The Gospel of John says Nicodemus was a "Pharisee" and a "ruler of the Jews" (John 3:1). Reflecting on The Chosen Season 3 & Anticipating Season 4: What Worked & What to Fix, 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), Yussif, Jairus, & Shmuel in The Chosen ***Season 3***, Quintus, Gaius, Atticus, and the Romans in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, 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, Episode 8 Guide: The Feeding of the 5,000. Unchecked, this fear can lead followers of Jesus to distance themselves from the Messiah and even fall away. Then, about six months before the crucifixion, the Chief Priests and Pharisees attempted to have Jesus arrested for deception. Nicodemus does not appear in The Chosen Season 3. If any one quarrels with his rabbi, it is as if he contended with the living God. Nicodemus ben Gorion later lost his wealth and position so that some have attributed this reversal of circumstance to his having become a Christian. However, the author then adds, The identification is unlikely.[28]. Either this was the height of blasphemy or He was the Son of God, the Messiah, or a political time bomb. . Jesuss response to Nicodemuss declaration of belief that He was a teacher come from God based on those same miracles was quite different. We can conclude that Nicodemus was a highly honored Jewish teacher who also happened to be very rich and very powerful. If Zohara met Jesus, do you think she would respond differently to Nicodemus' spiritual struggle? The Gospel According to John differs from the other canonical Gospels in its emphasis on the mystical theology surrounding the divine incarnation of Jesus. 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). [18] Faulring, Jackson, and Matthews, Joseph Smiths New Translation of the Bible: Original Manuscripts, 448. Because John was known unto the high priest, he seemed to have little trouble gaining access to the palace (see John 18:1516). 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. 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). A few could even trace their service back to or near Jesuss birth. [20] Faulring, Jackson, and Matthews, Joseph Smiths New Translation of the Bible: Original Manuscripts, 176. 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. This would be a major sacrifice for them. 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. 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). Why do you think he did that? What would it look like for us as a community to demonstrate this? They denied the evidence of Jesus' deity. During Jesus burial, Nicodemus provides about 100 Roman pounds (33 kg) of a mixture of myrrh and aloes. Obviously John was no stranger to the high priest and perhaps to others in power. Because evangelicals tend value art primarily as an instrument of evangelism, skeptic conversion side-plots are ubiquitous. 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. In the crowded Passover confusion, and following a very public clearing of the temple, Nicodemus would have been faced with the problem of arranging a meeting with this Galilean at a time and place favorable for his purposes. Today, what are some ways that women might have their lives disrupted by Jesus' kingdom? . PROUDLY CREATED WITH WIX.COM. Well discuss his motivations, his relationship with Jesus, and how he died and was buried. 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. He knew he was not alone among members of the Sanhedrin in his belief in Christ. Add an RSC shortcut to this device's Homescreen, In the menu, scroll past any icons and tap. [18] Elder McConkie explains, Our Lord is speaking in the early days of his ministry. 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. Sellers shouted the merits of their beasts, sheep bleated, and oxen lowed. 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. 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. [9] Put succinctly, Jesus did not trust the peoples professed belief. "Meet Nicodemus: Seeker of God." John said this discussion happened at night, probably because Nicodemus had his reputation to protect since Jesus was a controversial figure . I realize asking these questions might feel like opening up a can of worms. Eden (Peter's wife) and Zohara (Nicodemus' wife) both have husbands who have been called to follow Jesus. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. 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. Because of this, he is commemorated on the Sunday of Myrrh-bearing Women, two weeks after Pascha. After Nicodemus had become a follower, his life was changed forever. Moreover, later on, when the other Pharisees display a reckless disregard for investigating the claims of Jesus, it is Nicodemus who presses them with exactly the kind of point an ideal seeker would make: "Does our law judge a man before first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?" Ryan Nicodemus changed his way of life and went The Minimalist, the very last thing people expected from him. 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. 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? to entrust, . You may want to supplement with your own knowledge of first century Jewish and Roman culture, but keep in mind that the episode itself will provide plenty of concrete snapshots of the life of women in Jesus' day. 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. 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. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The Pharisees were a group of Jews who were fastidious in keeping the letter of the Law and often opposed Jesus throughout His ministry. 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. Nicodemus' decision to not follow Jesus would have been even more significant, since it would be a set back in both his struggle against fear and skepticism. In this context, Nicodemus decides to utilize the literal over figurative meaning of anthen (definition: from above, from a higher place) and presumes that the meaning undermines the importance of the word. Meet Nicodemus: Seeker of God. . See also Farrar, The Life of Christ, 2:428; emphasis added. The terms use receded after the 18th century. Now, I like the faith vs. fear arc in Nicodemus' character. Either the wife believes or the husband believes but not both. In medieval paintings revolving around the Deposition, he prominently appears alongside Joseph of Arimathea, bringing the dead Christ down from the cross, often with the help of a ladder. He tagged along with Joseph of Arimathea, another disciple of Jesus. This group of Jews influenced the early church and were critical of Jesus' ministry. This led the scholars to believe that Nicodemus was likely a wealthy man. Peter's decision to follow Jesus is encouraged strongly by Eden. Most characters that encounter Jesus in the Gospels are either stubbornly opposed to him (the Pharisees) or already inclined to at least a modicum of faith. He wanted to get the truth directly from the Lord's mouth. Quick Answer - Missional Manifesto","datePublished":"2022-06-23T12:59:31+00:00","dateModified":"2022-06-23T12:59:31+00:00","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.missionalmanifesto.net/#website"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.missionalmanifesto.net/author/jspaul/","name":"Pastor JS Paul","url":"https://www.missionalmanifesto.net/author/jspaul/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a25b86780015a7a80bc62298866e0757?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a25b86780015a7a80bc62298866e0757?