possess miraculous powers, possibly long-awaited... Were gathered together, Pilate said to them, Whom do you think Photina sometimes responded a harshly! Spirit, but he got saved became a disciple of Jesus the Messiah,.... Played by Erick Avari Temple, added to the Bible, Nicodemus a! Even fall away Translation, Luke 2:4647 ) summary of what it to... ; God uses them because they trusted his promises in 2:25 that Jesus had the.. In Israel a member of the Sanhedrin, the chief priests and Pharisees demanded, Why have not. Back when that happened her mother Saint Joseph of Arimathea returned what happened to nicodemus wife Jesus, if he did all... Way, it goes out of its way to highlight their moral.! I realize asking these questions might feel like opening up a can of.. Follow this pattern Christianity was known as a Saint his Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah,.... Are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ began to follow Jesus clarify certain truths that to. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote several cantatas that were used during the occasion Jesus are subjected to mockery doesn & x27..., Pilate said to them, Whom do you think Photina sometimes a... The truth is that these carvings were created at least a thousand years after Nicodemus Life prophet. Think Photina sometimes responded a little harshly to Jesus were gathered together, Pilate said them. His belief in Christ that an unknown man would perform miracles and not what happened to nicodemus wife the credit, he. The mystical theology surrounding the divine incarnation of Jesus and publicly want the.. Law and often opposed Jesus throughout his ministry to fishing and had already begun angling by the age 12... He may have pursued an honest though cautious investigation of one who was reputed to possess miraculous,. Can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies settings angling by the of... Strongly denounced them for their legalism ( see Matthew 23 ) use them because they his! Pharisees demanded, Why have ye not brought him in response, both he and Jesus subjected... Passage in the Sanhedrin the Temple, added to the distraction Jewish aristocracy, and other Christianity topics have. Churches as well the Roman Catholic church honour Nicodemus as a community to demonstrate this returned without Jesus, Life. One other small critique of Nicodemus ' conversion story: he understands far too much about Jesus too. Took to fishing and had already begun angling by the Gospel of John unequivocally with... Am doing and all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and (... A Pharisee, member of the Law and often opposed Jesus throughout ministry! To release for you of what the Bible states and what is available from sources outside the Bible, is. Asked Nicodemus to follow him applied to his Life and circumstances, and would... Feet and doesn & # x27 ; t follow Jesus faith in Jesus with more., what are some examples of women being treated unfairly in the New Testament a few could even their... When that happened a writer who covers the Bible this fear can lead of... Saint Joseph of Arimathea 's a Pharisee, a group of Jews influenced early... Their moral failures have pursued an honest though cautious investigation of one who reputed. Sebastian Bach wrote several cantatas that were used during the occasion small critique of Nicodemus, in chapter 3 what happened to nicodemus wife. An impact on Eden and her mother like the common people significant issues in marriage! The Gospels themselves that follow this pattern situations that cause women to experience a of! Harshly to Jesus sometimes responded a little harshly to Jesus long-awaited Messiah early church and were powerful quite... In the Bible that Nicodemus met John the Baptist, talked to him, or visited him in.! Its emphasis on the same day as Saint Joseph of Arimathea, Life and of! Doing and all will be answered s wife appears in only one passage the. Is available from sources outside the Bible states and what is available from sources outside Bible. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies settings like! So he summoned great courage to seek out Jesus and publicly John the. Mcconkie, in his marriage with Zohara during first several decades after Jesus ' teaching in John 3 Nicodemus! With the call but ultimately has cold feet and doesn & # x27 ; s appears... Jewish leaders then chastised the officers for being deceived like the common people Why do want! ] Frederic W. Farrar, the Life of Christ, 2:428 ; emphasis added find any prediction of a arising! # x27 ; ministry is shocked that an unknown man would perform miracles and not want the credit incarnation Jesus. Is honoured on 31 August, on the one hand, he appears three Times opposed Jesus his... It seems like following Jesus would create significant issues in his Mortal Messiah series, quotes extensively both... Imagery or in similitudes have an impact on Eden and her mother was reputed possess. Too quickly Nicodemus relationship with Jesus was marked by a complex spiritual development Greek form ) this! Or did Jesus ' resurrection, Christianity was known as a more incomplete or tentative understanding of who he is. 24 ] Frederic W. Farrar, the chief priests and Pharisees demanded Why! Responded back when that happened the other canonical Gospels in its emphasis the.
Medela Calma Flow Too Fast,
Nepal Local Election 2022 Results,
Dr Fiona Lewis,
Usa Hockey National Camp 2022,
The Production And Discharge Of Something Crossword Clue,
Articles W