Season 2 Reflection P1: What is The Chosen Season 2 about? We hear nothing of Joseph during Nicodemuss defense of Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles. 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. As the the bronze serpent was lifted up on a pole, all who . 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. After all, there are plenty of other minor characters in the biblical accounts that are arguably more significant in the story of Jesus. [8] James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville: Abingdon, 1981), s.v. There's also a lot of fear at work in the back and forth conflict that Nicodemus has with Shmuel. I've condensed the lesson into an easily printable pdf below. It seems clear that Jesus saw Nicodemus as a receptive listener. It's wrapping up a lot of different storylines that we've been watching. However, Nicodemus became a disciple of Jesus and publicly . 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. 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. You might get worried about raising doubts and concerns for some of your students that make them question the goodness of God or of the Bible. In that case, Nicodemus is trying to hide his faith while at the same time secretly supporting his master. The provision for paying the tribute, levied on all, for the support of the Temple, added to the distraction. 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. 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. 1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 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. Obviously John was no stranger to the high priest and perhaps to others in power. Composed in 1715, its libretto was written by the court poet in Weimar, Salomo Franck. Even so, a degree of ambiguity could still have been retained. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. But what we're going to focus on today is the way Jesus has an impact on women in a variety of different circumstances - in particular, Peter's wife (Eden), Nicodemus' wife (Zohara), and a Samaritan woman that he meets at a well. This would be a major sacrifice for them. 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. Besides cowardice, there are other possible explanations why Nicodemus would seek an audience with Jesus at night. These were spices used to embalm the body. It's not strange that Nicodemus' wife is not mentioned by the Gospel of John. Nicodemus conversation with Jesus has given way to several common expressions of contemporary American Christianity, including the phrase born again, which is used as an alternative term to baptism by several evangelical denominations. It is important to note the Gospel of Nicodemus is the earliest source that refers to Claudia Procula. 1995. vol. FYI: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 3. If Zohara met Jesus, do you think she would respond differently to Nicodemus' spiritual struggle? According to Rosamond Rodman, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, Kansas, christened the town after him. The second mention of Nicodemus occurs when some of the chief priests and Pharisees of the Sanhedrin ask why the temple guards failed to bring Jesus to them. Theologian John Calvin was the originator of it. 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. The only time the New Testament refers to Pontius Pilates wife, Claudia Procula, is found in Matthew 27:19. If you try it out, please let me know how it goes and if you have any feedback! Zavada, Jack. While watching The Chosen, I made occasional comments through the chat but I tried to not do too much teaching. Nicodemus, a man of great wealth, donated 75 pounds of expensive myrrh and aloes to anoint the Lord's body after his death. However, Nicodemus became a disciple of Jesus and publicly defended Him in the fourth gospel. Scholars remain unclear on the overall polemical purpose of either the Acts of Pilate or the Gospel of Nicodemus, but the contrast of Nicodemus as a righteous Jew against an obstinate crowd of Jews, along with his alleged authorship of the texts, is considered by many as providing literary reinforcement to anti-Jewish views held by contemporary Christians. There is no explicit indication in the Bible that Jesus asked Nicodemus to follow him. In some accounts he is buried with his wife and two children next to the tomb of Jesus - the ultimate martyr's sepulchre. Gamaliel mentions just two, Theudas and Judas of Galilee, who had gathered followers with claims of messiahship, only to be killed and have their movements fade away (see Acts 5:3440). After Jesus crucifixion, Nicodemus assists Joseph of Arimathea in laying Jesus body in a nearby tomb (John 19:3942). The doctrine is strong. Though common at the time, the name Nicodemus is not held by anyone else in the New Testament. Representations of Nicodemus in art tend to focus on his sympathy for Jesus, his identification as a Jew, and his purported social prominence. The scriptures are silent about Joseph until the Crucifixion of Christ. How did meeting Jesus have an impact on Eden and her mother? 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? . 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). How so? Nicodemus last appears in the Bible after the death of Jesus. He may have been absent. Brigham Young University Out of a typically evangelical concern for proclaiming accurate theology, the characters jump to the conclusion that Jesus is divine far too quickly. He brings along a mixture of myrrh and aloes to anoint him for the entombment. Other traditions are hagiographical, intended to clarify his acceptance of Jesus teachings. p. 417. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. but that's actually one of the best things that's ever happened to me. . But the Bible never gives us her name. And the thing that happened in between, was Him." We read in John 12:42, 43: Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.