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Pastor JS Paul","inLanguage":"en-US"},"sameAs":["https://web.facebook.com/groupepignosis"]},{"@type":"BlogPosting","headline":"What Happened to Nicodemus in the Bible? However, Nicodemus became a disciple of Jesus and publicly defended Him in the fourth gospel. Yes, we see Jesus teaching crowds from time to time, but such moments are merely set pieces that provide context for more private interactions. Several eastern Churches as well the Roman Catholic Church honour Nicodemus as a saint. Eden (Peter's wife) and Zohara (Nicodemus' wife) both have husbands who have been called to follow Jesus. Matthew confirms this principle, for he taught them as one having Authority from God and not as having authority from the Scribes. (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 7:29). What do you think Jesus' heart is for women in these situations? He is typically, but not always, paired with Joseph of Arimathea, who together with Nicodemus carries the body of Jesus. The officers only recorded response was, Never man spake like this man (v. 46). And the thing that happened in between, was Him." Joseph and Nicodemus were the only two who saw the body of Jesus before it was wrapped, but the women didnt see Nicodemus. There isn't one.". Episode 7 Guide: Did Nicodemus Follow Jesus? 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, whose name means "innocent of blood," stood up for Jesus when the Pharisees were conspiring against him: Nicodemus was intelligent and inquiring. In The Chosen, during Season 1, Episode 8, Nicodemus chooses to not follow Jesus. . [2] Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1979), 1:469; emphasis added. God doesn't use them because they're good people; God uses them because they trusted his promises. The show does a great job of showing us real tension in Nicodemus' heart. 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. Demetrios Troy as Lazarus: a friend of Jesus, Mary, and His followers. Nicodemus is destined to be a great scholar of Jewish law from a young age. He even helped anoint Jesus body. 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. The Gospel of John clearly associates Nicodemus with the fear of man. 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. . (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. Elder Bruce R. McConkie sets the scene: Our Lord has driven from the Temple Court the sacrificial animals, probably numbering in the thousands; has used a scourge of small cords upon the carnal men who made merchandise in his Fathers House; and has extended his own arm of healing to bless and cure manyand all Jerusalem is aware of the miracles he has done.[2]. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. [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). . The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus revolves around the concept of "born again" or "born from above". When Genesis depicts unhealthy and unfair relationships between men and women, it's not saying that's okay. [36] McConkie, Mortal Messiah, 4:239. 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. Inside the Temple space, the noise and pressure were, if possible, worse. About Ryan Nicodemus. Nevertheless, Nicodemus came. To add an RSC website shortcut to your home screen, open the website in the Safari browser. Brigham Young University We see this especially in the veiled threat that Shmuel makes toward the end of season 1. One feature that distinguishes The Chosen from other TV or film adaptations of the Gospel is how it introduces us to Jesus. On the one hand, he's a Pharisee, a group that the Gospel of John unequivocally associates with opposition to Jesus. The final episode between Nicodemus and Jesus is the account of Jesus' burial recorded in John 19:38-42. They were regarded as enemies by the Sanhedrin. When Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus and Joseph were present. He is using plain, simple, and forceful language. When Nicodemus found Jesus, the Lord recognized his pressing need. There's also a lot of fear at work in the back and forth conflict that Nicodemus has with Shmuel. Updates? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. Then, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? (John 18:1923). There are no mentions of Nicodemus in Scripture outside of the Gospel of John. How so? Nicodemus was a Pharisee and the Pharisees, unlike the Sadducees, believed in the resurrection, but were also responsible for a high level of legalism, so Nicodemus was not only a ruler, he was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the ruling body of the Jews, but why is John the only one who writes about Nicodemus? (John 3:3, NIV), "How can someone be born when they are old?" has been identified by some with this man in the NT who came to Jesus by night. 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. Instead, Elliott took to fishing and had already begun angling by the age of 12. Nor was this all. Other Pharisees argue that no prophet could hail from Galilee. Season 2 Reflection P2: What was The Chosen Season 2 about? Nicodemus had a family. . Fear also plays an important role in the conversations that Nicodemus has with his wife. It is profitable for one man to die to save the whole people. Nicodemus may seem like strange choice for a primary POV character in a show about the life of Jesus. As part of the Talmudic evidence, Robinson recounts the story of Nakdimon ben Gurions purported miracle. This is even true when the men are major biblical characters like Abraham or Jacob. [34] Geoffrey W. Bromiley ed., The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1986), s.v. Your youth might not have a good sense of history and context, in which case they won't fully appreciate the uniqueness of Jesus. In response, both he and Jesus are subjected to mockery. 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. He had skipped the previous Passover in the spring. The provision for paying the tribute, levied on all, for the support of the Temple, added to the distraction. In his final appearance, Nicodemus aids Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus, in Jesus' burial, at great expense (John 19:38-42). In the Bible, Nicodemus was an important figure who visited Jesus during the evening, and accompanied him to the cross. Nina Leon as Salome: the wife of Zebedee and the mother of Big James and John. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). If you want to avoid the ads (there's a lot!) He did this despite the fact that embalming was more or less not allowed in Judaism. It would have been difficult for The Chosen to mirror the exact shape of Nicodemus' arc in The Gospel of John. Nicodemus was not the only one who sought a private audience with Christ. Woller as Gaius: a Roman centurion and a former associate of Matthew. 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. The doctrine is strong. It is in the context of his conversation that one of the most famous biblical passages, John 3:16, occurs: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. . Due to COVID restrictions, my youth group watched The Chosen online using Zoom. 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. . What stuck out to you? 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 . However, it's important to keep in mind that the Bible does not give us a complete description of the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). 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. 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. Pontius Pilates wife appears in only one passage in the Bible, which is Matthew 27:19. Either way, it is quite clear that he had significant power in the Sanhedrin. 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.