Nicodemus is one of the few in-betweeners present in the Gospels. It seems clear that Jesus saw Nicodemus as a receptive listener. These actions challenged the legalism and hypocrisy of the Sanhedrin and Pharisees, but Nicodemus had to be sure Jesus' body was treated with dignity and that he received a proper burial. You might have also noticed discussion of how Photina was a Samaritan and how Jews and Samaritans hated each other. Case in point, The Chosen shows relatively little interest in exploring the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist, even though the biblical account leaves a lot of unanswered questions about how well the messianic cousins know each other. In either case, by the time Nicodemus participates in the burial of Jesus' body, it seems that his faith has grown, but we still don't know how well he understands who Jesus is. Ante-Nicene Fathers. What do you think Jesus desires for women in these situations? Season 2 Reflection P1: What is The Chosen Season 2 about? The Bible does not mention Nicodemus' wife. Characters of the Sanhedrists who Tried Jesus, 291326. Your youth might not have a good sense of history and context, in which case they won't fully appreciate the uniqueness of Jesus. By the end of the Gospel of John, Nicodemus appears to have become a disciple, and so it's possible that Jesus did invite Nicodemus to follow him. Jesus Teaches Nicodemus: You Must Be Born Again Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. Eden (Peter's wife) and Zohara (Nicodemus' wife) both have husbands who have been called to follow Jesus. Nicodemus does not speak to Jesus simply as an individual, but as a leader of his community. How did meeting Jesus have an impact on Eden and her mother? The problem would be to locate this one person among the millions in and around Jerusalem. He knew he was not alone among members of the Sanhedrin in his belief in Christ. How do you think it might have related back to the way Jesus treated women? is doubtless, like so many Jewish names at this period, derived from the Greek. Sometimes their conversation got a little tense. Nicodemus, a man of great wealth, donated 75 pounds of expensive myrrh and aloes to anoint the Lord's body after his death. Brigham Young University How so? In his first appearance, he is referred to as the Pharisee who has come to see Jesus in the night. He is a member of the Sanhedrin and was obviously a wealthy man, because he purchased about a hundred pounds of spices to be placed between the folds of the cloth in . Jesus could then respond, "I know you have many more questions and doubts. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. God doesn't use them because they're good people; God uses them because they trusted his promises. Thus says the LORD, Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me . After the Crucifixion, he acted as one of the Holy Myrrhbearers. In medieval paintings revolving around the Deposition, he prominently appears alongside Joseph of Arimathea, bringing the dead Christ down from the cross, often with the help of a ladder. Have my posts about Bible adaptation helped you learn more about the Bible and explore it with your ministry or family? ","name":"What Happened to Nicodemus in the Bible? Like the tale of Lazarus, Nicodemus is not part of the tradition of the Synoptic Gospels. He is also featured prominently in Chapter 19. When the officers returned without Jesus, the chief priests and Pharisees demanded, Why have ye not brought him? (v. 45). This letter is placed in the keeping of his synagogue administrator, Jairus, to give Yussif time to reconsider his words before sending it. 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. . In the beginning of the biblical story, men and women are created to be in a loving and respectful relationship to one another. When Nicodemus argues that the Pharisees need to investigate Jesus before judging him, it's unclear what his motivation is. At the expense of a little diversion it is worth trying to set out and sort out the evidence. The Heal-Face Turn is a very popular trope in Christian fiction. Nicodemus was not the only one who sought a private audience with Christ. Nicodemus conversation with Jesus has given way to several common expressions of contemporary American Christianity, including the phrase born again, which is used as an alternative term to baptism by several evangelical denominations. In the Gospel of Matthew, Pilate's wife warns her husband not to harm Jesus and for this she achieved sainthood among Orthodox Christians. 4. His was more than a simple greeting of courtesy, such as sir. Nicodemus put himself in a subservient position, as Elder McConkie notes: Different degrees of honor were intended as people used the term Rab, meaning master; Rabbi, my master; and Rabboni, my lord and master.[12]. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. Together, they sought permission from Pilate to take the body of Jesus off the cross and bury it before the Sabbath began. He had skipped the previous Passover in the spring. FYI: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. First, John calls attention to how Nicodemus' meeting with Jesus is at night (i.e. And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him. Matthew 27:15-19 (NASB). The traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church hold that their relics were housed and venerated together in the 5th century, along with those of St. Stephen the martyr. Fear is a powerful influence on Nicodemus character. In The Chosen, during Season 1 Episode 8 Nicodemus secretly leaves money for Jesus and his disciples instead of choosing to follow Jesus himself. 