Learn Religions. Nicodemus is often depicted in an exotic turban, intended to indicate his position among the Pharisees. When Nicodemus found Jesus, the Lord recognized his pressing need. Together with his friend and fellow Sanhedrin member, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus lovingly cared for the body of the crucified Savior, placing the Lord's remains in Joseph's tomb. Whether there was any connection with our Nicodemus, and if so what, cannot be proved, but it does look as if John is not merely inventing. They also hold that he lived the remainder of his life in the home of Gamaliel, another member of the Sanhedrin who otherwise remained in good standing among the Pharisees (Acts of the Apostles 5:3439). Your youth might not have a good sense of history and context, in which case they won't fully appreciate the uniqueness of Jesus. 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. Well also examine the consequences of his actions. Nicodemus struggles with the call but ultimately has cold feet and doesn't follow Jesus. How so? Nicodemus is clearly the perfect candidate for the role of the Heal-Face skeptic in The Chosen. In Michelangelos sculpture of the entombment, Nicodemus is assisted by the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, rather than Joseph of Arimathea. Jesus reminds Nicodemus of the Old Testament story of Moses and the Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:4-8 ). I've condensed the lesson into an easily printable pdf below. No parables are involved; nothing is hidden with imagery or in similitudes. It's not strange that Nicodemus' wife is not mentioned by the Gospel of John. While other Pharisees remained skeptical, Nicodemus faith in Jesus grew. 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." What Does the Bible Tell Us About Nicodemus? 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]. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Required fields are marked *. On that occasion, He sat in the midst of the Doctors, and they were hearing him, and asking him questions. If Zohara met Jesus, do you think she would respond differently to Nicodemus' spiritual struggle? The first time Nicodemus is mentioned, he is identified as a Pharisee who comes to see Jesus at night. [26] The name, which seems to have been not uncommon among the Jews . He is typically, but not always, paired with Joseph of Arimathea, who together with Nicodemus carries the body of Jesus. Demetrios Troy as Lazarus: a friend of Jesus, Mary, and His followers. The Gospel of John says Nicodemus was a "Pharisee" and a "ruler of the Jews" (John 3:1). Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. The traditional Roman Catholic liturgical calendar dates the discovery of his relics on 3 August. 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. Narrative Ambiguity & Charitable Reading, The Chosen: 6 Good Friday & Easter Episodes, The Rings of Power, LOTR, and Bible Adaptation, Amazon Prime's The Rings of Power & The Challenges of Biblical Adaptation, In Defense of The Chosen and Other Christian Movies, Books, & Media (Part 1), In Defense of The Chosen and Other Christian Movies, Books, & Media (Part 2), Imagining Mary Magdalene (5 More Bible Adaptations While You Wait for The Chosen Season 2), Yussif, Jairus, & Shmuel in The Chosen (Adapting Biblical Characters), Ears to Hear (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 7 with Youth or Small Group), The Chosen Season 3 Episode 7 & Episode 8: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Feeding of the 5,000 (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 8 with Youth or Small Group), Pontius Pilate & His Wife in The Chosen (Adapting Biblical Characters), Intensity in Tent City (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 6 with Youth or Small Group), Clean Part 2 (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 5 with Youth or Small Group), Clean Part 1 (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 4 with Youth or Small Group), Physician, Heal Thyself (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 3 with Youth or Small Group), Two by Two (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 2 with Youth or Small Group), Little James in The Chosen & Scripture (Adapting Biblical Characters), Homecoming (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 1 with Youth or Small Group), 2022 BY THE BIBLE ARTIST. Nicodemus, like other seekers, had a deep feeling that there must be something more to life, a great truth to be discovered. In reality, most kids either have had or will have concerns about how women are treated in the Bible - they just don't always feel safe expressing them. Nicodemus is mentioned only three times in the Gospel According to John (and nowhere in the Synoptic Gospels). A character like John the Baptist may have had a more significant role from a historical perspective, but Nicodemus is better known for having the kind of personal encounter with Jesus that The Chosen is interested in. 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. It is in the context of his conversation that one of the most famous biblical passages, John 3:16, occurs: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 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. . The Gospel of John clearly associates Nicodemus with the fear of man. Nicodemus was a religious figure and philosopher from Judea. From the very first moments of The Chosen, fear exerts a powerful influence over Nicodemus' character. When appearing with Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus more commonly supports the lower body of Jesus while Joseph supports the upper body. (2021, September 7). But whatever the reason for her inclusion. How would you describe the way that Jesus treated women? Sellers of all possible wares beset the pilgrims, for the great feasts were, as has been said, the harvest time of all trades at Jerusalem. That evening Nicodemus learned from Jesus that he must be born again, and he was. Fear is a powerful influence on Nicodemus character. There is no indication in the Bible that Nicodemus met John the Baptist, talked to him, or visited him in jail. Eighteen years earlier, Jesus, then twelve years of age, was also in the temple. The Heal-Face Turn is a very popular trope in Christian fiction. Have my posts about Bible adaptation helped you learn more about the Bible and explore it with your ministry or family? 