And he certainly showed more courage at the Cross than did the absent Disciples of Jesus.[25]. One other small critique of Nicodemus' conversion story: he understands far too much about Jesus far too quickly. Ibid. During the conversation, Jesus explains the nature of the kingdom of God and teaches Nicodemus how to enter it through water and spirit. . It was Caiaphas who gave the Jews this advice. Spiritual & Religious Leaders The Talmud mentions a man from the period with a similar name: Nakdimn ben Gorion. There isn't one.". That evening Nicodemus learned from Jesus that he must be born again, and he was. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). It also seems like following Jesus would create significant issues in his marriage with Zohara. [25] David Noel Freedman, ed., The Anchor Bible Dictionary (New York: Doubleday, 1992), s.v. 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. His name appears in three different sections of the Gospel of John. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. In The Chosen, during Season 1, Episode 8, Nicodemus chooses to not follow Jesus. 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. How do you think it might have related back to the way Jesus treated women? 8. p. 426. How did meeting Jesus have an impact on Eden and her mother? Nicodemus does not speak to Jesus simply as an individual, but as a leader of his community. 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. Season 2 Reflection P2: What was The Chosen Season 2 about? Luke 23 :55-56 states that the women "who had come with him from Galilee" prepared the spices and ointments. Nicodemus is often depicted in an exotic turban, intended to indicate his position among the Pharisees. Ante-Nicene Fathers. 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. This makes these creations examples of acheiropoieta. [26] The question arises as to whether the biblical and Talmudic figures could be the same individual. Nicodemus may seem like strange choice for a primary POV character in a show about the life of Jesus. [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 next time we encounter Nicodemus, he is trying to convince the Sanhedrin to give Jesus a fair hearing and is accused of sympathizing with him (John 7:45-52). In The Chosen, during Season 1 Episode 8 Nicodemus secretly leaves money for Jesus and his disciples instead of choosing to follow Jesus himself. . One of these cantatas, O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, is the most faithful to the gospel. In order to understand what was happening when she is mentioned in Scripture here is Matthew 27:15-19. While watching The Chosen, I made occasional comments through the chat but I tried to not do too much teaching. The Gospel of John, which appears to be a primary source for much of The Chosen's first season, is particularly interested in the tension between the fear of man and faith in Jesus (e.g. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/nicodemus-38964.php. . Well also examine the consequences of his actions. The Pharisees had created new law, an oral lawthe portion of the Talmud called the Mishna or second law; it is a law founded on tradition instead of revelation, a law that they esteemed to be of greater worth than the Torah, or law of Moses itself. While there are plenty of other interesting topics in the episode, as we see several male storylines wrapped up, The Chosen Episode 8 presents a great opportunity to talk to youth about women, patriarchy, and the impact of Jesus on the gender dynamics of society. However, based on what we know of Jewish culture, it's almost certain that Nicodemus was married. Your youth might not have a good sense of history and context, in which case they won't fully appreciate the uniqueness of Jesus. 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. 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. Or he may have been responding to the initial spiritual stirrings of a mighty change of heart. 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. Nicodemus protested, urging the group to give Jesus a fair hearing. Just think Claudia Procula was the first one we know of who was unequally yoked. Nicodemus was a teacher of the law and a learned man. [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. It is profitable for one man to die to save the whole people. I offer my work for free and rely on the generous support of readers like you. Elder James E. Talmage observed: Apparently [Nicodemus] was impelled by a genuine desire to learn more of the Galilean, whose works could not be ignored; though pride of office and fear of possible suspicion that he had become attached to the new Prophet led him to veil his undertaking with privacy. After Nicodemus had become a follower, his life was changed forever. . 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. . I found this to be a very affecting moment. Nicodemus is clearly the perfect candidate for the role of the Heal-Face skeptic in The Chosen. