Nicodemus is one of the few in-betweeners present in the Gospels. 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. The Gospel According to John identifies him as a Pharisee, a leader of the Jews, and a teacher of Israel and portrays him in discussion with the chief priests on Jesus fate. Like the tale of Lazarus, Nicodemus is not part of the tradition of the Synoptic Gospels. This makes these creations examples of acheiropoieta. Nicodemus speaks to Jesus in the first-person plural (we know). Claudia Procula What does the Bible say about Pontius Pilates wife? The Copts and Christians of . Why do you think he did that? Part 1, Chapter 4 (second Greek form). 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. However, the portrayal of him in the Gospel is generally positive. The scriptures are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ. In The Chosen, during Season 1, Episode 8, Nicodemus chooses to not follow Jesus. In Michelangelos sculpture of the entombment, Nicodemus is assisted by the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, rather than Joseph of Arimathea. He was a Pharisee who was attracted to Jesus' character and miracles. Then John shows Nicodemus timidly defending Jesus before the Sanhedrin. Grant Building The Gospel of John does not describe how their conversation ended. The Franciscan Order built a place of worship named Saints Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Church in Ramla, Israel. If so, the interview may well have taken place in the guest chamber on the roof, which would have been accessible via outside stairs.[5] If Elder McConkie is correct, it may have been fairly easy for an official with standing and influence in Jerusalem like Nicodemus to find Jesus, who was staying with an apparently well-known and well-connected John. Why do you think Photina sometimes responded a little harshly to Jesus? 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), Reflecting on The Chosen Season 3 & Anticipating Season 4: What Worked & What to Fix, 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 protested, urging the group to give Jesus a fair hearing. Nicodemus is described in John 3:1 as a Pharisee and a member of the powerful Jewish high council called the Sanhedrin. 185 Heber J. He knew he was not alone among members of the Sanhedrin in his belief in Christ. The Gospel of John clearly associates Nicodemus with the fear of man. In order to understand what was happening when she is mentioned in Scripture here is Matthew 27:15-19. p. 417. . 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 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. [20] Nicodemus had personally heard Jesus say in unmistakable language that He was the Only Begotten of the Father, the Son of God. John 7:13; 9:22; 12:42; 19:38; 20:19). 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. After all, there are plenty of other minor characters in the biblical accounts that are arguably more significant in the story of Jesus. Nicodemus makes three appearances in Scripture, all in the Gospel of John: in the Born Again conversation with Jesus (John 3:1-21), in a debate among the Jewish leaders (John 7:45-52), and at the burial of Jesus (John 19:38-42). There is no indication in the Bible that Nicodemus met John the Baptist, talked to him, or visited him in jail. It is important to note the Gospel of Nicodemus is the earliest source that refers to Claudia Procula. "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." v14-15. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicodemus. They denied the evidence of Jesus' deity. Apparently Jesuss measure of the man, though Nicodemus came by night, was different from the masses who professed belief based on the same evidence. Among the most influential representations of Nicodemus is that in the apocryphal Acts of Pilate, a 4th/5th-century work that expounds on the sentencing and crucifixion of Jesus. I realize asking these questions might feel like opening up a can of worms. The problem would be to locate this one person among the millions in and around Jerusalem. Nicodemus is destined to be a great scholar of Jewish law from a young age. This led the scholars to believe that Nicodemus was likely a wealthy man. What stuck out to you? In The Chosen, Nicodemus is played by Erick Avari. His noble position is more clearly marked in the Greek version.[23]. When Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus and Joseph were present. While in Jerusalem he chased the moneychangers from the temple and overturned their tables. Jesus calls him by an honorific title, "the Teacher of Israel" (John 3:10). Jeremiah 9:23-24. He had a daughter who had just given birth to a new grandson who he had not met. Eighteen years earlier, Jesus, then twelve years of age, was also in the temple. 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. 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. With Jesuss public challenge to the Jewish aristocracy in cleansing the temple, with so little known about the man and his intentions, with other messiah figures having come and gone, caution could be seen as a wise approach, especially for a person of position. Two and one-half years after Nicodemuss visit, Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. 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.. If you want to avoid the ads (there's a lot!) It also seems like following Jesus would create significant issues in his marriage with Zohara. What do you think Jesus' heart is for women in these situations? "I was one way, and now I am completely different. 801-422-6975. 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. Theologian John Calvin was the originator of it. 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. The Bible does not mention Nicodemus' wife. 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. Today, what are some examples of situations that cause women to experience a sense of shame and regret like Photina? What would it look like for us as a community to demonstrate this? 