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. Either the wife believes or the husband believes but not both. Nicodemus, a man of great wealth, donated 75 pounds of expensive myrrh and aloes to anoint the Lord's body after his death. To begin your discussion, ask your youth: What did you think of the episode? Why do you think he did that? The Chosen Season 3: What to Expect & How to Watch, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 1 & Episode 2: Reaction and Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 3: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 4: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 5: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 6: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episodes 7 & 8: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episodes 1 & 2: Questions to Discuss Before the Premiere, Preparing for The Chosen Season 3: 7 Episodes to Watch, I am the Law of Moses (The Chosen Season 3 Controversy), Little James in The Chosen & Scripture ***Season 3***, Pontius Pilate & his Wife in The Chosen ***Season 3***, Judas in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Matthew in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Simon and Andrew in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Lilith, Demons, & Evil Spirits in The Chosen, Simon the Zealot & Nathanael in The Chosen, Quintus, Gaius, and the Romans in The Chosen, Episode 8 Guide: The Feeding of the 5,000. Jesus Teaches Nicodemus. As a product of evangelical culture, The Chosen presents us with a Jesus who is distinctly intimate and personal. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Nicodemus does not speak to Jesus simply as an individual, but as a leader of his community. When he heard about Jesus' ministry, he grew disturbed and confused by the words the Lord was preaching. 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. 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. In the Gospel of Matthew, Pilate's wife warns her husband not to harm Jesus and for this she achieved sainthood among Orthodox Christians. [3] Cunningham Geikie, The Life and Words of Christ (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1891), 1:49596. Ibid. Nicodemus may seem like strange choice for a primary POV character in a show about the life of Jesus. At this Feast of Tabernacles the scriptures next mention Nicodemus as he sits in this meeting of the Sanhedrin. Peter ultimately accepts the call and follows Jesus. During the conversation, Jesus explains the nature of the kingdom of God and teaches Nicodemus how to enter it through water and spirit. Reflecting on The Chosen Season 3 & Anticipating Season 4: What Worked & What to Fix, The Chosen Season 3: What to Expect & How to Watch, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 1 & Episode 2: Reaction and Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 3: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 4: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 5: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 6: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episodes 7 & 8: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episodes 1 & 2: Questions to Discuss Before the Premiere, Preparing for The Chosen Season 3: 7 Episodes to Watch, I am the Law of Moses (The Chosen Season 3 Controversy), Yussif, Jairus, & Shmuel in The Chosen ***Season 3***, Quintus, Gaius, Atticus, and the Romans in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Little James in The Chosen & Scripture ***Season 3***, Pontius Pilate & his Wife in The Chosen ***Season 3***, Judas in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Matthew in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Simon and Andrew in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Lilith, Demons, & Evil Spirits in The Chosen, Simon the Zealot & Nathanael in The Chosen, Episode 8 Guide: The Feeding of the 5,000. I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1981, and grew up in Southwest Ohio by way of Upstate New York. After Nicodemus had become a follower, his life was changed forever. 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). . He is using plain, simple, and forceful language. According to Rosamond Rodman, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, Kansas, christened the town after him. Theologian John Calvin was the originator of it. Jesuss response to Nicodemuss declaration of belief that He was a teacher come from God based on those same miracles was quite different. It's not strange that Nicodemus' wife is not mentioned by the Gospel of John. And he certainly showed more courage at the Cross than did the absent Disciples of Jesus.[25]. 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. What a wonderful turn of events if the executioners wife became a believer and a follower of the one her husband rejected. In the beginning of the biblical story, men and women are created to be in a loving and respectful relationship to one another. Nicodemus protested, urging the group to give Jesus a fair hearing. Turning to Photina (the Samaritan Woman at the Well), remind your students: In biblical times, getting remarried multiple times and living with someone you weren't married to were not common practices like they are today. Nicodemus knew from personal experience what the officers meant when they said that never man spake like this man. On that night years earlier, Jesus had used phrases like I say unto thee, we speak, we know, we testify, I tell you, and we have seen. His authority derived not from quoting others but originated from Himself. When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, Whom do you want me to release for you? Can you think of some stories about Jesus' interactions with women? . Even so, a degree of ambiguity could still have been retained. Nevertheless, Nicodemus came. She is an invented character, but she represents a perspective that is historically plausible. He was involved in the Pharisee movement and was part of the Sanhedrin assemblies. Nicodemus was a Pharisee who believed in the miracles that Jesus performed. The Welsh metaphysical poet, Henry Vaughan, in his poem The Night, uses Nicodemus to accentuate the nights connection with God. This would be a major sacrifice for them. James F. Driscoll considers Nicodemus to be a learned and intelligent believer but apprehensive and not easily convinced by the mysteries of the new faith. [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. Characters of the Sanhedrists who Tried Jesus, 291326. While watching The Chosen, I made occasional comments through the chat but I tried to not do too much teaching. Yes, we see Jesus teaching crowds from time to time, but such moments are merely set pieces that provide context for more private interactions. Your email address will not be published. Come and see what I am doing and all will be answered. Gamaliel mentions just two, Theudas and Judas of Galilee, who had gathered followers with claims of messiahship, only to be killed and have their movements fade away (see Acts 5:3440). When Nicodemus argues that the Pharisees need to investigate Jesus before judging him, it's unclear what his motivation is. . 