Nicodemus, a man of great wealth, donated 75 pounds of expensive myrrh and aloes to anoint the Lord's body after his death. It is important to note the Gospel of Nicodemus is the earliest source that refers to Claudia Procula. Because of his apparent stature among the Pharisees, it was supposed that he was a member of the Great Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish legislative and judicial court in Jerusalem under Roman rule. This makes these creations examples of acheiropoieta. Although Nicodemus wonders about the probability of being actually reborn from one's mother's womb, most theologians hold the view that Nicodemus was aware that Jesus was not talking about literal rebirth. [26] The name, which seems to have been not uncommon among the Jews . Here we are told that Pilates wife did not come to her husband when he was sitting on the judgment seat during the trial of Jesus Christ. His list, though obviously incomplete, contains only one member named Nicodemus. The only time the New Testament refers to Pontius Pilates wife, Claudia Procula, is found in Matthew 27:19. While watching The Chosen, I made occasional comments through the chat but I tried to not do too much teaching. The Gospel of John does not describe how their conversation ended. 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]. John gives us the account of Nathanael when he asks Philip, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? He is invited to Come and see. Then based on Jesus miraculous description of Nathanael praying, he bears witness, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel (John 1:4649)thus a skeptic becomes a disciple and perhaps even an Apostle. How do you think it might have related back to the way Jesus treated women? Out of a typically evangelical concern for proclaiming accurate theology, the characters jump to the conclusion that Jesus is divine far too quickly. Yes, we see Jesus teaching crowds from time to time, but such moments are merely set pieces that provide context for more private interactions. This would be a major sacrifice for them. 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). He had insights into the law and was willing to take risks in public. Click here for my affiliation policy. Even though the timeline between their relationship remains anonymous, the couple apparently met a while before 2014. 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. Instead of giving us immediate access, The Chosen invites us into the lives of Nicodemus and a diverse array of first century Jews who have their lives turned upside down by their personal encounters with the Messiah. In his first appearance, he is referred to as the Pharisee who has come to see Jesus in the night. . And the thing that happened in between, was Him." 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). 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. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. [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. The first time Nicodemus is mentioned, he is identified as a Pharisee who comes to see Jesus at night. 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. 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. He is also featured prominently in Chapter 19. Although Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret disciples, they were able to associate with Jesus during the last moments of his life. Now, I like the faith vs. fear arc in Nicodemus' character. Finally an angel takes charge of his severed head. 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. At night, when the masses of humanity had settled into whatever places of abode they could find, there might be some hope of privacy. Nicodemus is clearly the perfect candidate for the role of the Heal-Face skeptic in The Chosen. Answer (1 of 2): Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a teacher of Israel, meaning he teaches about Jewish Old Testament Laws and Traditions. The truth is that these carvings were created at least a thousand years after Nicodemus life. Representations of Nicodemus in art tend to focus on his sympathy for Jesus, his identification as a Jew, and his purported social prominence. 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. 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. 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. The final episode between Nicodemus and Jesus is the account of Jesus' burial recorded in John 19:38-42. For the most part, I just clarified who characters were and occasionally I briefly explained a reference or allusion that was confusing to my youth. Claudia Procula What does the Bible say about Pontius Pilates wife? Nicodemus may seem like strange choice for a primary POV character in a show about the life of Jesus. 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]. 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? When the officers returned without Jesus, the chief priests and Pharisees demanded, Why have ye not brought him? (v. 45). You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. [10] James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1963), 159, 16970n7. 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. Now, ever since my Packing Party, in 2010, I'm . She is an invented character, but she represents a perspective that is historically plausible. The failure of his character to follow out of his fear of societal disapproval sets up an interesting plot trajectory for his future development. 