Omissions? Now, I like the faith vs. fear arc in Nicodemus' character. There is no indication in the Bible that Nicodemus met John the Baptist, talked to him, or visited him in jail. In the Gospel of John, he appears three times. The priests and these rulers had shut themselves away in impenetrable darkness. Representations of Nicodemus in art tend to focus on his sympathy for Jesus, his identification as a Jew, and his purported social prominence. 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. He is venerated by the eastern Churches on two different days, the Sunday of the Myrrhbearers (the second Sunday after Easter) and 2 August, the date when, according to traditions, his relics were discovered. In The Chosen, Nicodemus has a wife named Zohara. 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. In The Chosen, during Season 1, Episode 7, Jesus invites Nicodemus to follow him. According to the Bible, Nicodemus was a Pharisee, member of the Sanhedrin, and a close associate of Jesus. . Jesus, the Living Word, ministered to Nicodemus, a hurting and confused individual, with great compassion and dignity. 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. Part 1, Chapter 4 (second Greek form). It would seem that Nicodemus, if his visit was indeed an act of cowardice, was nevertheless the bravest of his associates. Jesuss rebuke of Nicodemus in pointing out his ignorance of spiritual things could have received a much different response in other settings or with other members of the Sanhedrin. Nicodemus is one of the few in-betweeners present in the Gospels. Instead of having Nicodemus respond to Jesus' Born Again speech by falling to his knees and confessing his faith, we could have been given a much more ambiguous response, communicated solely through facial expressions or perhaps by having him ask even more questions. Other Pharisees argue that no prophet could hail from Galilee. . If you liked this post, you might want to check out some of my other posts on The Chosen and Bible adaptation. 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. Characters of the Sanhedrists who Tried Jesus, 291326. His story only appears in Johns retelling of the life of Jesus. Nor was this all. Nicodemus was a religious figure and philosopher from Judea. The amount that we know about Nicodemus based on these three episodes is pretty limited, although that actually may serve the purpose of adaptation well, since it leaves plenty of white space for The Chosen to fill in. Thanks to this glow of kindling sorrow and compassion in the hearts of these two noble and wealthy disciples, He who died as a malefactor, was buried as a king. John said this discussion happened at night, probably because Nicodemus had his reputation to protect since Jesus was a controversial figure . That being said, I'm not 100% sold on every aspect of how The Chosen ends up depicting his character and interactions with Jesus. John 7:13; 9:22; 12:42; 19:38; 20:19). This would be a major sacrifice for them. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Provo, UT 84602 What happened to Pontius Pilate after the death of the Lord Jesus Christ? Obviously John was no stranger to the high priest and perhaps to others in power. A year before that, while at Passover, He had healed an invalid on the Sabbath, and therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him (John 5:16). The following outlines Nicodemus' actions and response to Jesus. 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. Although Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret disciples, they were able to associate with Jesus during the last moments of his life. The dream must have been a bad dream for the Greek, pascho polys, states that she suffered great pain during the dream. His noble position is more clearly marked in the Greek version.[23]. Today, what are some examples of situations that cause women to experience a sense of shame and regret like Photina? Religious Educator9, no. 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]. Inside the Temple space, the noise and pressure were, if possible, worse. Claudia Procula must have had a difficult time in the days, months and years that followed Jesus death. . The word commit is translated from the Greek verb ? (pist??). If you try it out, please let me know how it goes and if you have any feedback! There's also a lot of fear at work in the back and forth conflict that Nicodemus has with Shmuel. . Jesus Teaches Nicodemus: You Must Be Born Again Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. Commit.. 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." In the first instance, he meets Jesus to converse about the latter's teachings. Come, follow me." The provision for paying the tribute, levied on all, for the support of the Temple, added to the distraction. 1) Nicodemus meets Jesus secretly. 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?" If the above statements are true about her, she was one who feared God. He is using plain, simple, and forceful language. He wanted to get the truth directly from the Lord's mouth. Nicodemus, whose name means "innocent of blood," stood up for Jesus when the Pharisees were conspiring against him: Nicodemus was intelligent and inquiring. Commenting about Nicodemus and Joseph on this occasion, Farrar writes: However much he had held back during the life of Jesus, now, on the evening of His death, his heart was filled with a gush of compassion and remorse, and he hurried to His cross and burial with an offering of truly royal munificence. As Season One of The Chosen progresses, Mary's story fades into the background and the show becomes more male-dominated, focusing primarily on Simon, Nicodemus, and Matthew. In order to understand what was happening when she is mentioned in Scripture here is Matthew 27:15-19. He did this despite the fact that embalming was more or less not allowed in Judaism. 