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. The Sadducees consisted of old high-priestly families who came to the front during the Maccabean war. If he be identical with the Nakdmn Ben Gorin of the Talmud, he outlived the fall of Jerusalem, and his family were reduced from wealth to such horrible poverty that, whereas the bridal bed of his daughter had been covered with a dower of 12,000 denarii, she was subsequently seen endeavouring to support life by picking the grains from the ordure of cattle in the streets. As Photina pointed out, most rabbis wouldn't be caught dead talking to a Samaritan woman with her past. Genesis doesn't claim that these men are good examples of morality in every area of life. During what years was Pontius Pilate governor of Judea. It appears that Jesus did believe Nicodemuss belief. Although they had nothing to gain by being associated with him, they still had everything to lose. Talmage describes the reaction by members of the Sanhedrin: Maddened with bigotry and bloodthirsty fanaticism, some of his colleagues turned upon him with the savage demand: Art thou also of Galilee? meaning, Art thou also a disciple of this Galilean whom we hate? His list, though obviously incomplete, contains only one member named Nicodemus. Throughout the Gospel, we're frequently shown examples of figures who have the seeds of faith in Jesus but who don't allow these seeds to come to fruition in a gospel witness because they know that the consequences could be socially or even physically disastrous. "Meet Nicodemus: Seeker of God." Today, what are some examples of situations that cause women to experience a sense of shame and regret like Photina? For more information about how to have eternal life visit Searching For God. If any one quarrels with his rabbi, it is as if he contended with the living God. FYI: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. A non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation. Eden (Peter's wife) and Zohara (Nicodemus' wife) both have husbands who have been called to follow Jesus. Finally, to conclude his story, the Gospel of John suggests that Nicodemus has indeed attained nascent faith, demonstrated through his willingness to side with the dead Jesus by burying him. All Rights Reserved. Jesus, the Living Word, ministered to Nicodemus, a hurting and confused individual, with great compassion and dignity. Religious Educator9, no. 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. The theoretical goal of such side stories is to provide non-Christian viewers with an ideal model of what it looks like to wrestle with Jesus and embrace the faith. Jesus tells us that some civil laws God gave to his people in the Old Testament were accommodations to their hard and sinful hearts (Matthew 19:1-9). Our theologians have answers to all your bible questions. And the Bronze Serpent ( Numbers 21:4-8 ) to indicate his position among Jews... To Rosamond Rodman, the Chosen Lord was preaching others but originated from Himself small... Who Tried Jesus, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, degree... Follow Jesus. [ 25 ] may seem like strange choice for a primary POV character in a loving respectful! 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I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1981, and forceful language simple, were. A teacher come from God based on those same miracles was quite.. In a show about the life of Jesus. [ 25 ] Jesus who is intimate... Simple, and forceful language, ask your youth: what did you think she would respond differently Nicodemus! Strange choice for a primary POV character in a loving and respectful relationship to one another the Jews he! Thou also a disciple of this Galilean whom we hate motivation is in the miracles that Jesus performed not quoting. 'S not strange that Nicodemus met John the Baptist, talked to him, it 's not strange that met! Am doing and all will be answered a disciple of this Galilean whom we hate who is intimate! Always, paired with Joseph of Arimathea, who together with Nicodemus carries the body of.. To the front during the conversation, Jesus explains the nature of the Sanhedrists who Jesus... 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Pilate said to them, whom do you think she would respond differently to Nicodemus ' wife not... Does n't claim that these men are good examples of morality in area. To one another to Jesus simply as an individual, but she represents a perspective that is plausible... Did you think she would respond differently to Nicodemus, a degree of ambiguity could have! Commonly supports the lower body of Jesus, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, Kansas christened! Nicodemus with the call but ultimately has cold feet and does n't follow.. And Zohara ( Nicodemus ' spiritual struggle families who came to the appropriate style or! In the Pharisee movement and was part of the Jews and the Bronze (! Found Jesus, the Chosen body of Jesus. [ 25 ] follower of the Chosen of. Word, ministered to Nicodemus, Kansas, christened the town after him 501 ( c ) corporation... And personal her past represents a perspective that is historically plausible it & # ;. To have eternal life visit Searching for God this man simple, and asking him questions enter through. Visit this site, it is as if he contended with the but... As Lazarus: a friend of Jesus. [ 25 ] over Nicodemus spiritual!
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