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 is a member of the Sanhedrin and was obviously a wealthy man, because he purchased about a hundred pounds of spices to be placed between the folds of the cloth in . . It is hard to imagine that someone in Nicodemuss position could have been ignorant of what was afoot. John describes two distinctly different reactions that Jesus had on this occasion to those who claimed belief based on His miracles. They would be placed inside a new tomb that was reserved for the body of the risen Christ. When he comes forward to beg the body of Jesus, he is portrayed as a good man, and a just man, one who was bold. Nicodemus, on the other hand, though he was earlier the lone voice of protest and provisioned the burial with a gift of royal magnitude, is even on this occasion portrayed as somewhat reluctant, coming forward only after Joseph boldly goes to Pilate. All Rights Reserved. . You might have also noticed discussion of how Photina was a Samaritan and how Jews and Samaritans hated each other. Although they had nothing to gain by being associated with him, they still had everything to lose. "I was one way, and now I am completely different. Shmuel himself is quite evidently ruled by a desire for respect that makes him fearful of the great Nicodemus when he first arrives. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit," Jesus said. Jesus often strongly denounced them for their legalism (see Matthew 23 ). [11], Considering the standing of Nicodemus, and the standing of the people with whom he associated, such as the revered Gamaliel, we expect that Nicodemus was not haphazard in addressing Jesus as Rabbi. Any contribution is greatly appreciated! Jesus is the source of all truth, the meaning of life. Ryan Nicodemus changed his way of life and went The Minimalist, the very last thing people expected from him. In some accounts he is buried with his wife and two children next to the tomb of Jesus - the ultimate martyr's sepulchre. 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. In the first instance, he meets Jesus to converse about the latter's teachings. When he heard about Jesus' ministry, he grew disturbed and confused by the words the Lord was preaching. In the same conversation Nicodemus seeks to understand how a person might be born again after having left a mothers womb. Many a husband and wife today live in this situation. 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). The possibility of seeing the Kingdom of God is also talked about. Either way, it is quite clear that he had significant power in the Sanhedrin. If you liked this post, you might want to check out some of my other posts on The Chosen and Bible adaptation. Nicodemus is shocked that an unknown man would perform miracles and not want the credit. The Bible does not mention Nicodemus' wife. Nicodemus first appears in the Bible in John 3, when he sought out Jesus by night. Nevertheless, Nicodemus came. He is saying plainly that men must believe in him; that he is the Son of God, the Promised Messiah, the Only Begotten of the Father, the One of whom Moses and the prophets testified. 1995. vol. FYI: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In that case, Nicodemus is trying to hide his faith while at the same time secretly supporting his master. Jesus responds with surprise, stating, probably in an ironic manner, that a teacher of Israel does not comprehend the idea of spiritual rebirth. . Though common at the time, the name Nicodemus is not held by anyone else in the New Testament. However, based on what we know of Jewish culture, it's almost certain that Nicodemus was married. (John 3:3, NIV), "How can someone be born when they are old?" It seems clear that Jesus saw Nicodemus as a receptive listener. Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? For he knew that because of envy they had delivered Him up. You can find episode 8 on YouTube, . . 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. The Chosen should allow its characters to embrace faith in Jesus with a more incomplete or tentative understanding of who he actually is. [27] Obviously, there is the possibility that, with the absence of twenty-nine names, one or more individuals with the name of Nicodemus could be among them. 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. No parables are involved; nothing is hidden with imagery or in similitudes. He was involved in the Pharisee movement and was part of the Sanhedrin assemblies. That lone voice was Nicodemuss, he that came to Jesus by night. Only Nicodemus dares to ask, Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? (v. 51). PROUDLY CREATED WITH WIX.COM. 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. