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. Because evangelicals tend value art primarily as an instrument of evangelism, skeptic conversion side-plots are ubiquitous. From the very first moments of The Chosen, fear exerts a powerful influence over Nicodemus' character. When he first sought out Jesus, Nicodemus went at night, so no one would see him. The traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church hold that their relics were housed and venerated together in the 5th century, along with those of St. Stephen the martyr. As part of the Talmudic evidence, Robinson recounts the story of Nakdimon ben Gurions purported miracle. 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. Shmuel himself is quite evidently ruled by a desire for respect that makes him fearful of the great Nicodemus when he first arrives. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!" In visual art, Nicodemus most frequently appears within the context of the deposition and entombment of Jesus after his crucifixion. 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. . He knew he was not alone among members of the Sanhedrin in his belief in Christ. 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. Episode 7 Guide: Did Nicodemus Follow Jesus? I offer my work for free and rely on the generous support of readers like you. Nicodemus is a model of faith and courage for all Christians to follow. His list, though obviously incomplete, contains only one member named Nicodemus. First, John calls attention to how Nicodemus' meeting with Jesus is at night (i.e. 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. At Passover time great numbers of Jews camped outside the city proper, but within the limits of a Sabbath days journey.[4]. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit," Jesus said. There are two sources of information, Josephus and the Babylonian Talmud (Priority of John, 284). Answer (1 of 2): Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a teacher of Israel, meaning he teaches about Jewish Old Testament Laws and Traditions. He referred to Jesus as a man of God and sought to investigate his character. 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. Typically the Bible only mentions figures who play a role in the narrative or who were well-known among the followers of Jesus. when it wouldn't be noticed). In his first appearance, he is referred to as the Pharisee who has come to see Jesus in the night. After men and women sin, their relational intimacy is broken and they're warned that conflict and power struggles will become the new normal in how they relate to each other (Genesis 3:16). Nicodemus appears to be afraid of losing his comfort and his place of respect in Jewish society. Composed in 1715, its libretto was written by the court poet in Weimar, Salomo Franck. [Nicodemus] became a professed disciple of Christ, and received baptism from Peter and John; that the Jews then stripped him of his office, beat him, and drove him from Jerusalem; that his kinsman Gamaliel received and sheltered him in his country house till death, and finally gave him honourable burial near the body of St. Stephen. The 40 Days with Jesus series helps readers connect the events of The Chosen with Scripture and their own everyday lives. 3 (2008): 4962. This amount of spice was enough to fittingly bury royalty, signaling that Nicodemus had recognized Jesus as King. 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. In this account Nicodemus joins with Joseph of Arimathea to wrap the body in a large quantity of burial spices and then place it in the new sepulcher. Just think Claudia Procula was the first one we know of who was unequally yoked. The Bible does not mention Nicodemus' wife. Early traditions of the Roman imperial church, which held Nicodemus in high esteem, and apocryphal biblical literature both offer detail that informs the modern reception of Nicodemuss identity and biography. Spiritual & Religious Leaders Nicodemus, like other seekers, had a deep feeling that there must be something more to life, a great truth to be discovered. . [30] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:319; emphasis added. 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. [26] The question arises as to whether the biblical and Talmudic figures could be the same individual. It would seem that Nicodemus, if his visit was indeed an act of cowardice, was nevertheless the bravest of his associates. 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). What stuck out to you? . Nicodemus does not speak to Jesus simply as an individual, but as a leader of his community. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. Part 1, Chapter 4 (second Greek form). Season 2 Reflection P2: What was The Chosen Season 2 about? [23] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:318. Although they had nothing to gain by being associated with him, they still had everything to lose. Nicodemus is clearly the perfect candidate for the role of the Heal-Face skeptic in The Chosen. It is the fear of Rome that causes Nicodemus to abuse his role as an esteemed teacher and serve Roman interests. How so? 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 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. He received the credits for carving both the Holy Face of Lucca and the Batll Crucifix, apparently with angelic help. 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. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/nicodemus-seeker-of-god-701080. In spite of the loathing the Sanhedrin had for this Galilean and their determination to arrest, condemn, and put Him to death, Nicodemuss defense of Jesus in that setting is characterized by some authors as cautious and as a voice of mild protest. Being a Pharisee himself and a member of that esteemed council, he probably would have been privy to their planning. Other Pharisees argue that no prophet could hail from Galilee. God doesn't use them because they're good people; God uses them because they trusted his promises. Because Nicodemus was a wealthy man, he would have had plenty of people to assist him. Known for: Nicodemus was a leading Pharisee and well-recognized religious leader of the Jewish people. There is no explicit indication in the Bible that Jesus asked Nicodemus to follow him. When Nicodemus found Jesus, the Lord recognized his pressing need. [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. Genesis doesn't claim that these men are good examples of morality in every area of life. The Heal-Face Turn is a very popular trope in Christian fiction. On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus finally made His appearance. The Gospel According to John differs from the other canonical Gospels in its emphasis on the mystical theology surrounding the divine incarnation of Jesus. Fear also plays an important role in the conversations that Nicodemus has with his wife. The Gospel of John says Nicodemus was a "Pharisee" and a "ruler of the Jews" (John 3:1). In The Chosen, Nicodemus is played by Erick Avari. Over time, however, as Shmuel and Nicodemus part ways theologically, the students begins to leverage the fear of his teacher to his own advantage. However, based on what we know of Jewish culture, it's almost certain that Nicodemus was married. Nicodemus last appears in the Bible after the death of Jesus. If these accounts are true, God used these events to bring her to Jesus and have eternal life. John says that many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. (John 3:3, NIV), "How can someone be born when they are old?" Would those other believers, some of the we spoken of in his interview with Jesus, follow his lead in as innocuous defense as a point of order? [35] Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 1:381n1. 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. Learn Religions, Sep. 7, 2021, learnreligions.com/nicodemus-seeker-of-god-701080. He had a wife who had become accustomed to the stable, secure, and beautiful life his position afforded. 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. An opportunity to have that personal conversation with Jesus in or around Jerusalem during Passover would likely have been available only at night especially after the very public cleansing of the temple. [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. I found this to be a very affecting moment. Joseph and Nicodemus were the only two who saw the body of Jesus before it was wrapped, but the women didnt see Nicodemus. 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. He is typically, but not always, paired with Joseph of Arimathea, who together with Nicodemus carries the body of Jesus. The failure of his character to follow out of his fear of societal disapproval sets up an interesting plot trajectory for his future development. In the Bible, it isn't completely clear when Nicodemus began to follow Jesus, if he did at all. 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). Click here for my affiliation policy. Finally an angel takes charge of his severed head. There's also a lot of fear at work in the back and forth conflict that Nicodemus has with Shmuel. and all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers (Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:4647). Your contributions mean so much. Our theologians have answers to all your bible questions. In The Chosen, Nicodemus has a wife named Zohara. [1] Merrill C. Tenny and Steven Barabas, eds., The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1975), s.v. Nicodemus would not rest until he found the truth. The Gospel of Nicodemus. The planning to kill Jesus had begun a year and a half earlier in reaction to His healing a man on the Sabbath (see John 5:216). They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Required fields are marked *. 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). 2, appendix I. [13] The New Interpreters Bible (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), 9:549; see also McConkie, Mortal Messiah, 1:471; Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 159. 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). Nicodemus struggles with the call but ultimately has cold feet and doesn't follow Jesus. Nicodemus is destined to be a great scholar of Jewish law from a young age. is doubtless, like so many Jewish names at this period, derived from the Greek. There is a rumor that Pilates wife was the woman named Claudia in 2 Timothy 4:21, but there is no solid proof of the claim. The truth is that these carvings were created at least a thousand years after Nicodemus life. This is even true when the men are major biblical characters like Abraham or Jacob. [11] Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1971), 1:381. Jesus often strongly denounced them for their legalism (see Matthew 23 ). In 1937, Ernst Pepping wrote an Evangelienmotette (motet on gospel text), titled Jesus und Nikodemus. . It's unlikely Nicodemus ever physically followed Jesus in his travels. We are not given the end of their initial conversation (John 3:1-21), and so we don't know how Nicodemus ultimately responded to Jesus' teaching. The dream must have been a bad dream for the Greek, pascho polys, states that she suffered great pain during the dream. Why do you think that might have been? 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