Many a husband and wife today live in this situation. Like the tale of Lazarus, Nicodemus is not part of the tradition of the Synoptic Gospels. The dream must have been a bad dream for the Greek, pascho polys, states that she suffered great pain during the dream. What did you discover about Jesus' heart for women who have their lives disrupted by the coming of his kingdom? Nicodemus' decision to not follow Jesus would have been even more significant, since it would be a set back in both his struggle against fear and skepticism. Omissions? The Gospel of Nicodemus. (Plots & Theme), Episode 2 Guide: Philip, Nathanael, & Matthew, Episode 3 Guide: Life Among the Disciples of Jesus, Episode 4 Guide: Simon the Zealot & the Man at the Bethesda Pool, Episode 5 Guide: Mary's Demons & the Destiny of John the Baptist, Episode 8 Guide: Judas, Matthew, & the Sermon on the Mount, Episode 1 Guide: Mary Magdalene, Lilith, and the Redeemer, Episode 2 Guide: Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, and Shabbat, Episode 3 Guide: Depicting Jesus in Art, Film, and TV, Episode 4 Guide: When Jesus Met Simon (Peter), Episode 6 Guide: Jesus, Shmuel, & the Pharisees. He may have had a sincere desire to have a serious private conversation away from the crowded, county-fair atmosphere of the Passover-choked streets and temple precincts. 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. 3 (2008): 4962. . On more than one occasion, he expresses theological questions and doubts, only to get batted down by his wife, who reminds Nicodemus of the potentially negative social ramifications if someone else heard him talking that way. Click here for my affiliation policy. Furthermore, John 3:16 has become a frequently-quoted verse in relation to Gods plan of salvation. 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). Answer (1 of 2): Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a teacher of Israel, meaning he teaches about Jewish Old Testament Laws and Traditions. However, based on what we know of Jewish culture, it's almost certain that Nicodemus was married. [24] Frederic W. Farrar, The Life of Christ (New York: E. P. Dutton, 1874), 2:42829. 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. Before this meeting, the scriptural record gives the account of Christs birth, His visit to the temple at age twelve, His baptism, the temptations, His turning water to wine at Cana, a short visit to Capernaum and the first cleansing of the temple. He may have been absent. The scriptures are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ. At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!" If you liked this post, you might want to check out some of my other posts on The Chosen and Bible adaptation. There isn't one.". When the officers returned without Jesus, the chief priests and Pharisees demanded, Why have ye not brought him? (v. 45). Episode 7 Guide: Did Nicodemus Follow Jesus? Nina Leon as Salome: the wife of Zebedee and the mother of Big James and John. In the Bible, it isn't completely clear when Nicodemus began to follow Jesus, if he did at all. Out of a typically evangelical concern for proclaiming accurate theology, the characters jump to the conclusion that Jesus is divine far too quickly. [34] Geoffrey W. Bromiley ed., The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1986), s.v. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. He received an answer that generations of Christians would hide in their hearts. This would be a major sacrifice for them. [14] We know from Walter M. Chandlers research that some of the members of the Sanhedrin served many years. After the Crucifixion, he acted as one of the Holy Myrrhbearers. His own disciples often queried him privately, seeking clarification following his public teaching or doctrinal understanding (see Matthew 24:3; Mark 9:2829). [27] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:291326. 8. p. 426. For example, some traditions relate that he was ostracized by the Pharisees for his Christian sympathies. While in Jerusalem he chased the moneychangers from the temple and overturned their tables. Moreover, later on, when the other Pharisees display a reckless disregard for investigating the claims of Jesus, it is Nicodemus who presses them with exactly the kind of point an ideal seeker would make: "Does our law judge a man before first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?" It seems like no accident, then, that the kinds of Jesus stories that The Chosen takes interest in are personal encounters. [3] Cunningham Geikie, The Life and Words of Christ (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1891), 1:49596. 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. Typically the Bible only mentions figures who play a role in the narrative or who were well-known among the followers of Jesus. . In the beginning of the biblical story, men and women are created to be in a loving and respectful relationship to one another. We read in John 12:42, 43: Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.[10]. Much later, after Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter and John followed the arresting party to the palace of the high priest. 3. 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. What Does the Bible Tell Us About Nicodemus? He received the credits for carving both the Holy Face of Lucca and the Batll Crucifix, apparently with angelic help. 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). When he comes forward to beg the body of Jesus, he is portrayed as a good man, and a just man, one who was bold. Nicodemus, on the other hand, though he was earlier the lone voice of protest and provisioned the burial with a gift of royal magnitude, is even on this occasion portrayed as somewhat reluctant, coming forward only after Joseph boldly goes to Pilate. It would seem that Nicodemus, if his visit was indeed an act of cowardice, was nevertheless the bravest of his associates. 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.". After all, they reasoned, Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? (v. 48). . Brandon Potter as Quintus: a Roman magistrate in Capernaum and the Praetor of Galilee. 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]. In the Catholic Churchs current Roman Martyrology, Nicodemus is honoured on 31 August, on the same day as Saint Joseph of Arimathea. It was an open secret in the streets of Jerusalem spoken in hushed voices behind Jesuss back, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? (v. 25). Nicodemus struggles with the call but ultimately has cold feet and doesn't follow Jesus. [or to] believe.