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. John continues, Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught (v. 14). Sidney R. Sandstrom, "Nocodemus: Coward or Convert?" 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? According to the Bible, Jesus was strongly opposed by the Pharisees, a group of Jewish scribes who followed the letter of the law. In his final appearance, Nicodemus aids Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus, in Jesus' burial, at great expense (John 19:38-42). Other traditions are hagiographical, intended to clarify his acceptance of Jesus teachings. In The Chosen, Nicodemus has a wife named Zohara. Answer All that we know of Nicodemus in the Bible is from the Gospel of John. What did you discover about Jesus' heart for women who have had a past filled with shame and regret? She is an invented character, but she represents a perspective that is historically plausible. 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). Nicodemus, whose name means "innocent of blood," stood up for Jesus when the Pharisees were conspiring against him: Nicodemus was intelligent and inquiring. . 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. After the Crucifixion, he acted as one of the Holy Myrrhbearers. God doesn't use them because they're good people; God uses them because they trusted his promises. Nicodemus first appears in the Bible in John chapter 3 when he desires to know more about Jesus and His teachings. He brought with him a large amount of spices, including myrrh and aloes. . So what does Nicodemus have that John doesn't? Jesus and the disciples did not agree with them, and this group of people was a major opposition to Him and His ministry. Over time, however, as Shmuel and Nicodemus part ways theologically, the students begins to leverage the fear of his teacher to his own advantage. He tagged along with Joseph of Arimathea, another disciple of Jesus. [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. After all, they reasoned, Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? (v. 48). Adam Zeidan is an Associate Editor, having joined. That is, all that the Bible says about her. However, Yussif, a Pharisee that is interested in Jesus, writes a letter to Nicodemus about Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. 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). 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. Nicodemus last appears in the Bible after the death of Jesus. [10] James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1963), 159, 16970n7. 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). Potters pressed on the pilgrims their clay dishes and ovens for the Passover Lamb; hundreds of traders recommended their wares aloud; shops for wine, oil, salt, and all else needed for sacrifices, invited customers, and, in addition, persons going across the city, with all kinds of burdens, shortened their journey by crossing the Temple grounds. Well discuss his motivations, his relationship with Jesus, and how he died and was buried. Hopefully these questions will prove helpful as you watch episode 8 of The Chosen with your youth group. At night, when the masses of humanity had settled into whatever places of abode they could find, there might be some hope of privacy. 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. Nicodemus, like other seekers, had a deep feeling that there must be something more to life, a great truth to be discovered. According to Rosamond Rodman, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, Kansas, christened the town after him. Season 2 Reflection P1: What is The Chosen Season 2 about? 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. Episode 8 returns Season One of The Chosen back to where it began, with a storyline that features female characters in much more prominent roles and explores the effect that Jesus' ministry brought to women in a variety of situations. (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. When his wife becomes terminally ill, Nicodemus seeks out Jesus, a radical teacher rumored to heal the sick. According to the scripture, Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. But we cannot be sure it is true since scripture speaks truth but we cannot be confident about other sources of antiquity. He was, for example (1) a Pharisee, (2) a member of the Sanhedrin, (3) wealthy, and (4) one of whom it was known that his attachment to Christ was great.. John does tell us that he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). As part of the Talmudic evidence, Robinson recounts the story of Nakdimon ben Gurions purported miracle. . is doubtless, like so many Jewish names at this period, derived from the Greek. They feared the result in loss of popularity and standing. . Is there more information on Pontius Pilate's wife, Claudia, besides her dream and the fact that she told Pilate not to sentence Jesus to death? 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. I've condensed the lesson into an easily printable pdf below. Add an RSC shortcut to this device's Homescreen, In the menu, scroll past any icons and tap. John says that many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. Your email address will not be published. [14] We know from Walter M. Chandlers research that some of the members of the Sanhedrin served many years. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. . If the two be one, then perhaps because of Nicodemuss previous personal experience with miracles, he was drawn to One who was reputed to be able to perform miracles. 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. Nicodemus is one of the few Pharisees who believed in Jesus. Ibid. Though common at the time, the name Nicodemus is not held by anyone else in the New Testament. [13] The New Interpreters Bible (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), 9:549; see also McConkie, Mortal Messiah, 1:471; Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 159. Jesus counseled Nicodemus personally and privately. At Passover time great numbers of Jews camped outside the city proper, but within the limits of a Sabbath days journey.[4]. 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