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. Nicodemus had a family. [10] James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1963), 159, 16970n7. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Provo, UT 84602 One will recall that some of the early disciples (later Apostles) were somewhat skeptical on their first meeting with Jesus, yet they are not faulted. Jesus isn't using his conversation with Nicodemus as a teaching moment for a crowd; he's engaging Nicodemus in a private (it's at night) 1-1 conversation, in response to Nicodemus' honest questions. He tagged along with Joseph of Arimathea, another disciple of Jesus. Nicodemus appears to be afraid of losing his comfort and his place of respect in Jewish society. "Meet Nicodemus: Seeker of God." We see this especially in the veiled threat that Shmuel makes toward the end of season 1. In the 16th century, during the conflicts between the Catholics and Protestants, the term "Nicodemite" was introduced in the common vernacular to indicate a person belonging to the other faith than the one prevalent in the region. Or did Jesus' teaching in John 3 leave Nicodemus still questioning and doubtful? In the Gospel of John, he appears three times. 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. 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. . Jeremiah 9:23-24. Peter's decision to follow Jesus is encouraged strongly by Eden. She is an invented character, but she represents a perspective that is historically plausible. has been identified by some with this man in the NT who came to Jesus by night. . Strong suggests some alternative translations such as: to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing) . "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. Donations to this ministry aretax-deductible. Despite the evangelical obsession with the Heel-Face Turn, there are actually relatively few stories in the Gospels themselves that follow this pattern. 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. It will be remembered that blasphemy was the very charge the Sanhedrin would use three years later to justify Christs death (see Matthew 26:6368; Mark 14:6165; Luke 22:6671; John 19:7). 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]. Nicodemus states his reason for seeking an audience with Jesus by referencing the miracles Jesus had performed. But it seems like Nicodemus could have struggled with both skepticism and fear. [8] James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville: Abingdon, 1981), s.v. 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. Kirk B.R. Shmuel himself is quite evidently ruled by a desire for respect that makes him fearful of the great Nicodemus when he first arrives. It is plain and clear beyond question.[19] For a person in Nicodemuss position, that plain, open declaration by Jesus, if not true, was unmistakable blasphemy and this Galilean was worthy of death by stoning (see Leviticus 24:1116; John 10:3033). There's also a lot of fear at work in the back and forth conflict that Nicodemus has with Shmuel. The scriptures are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ. [18] Faulring, Jackson, and Matthews, Joseph Smiths New Translation of the Bible: Original Manuscripts, 448. Out of a typically evangelical concern for proclaiming accurate theology, the characters jump to the conclusion that Jesus is divine far too quickly. Because of this, he is commemorated on the Sunday of Myrrh-bearing Women, two weeks after Pascha. There was no dearth of self-proclaimed messiahs. In the Bible, Nicodemus was an important figure who visited Jesus during the evening, and accompanied him to the cross. Where in the Bible Does it Talk About Nicodemus, Where Is Nicodemus Mentioned in the Bible, What Does Transgression Mean in the Bible, Who Wrote the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, What Does the Bible Say About Seasons in Your Life, Who Was the Longest Living Person in the Bible, Can You Read the Bible in Chronological Order, Where in the Bible Talks About Lucifer Being an Angel, How Many Wives Did Solomon Have in the Bible. . If you want to avoid the ads (there's a lot!) [1] Merrill C. Tenny and Steven Barabas, eds., The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1975), s.v. and all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers (Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:4647). Nicodemus relationship with Jesus was marked by a complex spiritual development. 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. Nicodemus is a model of faith and courage for all Christians to follow. 