[8] A number of other translations use the word trust in place of commit. It seems clear that Jesus saw Nicodemus as a receptive listener. 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. The Gospel of Nicodemus. All Rights Reserved. According to Rosamond Rodman, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, Kansas, christened the town after him. He seems to show genuine respect for Jesus' miracles and he has real interest in what Jesus has to say. It must have been a mighty power of conviction, to break down prejudice so far as to lead this old Sanhedrist to acknowledge a Galilean, untrained in the Schools [see John 7:15; 8:41; Deuteronomy 23:2], as a Teacher come from God, and to repair to Him for direction on, perhaps, the most delicate and important point in Jewish theology. Pontius Pilates wife appears in only one passage in the Bible, which is Matthew 27:19. These would have been seen as marks of poor character - that's why Photina had to get water in the hot afternoon instead of going early in the morning when it's cool - the other women looked down on her. Nicodemus struggles with the call but ultimately has cold feet and doesn't follow Jesus. Punishment was mercilessly inflicted wherever there was open violation of any one of the following rules established by the rabbis themselves: If any one opposes his rabbi, he is guilty in the same degree as if he opposed God himself. It seems like The Chosen brings a conclusion to Nicodemus' conversion story because it wants to shift the focus of his narrative to the struggle between faith and fear. . In the Gospel of Matthew, Pilate's wife warns her husband not to harm Jesus and for this she achieved sainthood among Orthodox Christians. An adaptation like The Chosen isn't meant to replace the Bible; it's meant to drive us deeper into the Bible and spiritual reflection. Some laws in the Old Testament might sound unfair to women - and they might not be as fair as some standards we have today. In The Chosen, during Season 1, Episode 8, Nicodemus chooses to not follow Jesus. Eighteen years earlier, Jesus, then twelve years of age, was also in the temple. 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. While Johns Gospel leaves many questions unanswered about Nicodemus, the main points of the story are clear: Nicodemus was a disciple of Jesus but was not publicly declaring his faith. And so he summoned great courage to seek out Jesus and ask questions. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. The first-person plural implies that Nicodemuss community shares in his positive acknowledgment of Jesus.[13] As noted, among the chief rulers also many believed on him (John 12:42). 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 suggests that he was genuinely committed to the message of Christ, even though he had not publicly professed his faith in Jesus. Thus the dialogue between Nicodemus and Jesus begins with, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him (John 3:2). Religious Educator9, no. "Meet Nicodemus: Seeker of God." The holy and righteous Nicodemus was a Pharisee who came to hear the Lord by night. Jesus, the Living Word, ministered to Nicodemus, a hurting and confused individual, with great compassion and dignity. This prominent member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court, secretly visited Jesus Christ at night because he suspected the young teacher might be the Messiah promised to Israel by God. Then, about six months before the crucifixion, the Chief Priests and Pharisees attempted to have Jesus arrested for deception. It was Caiaphas who gave the Jews this advice. His list, though obviously incomplete, contains only one member named Nicodemus. 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). . Jesus answers that those who wish to see the kingdom of God must be born again in both water and spirit, a passage commonly interpreted as referring to the initiation rite of baptism. Elliott was a subpar student who would never find his career in studies. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Either the wife believes or the husband believes but not both. [32], According to Elder McConkie, We are left to assume that following his interview with Jesus [at night], the processes of conversion continued to operate in the life of Nicodemus.[33] It would be hard to imagine an individual having a personal face-to-face conversation with the Lord in which he hears Christ bear witness in unmistakable language that He was the Son of God without that testimony having some effect. By raising these issues to the surface, you will hopefully encourage your youth to feel safe expressing their difficulties with Scripture (instead of never talking about them until they get older and then deconstructing). In that case, when Nicodemus suggests that the Sanhedrin should investigate Jesus' actions and words, it may reflect his own genuine desire to look more deeply into what Jesus is saying. [24], The Anchor Bible Dictionary concludes: Though Nicodemus is often portrayed as timid, [John A. T.] Robinson is probably correct in seeing him as quite courageous. The rents of the sheep and cattle pens, and the profits on the doves, had led the priests to sanction the incongruity of thus turning the Temple itself into a noisy market. She urges him to bring her back to their old life, and this seems to be one of the main pressures that prevents him from pursuing Jesus. However, based on what we know of Jewish culture, it's almost certain that Nicodemus was married. This is a great reminder for us to remember and pray for those who are married to non-Christians. 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. One would have thought that under the circumstances, Nicodemus, with his position, learning, and wealth, if his coming were motivated by idle curiosity or timid discipleship, would have ended the conversation at this point. 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. It is said that the relics of Stephen the Protomartyr, Gamaliel, and Abibas (Gamaliel's second son) were found on the same day. He chose to have been thrown out of the synagogue after it was revealed that he believed in the Savior Jesus Christ. However, Nicodemus became a disciple of Jesus and publicly . The blacks in America, after the Civil War, saw him as a source of inspiration for them, as they discarded their previous identities as slaves. 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