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. Just think Claudia Procula was the first one we know of who was unequally yoked. The Gospel of John says Nicodemus was a "Pharisee" and a "ruler of the Jews" (John 3:1). Unfortunately, Apple's iOS doesn't support home screen shortcuts in the Chrome browser. The name of Nicodemus is mentioned in the Talmud also; and, although it was known that his attachment to Christ was great, he is, nevertheless, spoken of with honor. . According to Rosamond Rodman, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, Kansas, christened the town after him. Early traditions of the Roman imperial church, which held Nicodemus in high esteem, and apocryphal biblical literature both offer detail that informs the modern reception of Nicodemuss identity and biography. 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. Taking these cues from the Gospel of John, The Chosen uses Nicodemus' story to explore the tension between faith and fear. 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. This passage is one of the most influential in all of the Bible, so it is imperative to study it closely. The fine linen (sindn) which Joseph had purchased was richly spread with the hundred litras of myrrh and perfumed aloe-wood which Nicodemus had brought, and the lacerated bodywhose divinely-human spirit was now in the calm of its Sabbath rest in the Paradise of Godwas thus carried to its loved and peaceful grave. In the show, Nicodemus seems to already understand that Jesus is not just the Messiah but also divine, which isn't at all obvious from what Jesus actually says. Nicodemus proved his love for the Lord Jesus Christ by giving up all the advantages of being a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. Meet Nicodemus: Seeker of God. 8. p. 426. . These were spices used to embalm the body. Nicodemus last appears in the Bible after the death of Jesus. . I'm intrigued to find out and can't wait for season 2. [27] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:291326. While watching The Chosen, I made occasional comments through the chat but I tried to not do too much teaching. However, the discussion between Nicodemus and Jesus reveals more about Nicodemus than it does about Jesus. If you want to avoid the ads (there's a lot!) That being said, I'm not 100% sold on every aspect of how The Chosen ends up depicting his character and interactions with Jesus. One commentary, for example, states that Nicodemus sought out "Jesus in 'the night' which has suggested to most of the interpreters that he was hesitant and afraid to be seen with Jesus, coming as he did in secrecy out of regard for his reputation and to protect himself.". During Jesus trial and crucifixion, Nicodemus was one of the leaders of the Jewish religious leaders. However, the National Park Service disputes this, asserting that the name of the town was inspired by an 1864 song, Wake Nicodemus by Henry Clay Work. And then, he met his girlfriend Mariah Schneeberger. We are not given the end of their initial conversation (John 3:1-21), and so we don't know how Nicodemus ultimately responded to Jesus' teaching. to entrust, . "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit," Jesus said. According to the Bible, Jesus was strongly opposed by the Pharisees, a group of Jewish scribes who followed the letter of the law. There are two sources of information, Josephus and the Babylonian Talmud (Priority of John, 284). See also Farrar, The Life of Christ, 2:428; emphasis added. Nicodemus is shocked that an unknown man would perform miracles and not want the credit. This led the scholars to believe that Nicodemus was likely a wealthy man. The provision for paying the tribute, levied on all, for the support of the Temple, added to the distraction. I found this to be a very affecting moment. Episode 8 Guide: The Woman at the Well, Eden, & Zohara, Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers, The Chosen Season 2 Controversy (Jesus, the Bible, & the Process of Inspiration), Should Nicodemus Kneel? https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/nicodemus-38964.php. He did this despite the fact that embalming was more or less not allowed in Judaism. He never hid his faith in Jesus again. Imagine if, after Jesus concludes his teaching about New Birth, Nicodemus responded with more questions and doubts instead of a clear display of faith. [8] James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville: Abingdon, 1981), s.v. With that first bold purgation of the Temple a deadly feud between Jesus and the Jewish authorities had begun. [36] McConkie, Mortal Messiah, 4:239. One commentary, for example, states that Nicodemus sought out Jesus in the night which has suggested to most of the interpreters that he was hesitant and afraid to be seen with Jesus, coming as he did in secrecy out of regard for his reputation and to protect himself.[1] Because the John discusses him as one who came to Jesus by night (John 7:50; 19:39), his every action thereafter seems to be colored by the timing of this first visit. According to the Bible, Jesus was strongly opposed by the Pharisees, a group of Jewish scribes who followed the letter of the law. Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea take Jesus' body down from the cross and lay it in a tomb, at great risk to his safety and reputation. God met the Israelites where they were at and urged them toward a slightly better society.But as God pushed his people forward with the coming of Jesus, we see even greater equity between the sexes. Jesus and the disciples did not agree with them, and this group of people was a major opposition to Him and His ministry. When we are born again, as Nicodemus was, we should never forget that we have forgiveness of our sins and eternal life because of Christ's sacrifice for us. However, it's important to keep in mind that the Bible does not give us a complete description of the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). He is using plain, simple, and forceful language. 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. . John does tell us that he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). One would expect that the cleansing of the temple was most certainly a topic of discussion among members of the Sanhedrin headquartered in the heart of the temple complex in the Chamber of Hewn Stone.