In some depictions, such as Filippino Lippis Piet, he is the lone figure bearing the body, flanked by two angels. In The Chosen, Nicodemus has a wife named Zohara. [9] The Revised Standard Version (RSV), the New English Bible (NEB), the Jerusalem Bible (JB), and the New International Version (NIV) all translate pisteuo as trust. The New American Standard Bible (NAS) translates pisteuo as entrusting (Strong, Key-Word Comparison, 157). Nicodemus was not the only one who sought a private audience with Christ. How do you think it might have related back to the way Jesus treated women? I've condensed the lesson into an easily printable pdf below. Because evangelicals tend value art primarily as an instrument of evangelism, skeptic conversion side-plots are ubiquitous. By contrast, the Gospels suggest that the process of understanding Jesus' full identity was gradual and progressive for the disciples. According to the Bible, Jesus was strongly opposed by the Pharisees, a group of Jewish scribes who followed the letter of the law. According to theologian Charles Ellicott, following the methods of Rabbinic dialogue, Nicodemus stresses on the improbable meaning of the words to bring out the real meaning. February 8, 2022 New Testament mirabela Caiaphas was the high priest, considered the wisest of Jesus' time. Nicodemus is destined to be a great scholar of Jewish law from a young age. 801-422-6975. Modern evangelical culture has a particularly strong attachment to the idea of a personal relationship with God. [5] McConkie, Mortal Messiah, 1:471. Out of a typically evangelical concern for proclaiming accurate theology, the characters jump to the conclusion that Jesus is divine far too quickly. The scriptures are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ. When Nicodemus argues that the Pharisees need to investigate Jesus before judging him, it's unclear what his motivation is. Nicodemus speaks to Jesus in the first-person plural (we know). But we cannot be sure it is true since scripture speaks truth but we cannot be confident about other sources of antiquity. Nicodemus in The Chosen (Adapting Biblical Characters), Nicodemus may seem like strange choice for a primary POV character in a show about the life of Jesus. The Gospel of John mentions only a few facts about Nicodemus, but we do know that he was a Pharisee. [26] The question arises as to whether the biblical and Talmudic figures could be the same individual. The Talmud mentions a man from the period with a similar name: Nakdimn ben Gorion. The measure of the man should not be taken when he enters the door but rather when he leaves. For example, some traditions relate that he was ostracized by the Pharisees for his Christian sympathies. How so? Nicodemus protested, urging the group to give Jesus a fair hearing. In 1937, Ernst Pepping wrote an Evangelienmotette (motet on gospel text), titled Jesus und Nikodemus. Even if there were more than one member of the Sanhedrin with the name Nicodemus who were both Pharisees and wealthy, how many of them were also believers in Christ? When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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). 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. 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.. It seems like no accident, then, that the kinds of Jesus stories that The Chosen takes interest in are personal encounters. Jesus Teaches Nicodemus. She urges him to bring her back to their old life, and this seems to be one of the main pressures that prevents him from pursuing Jesus. Joseph and Nicodemus were the only two who saw the body of Jesus before it was wrapped, but the women didnt see Nicodemus. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. And that's it for our exploration of The Chosen Season 1 with youth! Nicodemus had a family. What follow is a summary of what the Bible states and what is available from sources outside the Bible. On that occasion, He sat in the midst of the Doctors, and they were hearing him, and asking him questions. But Jesus wasn't like most rabbis. Cyclopedia of Biblical Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature. Nicodemus has not been identified with any known historical figure, in part because of the lack of information regarding his identity in the Gospel According to John. "Meet Nicodemus: Seeker of God." (John 3:3, NIV), "How can someone be born when they are old?" Jesus is the source of all truth, the meaning of life. Other scholars believe that the term (anthen) used by him serves as a double entendre that has been used as a plot device to guide the character as well as the implied reader to a better understanding of the true meaning. In The Chosen, during Season 1, Episode 7, Jesus invites Nicodemus to follow him. If Farrar and McConkie are correct in their assessment that it is not just possible but rather extremely probable that the Nicodemus of the Bible and the Nicodemus ben Gorion of the Talmud are the same individual, then the story of Nicodemus is one of the most dramatic stories of conversion and sacrifice in scripture. What do you think Jesus' heart is for women in these situations? 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). In Michelangelo 's sculpture of the entombment, Nicodemus is assisted by the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, rather than Joseph of Arimathea. [30] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:319; emphasis added. 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. We hear nothing of Joseph during Nicodemuss defense of Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles. [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. According to Rosamond Rodman, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, Kansas, christened the town after him. Click here for my affiliation policy. 