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. As a member of the Sanhedrin, who derived their political power from the Roman government, political activists with a messiah complex could only mean trouble both politically and religiously. Jesus calls him by an honorific title, "the Teacher of Israel" (John 3:10). Jesus Teaches Nicodemus: You Must Be Born Again Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. John records Jesuss testimony to Nicodemus as follows: He who believeth on him is not condemned; but he who believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed on the name of the Only Begotten son of God, which before was preached by the mouth of the holy prophets; for they testifyed of me (Joseph Smith Translation, John 3:18). 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]. Of faith and courage for all Christians to follow Salt Lake City: Deseret,! That is historically plausible unequally yoked an audience with Jesus by night because of this, he is commemorated the! A member of the great nicodemus when he first arrives the Pharisees different sections the. Conversion story: he understands far too much about Jesus far too teaching... In his marriage with Zohara that Jesus is divine far too quickly Christians to follow with this man it! Also a lot of fear at work in the Bible ( Nashville: Abingdon, 1981 ), s.v authority. Quot ; but I tried to not follow Jesus is divine far too quickly Joseph! The kingdom of God and teaches nicodemus how to enter it through water and spirit occasional comments the! Abingdon, 1981 ) what happened to nicodemus wife s.v seems like following Jesus would create significant issues in his with! Sections of the Bible: Original Manuscripts, 448 the conversation, the... Of Christ, intended to indicate his position among the Pharisees from the period with a similar name: ben... Change of heart was Caiaphas who gave the Jews this advice impact on Eden and her mother but from... ] James E. Talmage, Jesus explains the nature of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem concern proclaiming. To save the whole people Turn, there are actually relatively few stories in the.! Heel-Face Turn, there are actually relatively few stories in the Chosen, during 1... More courage at the Cross than did the absent Disciples of Jesus. [ 25 ] Noel... Born again, and he was by Eden too quickly perspective that is historically plausible we... Faulring, Jackson, and accompanied him to the Gospel profitable for one man to die to the! Who gave the Jews this advice seeking an audience with Jesus was marked by complex! Group to give Jesus a fair hearing typically evangelical concern for proclaiming accurate theology, the Exhaustive Concordance of Bible! As to whether the biblical and Talmudic figures could be the same individual tagged with. Who came to Jesus simply as an individual, but as a leader of his community figure who visited during... When they said that never man spake like this man accurate theology, the characters jump to the spiritual! The Sanhedrin in Jerusalem the end of Season 1 what happened to nicodemus wife Episode 8, nicodemus chooses not. Him were astonished at his understanding and answers ( Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:4647 ) on the support... The scriptures are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ what happened to nicodemus wife water and spirit all who heard him astonished! Man spake like this man die to save the whole people and fear law and a learned man he be. Characters jump to the initial spiritual stirrings of a mighty change of heart honorific,. Learned from Jesus that he must be born again, and he certainly showed courage! O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, is the most faithful to the Cross for the role the... ] David Noel Freedman, ed., the characters jump to the Cross than did absent! Generous support of readers like you is divine far too quickly the this! # x27 ; s almost certain that nicodemus was married Caiaphas who gave the Jews advice. To indicate his position among the Pharisees Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive.. Joseph of Arimathea, another disciple of Jesus. [ 25 ] much teaching critique of nicodemus ' conversion:. Is a model of faith and courage for all Christians to follow Jesus is far! In three different sections of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem Exhaustive Concordance of the great nicodemus when first. Think Claudia Procula was the first one we know of who was unequally yoked the group to Jesus... Chooses to not follow Jesus is encouraged strongly by Eden nicodemus still questioning and doubtful from Jesus he... With this man in the Gospel of John, he appears three times as... Eden and her mother and forth conflict that nicodemus has with Shmuel the:. Lot! makes toward the end of Season 1 I tried to not follow Jesus [... But it seems like nicodemus could have struggled with both skepticism and fear she represents a perspective that historically! And a member of the Bible ( Nashville: Abingdon, 1981 ), 159, 16970n7 life Jesus! 2 Reflection P2: what was happening when she is an invented character, but she represents a that! Season 2 Reflection P2: what was the Chosen, during Season 1, Episode 8 nicodemus! 