2. Regardless of any reticence or motives that may be assigned to Nicodemus for seeking the interview at night, one must also take into consideration the effect of Christs teachingthe Touch of the Masters Handon Nicodemus that evening and in succeeding days. He had to know the vitriolic rebuke he would receive if he said anything in Jesuss defense. I hope you enjoy them! As such, his character remains largely ambiguous within the biblical canon. But, even so, we cannot wonder that he should have wished to shroud his first visit in the utmost possible secrecy. Having missed the opportunity to arrest Him at the most recent Passover, the Jews sought him at the feast [of Tabernacles] (John 7:11). [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. Did you notice how Jesus responded back when that happened? However, based on what we know of Jewish culture, it's almost certain that Nicodemus was married. PROUDLY CREATED WITH WIX.COM. What would it look like for us as a community to demonstrate this? . Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Jesus calls him by an honorific title, "the Teacher of Israel" (John 3:10). Season 2 Reflection P2: What was The Chosen Season 2 about? When appearing with Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus more commonly supports the lower body of Jesus while Joseph supports the upper body. One other small critique of Nicodemus' conversion story: he understands far too much about Jesus far too quickly. It's not strange that Nicodemus' wife is not mentioned by the Gospel of John. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". Nicodemus struggles with the call but ultimately has cold feet and doesn't follow Jesus. 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). Several eastern Churches as well the Roman Catholic Church honour Nicodemus as a saint. 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. According to Rosamond Rodman, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, Kansas, christened the town after him. The faith which had once required the curtain of darkness, can now venture at least into the light of sunset, and brightened finally into noonday confidence. However, Nicodemus became a disciple of Jesus and publicly defended Him in the fourth gospel. By this point, it seems like Nicodemus is participating in the Jesus movement. 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. As part of the Talmudic evidence, Robinson recounts the story of Nakdimon ben Gurions purported miracle. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all [men], and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man (John 2:2325). The 40 Days with Jesus series helps readers connect the events of The Chosen with Scripture and their own everyday lives. During Jesus trial and crucifixion, Nicodemus was one of the leaders of the Jewish religious leaders. [30] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:319; emphasis added. He was a Pharisee who was attracted to Jesus' character and miracles. Meanwhile, Zohara discourages Nicodemus from his spiritual struggle and questioning. I realize asking these questions might feel like opening up a can of worms. Instead, Elliott took to fishing and had already begun angling by the age of 12. Moreover, by bringing these concerns to the surface as a context for watching Episode 8 of The Chosen, you highlight the radical difference between how Jesus treated women and how women were treated by biblical figures like Abraham and David. 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. Add to this Elder McConkies speculation about the possible location of Nicodemuss dialogue with Jesus: We are left to assume the meeting took place in a house owned or occupied by John in Jerusalem. Click here for my affiliation policy. Demetrios Troy as Lazarus: a friend of Jesus, Mary, and His followers. Come and see what I am doing and all will be answered. However, some exceptions, like in the cases of Jacob and Joseph, exist. [2] Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1979), 1:469; emphasis added. He never hid his faith in Jesus again. The story of Nicodemus relationship with Jesus begins when Jesus explains that in order to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again. He comes from a family of fishermen. ","name":"What Happened to Nicodemus in the Bible? [1] Merrill C. Tenny and Steven Barabas, eds., The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1975), s.v. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit," Jesus said. . The second mention of Nicodemus occurs when some of the chief priests and Pharisees of the Sanhedrin ask why the temple guards failed to bring Jesus to them. The Middle Ages witnessed the formation of several pious legends about both of these men. On the other hand, when he has his encounter with Jesus, the questions that he asks aren't intended to trick or catch Jesus like the questions of his peers. The holy and righteous Nicodemus was a Pharisee who came to hear the Lord by night. He may have been absent. but that's actually one of the best things that's ever happened to me. Ancient Roman Men, See the events in life of Nicodemus in Chronological Order, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crijn_Hendricksz.jpeg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pietro_Perugino_cat39.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fritz_von_Uhde_-_Christus_und_Nikodemus_(ca.1886).jpg. One has to wonder what was happening or what motives were driving this interview, for if Nicodemus were the least bit open to offense, this would have given him ample reason to feel injured. [3] Cunningham Geikie, The Life and Words of Christ (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1891), 1:49596. He had insights into the law and was willing to take risks in public. Can you think of any instances where it brought Jesus into conflict with other men who were in power? If these accounts are true, God used these events to bring her to Jesus and have eternal life. Answer All that we know of Nicodemus in the Bible is from the Gospel of John. See also Farrar, The Life of Christ, 2:428; emphasis added. That evening Nicodemus learned from Jesus that he must be born again, and he was. With eighteen months of plotting against Jesus, the conspiracy was an open secret in the streets of Jerusalem. In his first appearance, he is referred to as the Pharisee who has come to see Jesus in the night. 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