[10]. And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him. Matthew 27:15-19 (NASB). Nicodemus protested, urging the group to give Jesus a fair hearing. I found this to be a very affecting moment. 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). . The 40 Days with Jesus series helps readers connect the events of The Chosen with Scripture and their own everyday lives. Typically the Bible only mentions figures who play a role in the narrative or who were well-known among the followers of Jesus. In his final appearance, Nicodemus aids Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus, in Jesus' burial, at great expense (John 19:38-42). Moreover, by bringing these concerns to the surface as a context for watching Episode 8 of The Chosen, you highlight the radical difference between how Jesus treated women and how women were treated by biblical figures like Abraham and David. A few could even trace their service back to or near Jesuss birth. On the one hand, he's a Pharisee, a group that the Gospel of John unequivocally associates with opposition to Jesus. John 7:13; 9:22; 12:42; 19:38; 20:19). In Michelangelo 's sculpture of the entombment, Nicodemus is assisted by the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, rather than Joseph of Arimathea. 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. It's good to keep in mind that Eden has met Jesus, whereas Zohara apparently hasn't even heard about him - it doesn't seem like Nicodemus ever told her about his "born again" conversation in the previous episode. Some laws in the Old Testament might sound unfair to women - and they might not be as fair as some standards we have today. As a result, we're left to wonder whether the teacher will accept Jesus' claims or reject them. 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. If you want to avoid the ads (there's a lot!) Similarly, fear is at work in the conflict between Nicodemus and Shmuel. . 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). The Gospel of Nicodemus. In the Gospel of Matthew, Pilate's wife warns her husband not to harm Jesus and for this she achieved sainthood among Orthodox Christians. 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. If youre wondering what happened to Nicodemus in the Bible? then youve come to the right place. In contrast to other traditions, which place the church hierarchy as a mediator between the individual and God, evangelicals, because of their belief in the Priesthood of All Believers, talk about Jesus as someone we can encounter in a direct and personal way. With that first bold purgation of the Temple a deadly feud between Jesus and the Jewish authorities had begun. Several eastern Churches as well the Roman Catholic Church honour Nicodemus as a saint. . Part 1, Chapter 4 (second Greek form). Nicodemus first appears in the Bible in John 3, when he sought out Jesus by night. 185 Heber J. 8. p. 426. I wanted the youth to enjoy it and not just see The Chosen as an elaborate preaching illustration. What did you notice about how Jesus interacted with Photina? In The Chosen, during Season 1, Episode 8, Nicodemus chooses to not follow Jesus. Bible References: The story of Nicodemus and his relationship with Jesus develops in three episodes of the Bible: John 3:1-21, John 7:50-52, and John 19:38-42.; Occupation: Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin The amount that we know about Nicodemus based on these three episodes is pretty limited, although that actually may serve the purpose of adaptation well, since it leaves plenty of white space for The Chosen to fill in. The traditional Roman Catholic liturgical calendar dates the discovery of his relics on 3 August. 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). 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. Jesus identifies Nicodemus as a prominent Pharisee and a leader of the Jewish people. Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? For he knew that because of envy they had delivered Him up. 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. [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. Two and one-half years after Nicodemuss visit, Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. Demetrios Troy as Lazarus: a friend of Jesus, Mary, and His followers. 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]. For more information about how to have eternal life visit Searching For God. During Jesus burial, Nicodemus provides about 100 Roman pounds (33 kg) of a mixture of myrrh and aloes. And he certainly showed more courage at the Cross than did the absent Disciples of Jesus.[25]. Tacitus speaks of a population of 600,000; at the time of the Passover this number rose to between 2,000,000 and 3,000,000. . 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. He received the credits for carving both the Holy Face of Lucca and the Batll Crucifix, apparently with angelic help. Ultimately, he appears to have become a secret follower of Jesus. Other Pharisees argue that no prophet could hail from Galilee. "Meet Nicodemus: Seeker of God." [30] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:319; emphasis added. About Ryan Nicodemus. Although Joseph of Arimathea, the owner of the tomb, is mentioned in all four canonical Gospels as preparing the body for burial, Nicodemus is mentioned only in the Gospel According to John. Either way, it is quite clear that he had significant power in the Sanhedrin. Nevertheless, Nicodemus came. Ancient Roman Men, See the events in life of Nicodemus in Chronological Order, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crijn_Hendricksz.jpeg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pietro_Perugino_cat39.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fritz_von_Uhde_-_Christus_und_Nikodemus_(ca.1886).jpg. John describes two distinctly different reactions that Jesus had on this occasion to those who claimed belief based on His miracles. Did you notice how Jesus responded back when that happened? . 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