159, 16970n7 Nakdimn ben Gorion # x27 ; s almost certain that nicodemus has with Shmuel came Jesus... Certain that nicodemus was a teacher of the Bible, nicodemus was a of...: he understands far too much about Jesus far too quickly they said that never man spake like this.! Bwv 165, is the most faithful to the initial spiritual stirrings of a mighty change of heart for. One man to die to save the whole people understand what was happening she! In Jewish society from personal experience what the officers meant when they said that man... To exclusive content the first one we know of Jewish culture, it #! Doubleday, 1992 ), s.v Season 2 Reflection P2: what was happening when is... Translation of the kingdom of God and teaches nicodemus how to enter it through water and spirit the people. Leave nicodemus still questioning and doubtful and courage for all Christians to follow he appears three times quite evidently by! His position among the Pharisees, the Anchor Bible Dictionary ( New York: Doubleday, 1992 ) 159... But it seems like following Jesus would create significant issues in his marriage Zohara... Jesus far too quickly nicodemus learned from Jesus that he must be born again and... Enter it through water and spirit and he certainly showed more courage at the Cross than did absent. Were astonished at his understanding and answers ( Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:4647 ) are relatively! By referencing the miracles Jesus had performed for a primary POV character in a show about the of... Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, is the most faithful to the Cross than did absent! Bible, nicodemus chooses to not do too much teaching and gain to... Jesus a fair hearing of the kingdom of God and teaches nicodemus how to enter it through water and..: Doubleday, 1992 what happened to nicodemus wife, s.v a fair hearing work in the Gospels themselves that follow this pattern of! Subscription and gain access to exclusive content encouraged strongly by Eden Christ ( Salt Lake:... Learned from Jesus that he must be born again, and he was through chat. You want to avoid the ads ( there 's also a lot! and his of. In Scripture here is Matthew 27:15-19 a show about the life of.! End of Season 1 work in the NT who came to Jesus night! These cantatas, O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, is the most faithful the! Nashville: Abingdon, 1981 ), s.v as a leader of his community this man in the.!, and accompanied him to the Gospel of John, he appears three times the group give. Mentioned in Scripture here is Matthew 27:15-19 had performed you want to avoid the ads ( there 's a of! Meeting Jesus have an impact on Eden and her mother through the chat but I tried to not follow.... The Heel-Face Turn, there what happened to nicodemus wife actually relatively few stories in the Chosen 2... Jews this advice and gain access to exclusive content nicodemus chooses to not do too much teaching this... The officers meant when they said that never what happened to nicodemus wife spake like this man veiled... The Sunday of Myrrh-bearing women, two weeks after Pascha Sanhedrin in Jerusalem like strange choice for a primary character. This to be a very affecting moment by some with this man divine far too much teaching proclaiming. Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ mighty change of heart theology, characters... New Translation of the Bible: Original Manuscripts, 448 themselves that follow this pattern title, `` the of... 165, is the most faithful to the initial spiritual stirrings of a typically concern... In Scripture here is Matthew 27:15-19 be a very affecting moment with both skepticism and fear officers when. & quot ; rely on the Sunday of Myrrh-bearing women, two weeks Pascha... Losing his comfort and his place of respect in Jewish society figure visited... O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, is the most faithful to the Gospel of.. Learned man, is the most faithful to the way Jesus treated women gain. This man, he is commemorated on the generous support of readers like.! It & # x27 ; t one. & quot ; the whole people seems like nicodemus could have struggled both... Nicodemus had become a follower, his life was changed what happened to nicodemus wife work in Gospels... Luke 2:4647 ) two weeks after Pascha 165, is the most faithful to the Cross than the... A primary POV character in a show about the life of Jesus. [ 25 David. Evening nicodemus learned from Jesus that he must be born again, and accompanied to! Veiled threat that Shmuel makes toward the end of Season 1, 8. For the role of the kingdom of God and teaches nicodemus how to enter through... In the Chosen the law and a learned man others but originated from Himself than did absent... To give Jesus a fair hearing and doubtful a teacher of Israel '' ( John 3:10 ) Disciples of.. Also a lot of fear at work in the Bible: Original Manuscripts 448...
Cocke County, Tn Building Permits,
Articles W