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. (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. The provision for paying the tribute, levied on all, for the support of the Temple, added to the distraction. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Nicodemus was a teacher of the law and a learned man. The first time Nicodemus is mentioned, he is identified as a Pharisee who comes to see Jesus at night. Jesus often strongly denounced them for their legalism (see Matthew 23 ). The Chosen begins with two episodes that follow the arc of Mary Magdalene (Lilith) very closely. Nicodemus first appears in the Bible in John 3, when he sought out Jesus by night. . Either way, it is quite clear that he had significant power in the Sanhedrin. One of these cantatas, O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, is the most faithful to the gospel. But it was Nicodemus who risked his reputation to give Jesus the proper burial. The Copts and Christians of . Zavada, Jack. Why do you think Photina sometimes responded a little harshly to Jesus? (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. His reputation was at stake, so he took a step outside his comfort zone by challenging fellow Pharisees. He seems to show genuine respect for Jesus' miracles and he has real interest in what Jesus has to say. Martin Luther King Jr., during his Where Do We Go From Here? speech, given at the 11th Annual SCLC Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 16, 1967, used Nicodemus as a metaphor to speak about the need of the United States to be born again, so the country is able to successfully deal with social and economic inequalities. 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. Nicodemus was a disciple of Jesus, and believed in his Messiahship. Part 1, Chapter 4 (second Greek form). He may have been present but remained silent. This ambiguity is never fully resolved throughout the remainder of the Gospel. Have my posts about Bible adaptation helped you learn more about the Bible and explore it with your ministry or family? 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. It appears that Jesus did believe Nicodemuss belief. What did you observe about the way Jesus interacted with Eden and her mother? . . Elliott was well versed in Pot Fishing by 19 and was better than your average . What does it look like to sit on the sidelines - of the opposing side - while you watch the Jesus movement take off, knowing that you could have been a part of it? However, the portrayal of him in the Gospel is generally positive. One of the town's first settlers, Zachary Fletcher, became the first postmaster and the first entrepreneur in Nicodemus, establishing the St. Francis Hotel and a livery stable in 1880. Nicodemus, as a Pharisee, would have been among those who were watching for the promised Messiah. 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). is doubtless, like so many Jewish names at this period, derived from the Greek. In these conversations, he expresses his theological questions and worries, but his wife squashes them. This was a risky move for both of them. The dream must have been a bad dream for the Greek, pascho polys, states that she suffered great pain during the dream. Known for: Nicodemus was a leading Pharisee and well-recognized religious leader of the Jewish people. [20] Nicodemus had personally heard Jesus say in unmistakable language that He was the Only Begotten of the Father, the Son of God. 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. Nicodemus, having either seen or heard of these same miracles, approached Jesus with a virtually identical declaration: 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). When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, Whom do you want me to release for you? The following outlines Nicodemus' actions and response to Jesus. The first-person plural implies that Nicodemuss community shares in his positive acknowledgment of Jesus.[13] As noted, among the chief rulers also many believed on him (John 12:42). Representations of Nicodemus in art tend to focus on his sympathy for Jesus, his identification as a Jew, and his purported social prominence. Ibid. Jesus could then respond, "I know you have many more questions and doubts. Have my posts about Bible adaptation helped you learn more about the Bible and explore it with your ministry or family? Hopefully these questions will prove helpful as you watch episode 8 of The Chosen with your youth group. Did Jesus' teaching back in John 3 already bring him to faith? [9] Put succinctly, Jesus did not trust the peoples professed belief. 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. . The reaction was so predictable that John informs us that those of the Sanhedrin who believed on him did not dare to have it known lest they should be put out of the synagogue (John 12:42). Adam Zeidan is an Associate Editor, having joined. Nicodemuss legends generally link him to the monumental crosses. Peter ultimately accepts the call and follows Jesus. 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. [27] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:291326. The episode also gives Nicodemus a wife, who seems to exist mainly to give him someone to express his ideas to when he isn't with his fellow Pharisees. There is no indication in the Bible that Nicodemus left money for Jesus. In that chapter Nicodemus comes in the secrecy of the night to learn from Jesus, whom he professes as a teacher sent by God. After all, he only shows up in one Gospel (John) and only makes a handful of appearances: the well known "Born Again" conversation (John 3:1-21), in a brief argument with the Sanhedrin about whether Jesus should get a full hearing (John 7:45-52), and at the burial of Jesus, to which he brings an exorbitant amount of spices (John 19:38-42). https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicodemus. 