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. McClintock and Strong. God doesn't use them because they're good people; God uses them because they trusted his promises. This is a great reminder for us to remember and pray for those who are married to non-Christians. What did you notice about how Jesus interacted with Photina? Have my posts about Bible adaptation helped you learn more about the Bible and explore it with your ministry or family? Season 2 Reflection P1: What is The Chosen Season 2 about? Some of the extra-biblical traditions about Nicodemus are based on conjecture. In visual art, Nicodemus most frequently appears within the context of the deposition and entombment of Jesus after his crucifixion. It is profitable for one man to die to save the whole people. After all, he only shows up in one Gospel (John) and only makes a handful of appearances: the well known "Born Again" conversation (, Nicodemus and Mary Magdalene in The Chosen, Jesus and Nicodemus discuss new birth in The Chosen, The Gospel of John says Nicodemus was a "Pharisee" and a "ruler of the Jews" (, Nicodemus makes three appearances in Scripture, all in the Gospel of John: in the Born Again conversation with Jesus (, There is no explicit indication in the Bible that Jesus asked Nicodemus to follow him. Donations to this ministry aretax-deductible. How would you describe the way that Jesus treated women? 1. Either this was the height of blasphemy or He was the Son of God, the Messiah, or a political time bomb. 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. . Then, about six months before the crucifixion, the Chief Priests and Pharisees attempted to have Jesus arrested for deception. 4. He may have been absent. He publicly defended the Messiah, but was later mysteriously missing. These would have been seen as marks of poor character - that's why Photina had to get water in the hot afternoon instead of going early in the morning when it's cool - the other women looked down on her. 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? Instead, Elliott took to fishing and had already begun angling by the age of 12. Well also examine the consequences of his actions. [20] Faulring, Jackson, and Matthews, Joseph Smiths New Translation of the Bible: Original Manuscripts, 176. 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. FYI: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Nicodemus would not rest until he found the truth. Claudia Procula must have had a difficult time in the days, months and years that followed Jesus death. Brandon Potter as Quintus: a Roman magistrate in Capernaum and the Praetor of Galilee. 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. [8] James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville: Abingdon, 1981), s.v. Because John was known unto the high priest, he seemed to have little trouble gaining access to the palace (see John 18:1516). Come and see what I am doing and all will be answered. 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). Nicodemus was a disciple of Jesus, and believed in his Messiahship. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). . 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 Season 1, Episode 8, Nicodemus turns down the invitation. He brought with him a large amount of spices, including myrrh and aloes. There, according to John 19:39-40, Joseph and Nicodemus took the body and bound it in linen cloths with the spices ( myrrh and aloes) that Nicodemus had brought. In the next few verses, Jesus goes on to explain that without a new birth, a person will not enter the kingdom. Jesus Teaches Nicodemus. Obviously John was no stranger to the high priest and perhaps to others in power. The Franciscan Order built a place of worship named Saints Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Church in Ramla, Israel. . Because evangelicals tend value art primarily as an instrument of evangelism, skeptic conversion side-plots are ubiquitous. Well discuss his motivations, his relationship with Jesus, and how he died and was buried. Peter's decision to follow Jesus is encouraged strongly by Eden. It was a most compromising step for a Sanhedrist to take. [23] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:318. 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). In Chapter Seven, Nicodemus asks his fellow chief priests and Pharisees to carefully listen and examine before passing judgement on Jesus. [14] Scott H. Faulring, Kent P. Jackson, and Robert J. Matthews, eds., Joseph Smiths New Translation of the Bible: Original Manuscripts (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2004), 37172. At Passover time great numbers of Jews camped outside the city proper, but within the limits of a Sabbath days journey.[4]. The terms use receded after the 18th century. In his 1544 Excuse messieurs les Nicodemites, theologian John Calvin wrote that Nicodemus veneration did not excuse him of his duplicity. However, based on what we know of Jewish culture, it's almost certain that Nicodemus was married. The Gospel of John also tells us Nicodemus was among the elite leaders in Jerusalem (John 7:45-52) and describes Nicodemus bringing an extremely expensive 75 pounds of spices to Jesus' burial (John 19:39). Nicodemus protested, urging the group to give Jesus a fair hearing. When Genesis depicts unhealthy and unfair relationships between men and women, it's not saying that's okay. Your email address will not be published. [17] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:316. to entrust, . We know from John 3 that Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to Jesus at night with a question. [24] Frederic W. Farrar, The Life of Christ (New York: E. P. Dutton, 1874), 2:42829. When appearing with Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus more commonly supports the lower body of Jesus while Joseph supports the upper body. In Michelangelos sculpture of the entombment, Nicodemus is assisted by the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, rather than Joseph of Arimathea. (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.
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