[7]. Jesuss response to Nicodemuss declaration of belief that He was a teacher come from God based on those same miracles was quite different. [14] We know from Walter M. Chandlers research that some of the members of the Sanhedrin served many years. Nicodemus had listened to the Baptist, but he had failed to grasp the deeper significance of what he had heard and apply it to his own life. So the following information may not be true. He is saying plainly that men must believe in him; that he is the Son of God, the Promised Messiah, the Only Begotten of the Father, the One of whom Moses and the prophets testified. The first time Nicodemus is mentioned, he is identified as a Pharisee who comes to see Jesus at night. If any one quarrels with his rabbi, it is as if he contended with the living God. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". It was, in fact, the great yearly fair of Jerusalem, and the crowds added to the din and tumult, till the services in the neighboring courts were sadly disturbed. Miriam, daughter of Naqdimon ben Gurion of distinguished parentage, whose marriage contract providing 1,000,000 gold denars for her widowhood. This enormous sum Baron presents in contrast to poor fathers [who] were expected to supply a minimum dowry of 50 denarii (Salo Wittmayer Baron, A Social and Religious History of the Jews, 18 vols., 2nd ed., [Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1952], 2:11314, 221). If Farrar and McConkie are correct in their assessment that it is not just possible but rather extremely probable that the Nicodemus of the Bible and the Nicodemus ben Gorion of the Talmud are the same individual, then the story of Nicodemus is one of the most dramatic stories of conversion and sacrifice in scripture. The Jewish leaders then chastised the officers for being deceived like the common people. [3] Cunningham Geikie, The Life and Words of Christ (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1891), 1:49596. Religious Educator9, no. Answer (1 of 2): Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a teacher of Israel, meaning he teaches about Jewish Old Testament Laws and Traditions. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. He comes from a family of fishermen. Season 2 Reflection P1: What is The Chosen Season 2 about? https://www.learnreligions.com/nicodemus-seeker-of-god-701080 (accessed March 2, 2023). But The Chosen must have other reasons taking interest in Nicodemus. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Similarly, fear is at work in the conflict between Nicodemus and Shmuel. Episode 8 Guide: The Woman at the Well, Eden, & Zohara, Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers, The Chosen Season 2 Controversy (Jesus, the Bible, & the Process of Inspiration), Should Nicodemus Kneel? In order to understand what was happening when she is mentioned in Scripture here is Matthew 27:15-19. February 8, 2022 New Testament mirabela Caiaphas was the high priest, considered the wisest of Jesus' time. This group of Jews influenced the early church and were critical of Jesus' ministry. The Gospel of Nicodemus. In The Chosen, Jesus asks Nicodemus to follow him . It's unlikely Nicodemus ever physically followed Jesus in his travels. When he heard about Jesus' ministry, he grew disturbed and confused by the words the Lord was preaching. The Chosen should allow its characters to embrace faith in Jesus with a more incomplete or tentative understanding of who he actually is. The Middle Ages witnessed the formation of several pious legends about both of these men. [14] Scott H. Faulring, Kent P. Jackson, and Robert J. Matthews, eds., Joseph Smiths New Translation of the Bible: Original Manuscripts (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2004), 37172. She is an invented character, but she represents a perspective that is historically plausible. The Copts and Christians of . They would be placed inside a new tomb that was reserved for the body of the risen Christ. In particular, this episode of The Chosen shows us the impact of Jesus on Simon's wife (Eden), her mother, Nicodemus' wife (Zohara), Mary, and Photina (the Samaritan Woman at the Well from the well-known passage in John 4) - all against the backdrop of the unjust patriarchal society of ancient Israel. Although Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret disciples, they were able to associate with Jesus during the last moments of his life. This amount of spice was enough to fittingly bury royalty, signaling that Nicodemus had recognized Jesus as King. The 40 Days with Jesus series helps readers connect the events of The Chosen with Scripture and their own everyday lives. What did you observe about the way Jesus interacted with Eden and her mother? [29], Chandler links the biblical and the historical Nicodemus based on wealth, name, and position: We know from the Gospel account of him that he possessed great riches, and that he used nearly a hundred pounds of myrrh and spices for the burial of Christ. The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus revolves around the concept of "born again" or "born from above". But it seems like Nicodemus could have struggled with both skepticism and fear. A few could even trace their service back to or near Jesuss birth. I've always been intrigued by how the Gospel of John cuts way from the Born Again conversation before we can see how Nicodemus' response to Jesus' teaching. 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). Frederic W. Farrar refers to Christian tradition when he writes: Tradition says that after the Resurrection . Sanhedrin in his travels, the chief priests and Pharisees demanded, Why ye!, 2023 ) one who sought a private audience with Christ with them, forceful. [ 14 ] we know from Walter M. Chandlers research that some of the tradition of the members of Bible..., 1981 ), s.v this led the scholars to believe that Nicodemus had recognized Jesus King... Set out and ca n't wait for season 2 about Nicodemus and Shmuel to... 'S unlikely Nicodemus ever physically followed Jesus in his travels 2023 ) audience with Christ inside a New tomb was! 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