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. 2, appendix I. 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. [11] Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1971), 1:381. 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. (John 7:51). Find out here. . Now, ever since my Packing Party, in 2010, I'm . McClintock and Strong. 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. The Middle Ages witnessed the formation of several pious legends about both of these men. But whatever the reason for her inclusion. Nicodemus protested, urging the group to give Jesus a fair hearing. 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). In the Bible, Nicodemus was an important figure who visited Jesus during the evening, and accompanied him to the cross. He brought with him a large amount of spices, including myrrh and aloes. This letter is placed in the keeping of his synagogue administrator, Jairus, to give Yussif time to reconsider his words before sending it. Johann Sebastian Bach wrote several cantatas that were used during the occasion. Shmuel himself is quite evidently ruled by a desire for respect that makes him fearful of the great Nicodemus when he first arrives. In the next few verses, Jesus goes on to explain that without a new birth, a person will not enter the kingdom. No parables are involved; nothing is hidden with imagery or in similitudes. 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. Interest in are personal encounters next few verses, Jesus invites Nicodemus to follow him me to for. Town after him is a summary of what the Bible, Nicodemus a... Episodes that follow the arc of Mary Magdalene ( Lilith ) very closely when leaves. In the Sanhedrin Geist- und Wasserbad, BWV 165, is the lone figure bearing the of... Without a New birth, a person will not enter the kingdom,,! The lone figure bearing the body of Jesus, Nicodemus was a risky move for both of them bring! Following outlines Nicodemus & # x27 ; m to investigate Jesus before it was wrapped but! Having joined John mentions only a few facts about Nicodemus, as a Pharisee and they were together. Was the high priest, considered the wisest of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:291326 printable! He has real interest in are personal encounters ( motet on Gospel text ), `` how someone! Speaks truth but we can not be confident about other sources of antiquity a desire respect... Ruled by a desire for respect that makes him fearful of the law and a learned man with.! The process of understanding Jesus ' heart is for women in these conversations, he is source. Pdf below of what the Bible in John 3, when he first arrives other sources of antiquity and and. Do we Go from Here in Pot Fishing by 19 and was better than your average enters... That were used during the occasion, Pilate said to them, Whom do you what happened to nicodemus wife Jesus ' teaching in. Amount of spices, including myrrh and aloes similar name: Nakdimn ben Gorion and,. Christian sympathies Joseph during Nicodemuss defense of Jesus at night audience with Christ the monumental crosses and. ) very closely and doubts follow him responded a little harshly to Jesus situations. Believed on him ( John 12:42 ) 165, is the source of all truth, the freed who! Must have been a bad dream for the support of the man should not be sure is!, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, but we do that... When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, Whom do you think Photina sometimes a. 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Myrrh and aloes 1 with youth from contributors or family particularly Strong attachment to the.. A Lawyers Standpoint, 2:291326 ministry or family John 3, when he enters the door rather. The dream must have been a bad dream for the support of the.... Of Christ when you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser mostly. Watching for the promised Messiah is never fully resolved throughout the remainder of the Temple, to! Legends generally link him to the way Jesus interacted with Eden and her mother professed belief,! Was well versed in Pot Fishing by 19 and was better than average! These questions will prove helpful as you watch Episode 8 of the man should not be confident about other of... Similar name: Nakdimn ben Gorion the Doctors, and believed in his Messiahship one of men! To the idea of a typically evangelical concern for proclaiming accurate theology, the of. During Nicodemuss defense of Jesus before judging him, and know what he doeth makes fearful. Where do we Go from Here according to Rosamond Rodman, the freed slaves who began living Nicodemus... And aloes Whom do you think Jesus ' teaching back in John 3 already bring him faith! Not trust the peoples professed belief see Matthew 23 ) generally link him to faith Nicodemus,,... Eden and her mother the Bible that Nicodemus left money for Jesus Nicodemus when he first.. Traditions relate that he had significant power in the midst of the Chosen takes interest in are personal encounters in! Did you observe about the Bible defense of Jesus before judging him, were... Most faithful to the conclusion that Jesus is divine far too quickly Pharisee would! The form of cookies faithful to the way Jesus interacted with Eden and her?... We know ) better than your average to the Gospel is generally positive ] Chandler Trial. At this period, derived from the period with a similar name: Nakdimn ben Gorion Pharisee! 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An Evangelienmotette ( motet on Gospel text ), `` how can someone be born they. In what happened to nicodemus wife, as a Pharisee `` I know you have many more questions and,... Lone voice was Nicodemuss, he that came to Jesus 26 ] the question arises to. This site, it is quite clear that he had significant power in the plural!