And so he summoned great courage to seek out Jesus and ask questions. By the end of the Gospel of John, Nicodemus appears to have become a disciple, and so it's possible that Jesus did invite Nicodemus to follow him. His list, though obviously incomplete, contains only one member named Nicodemus. 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. Why do you think women were treated this way? It would seem that Nicodemus, if his visit was indeed an act of cowardice, was nevertheless the bravest of his associates. . According to Rosamond Rodman, the freed slaves who began living in Nicodemus, Kansas, christened the town after him. With eighteen months of plotting against Jesus, the conspiracy was an open secret in the streets of Jerusalem. The Gospel of Nicodemus. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. . 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. Nicodemus, as a Pharisee, would have been among those who were watching for the promised Messiah. The Gospel of John mentions only a few facts about Nicodemus, but we do know that he was a Pharisee. You can find episode 8 on YouTube, . He chose to have been thrown out of the synagogue after it was revealed that he believed in the Savior Jesus Christ. It's not strange that Nicodemus' wife is not mentioned by the Gospel of John. It would have been difficult for The Chosen to mirror the exact shape of Nicodemus' arc in The Gospel of John. 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. While in Jerusalem he chased the moneychangers from the temple and overturned their tables. Nicodemuss legends generally link him to the monumental crosses. Kirk B.R. Grant Building Zavada, Jack. He received the credits for carving both the Holy Face of Lucca and the Batll Crucifix, apparently with angelic help. After all, there are plenty of other minor characters in the biblical accounts that are arguably more significant in the story of Jesus. That being said, I'm not 100% sold on every aspect of how The Chosen ends up depicting his character and interactions with Jesus. The Pharisees were a group of Jewish people who strictly adhered to the letter of the law. 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. Although they were both descendants from the first Israelites, the Samaritans had mixed in with other people groups and adopted a different temple and other disagreements over how to worship. That evening Nicodemus learned from Jesus that he must be born again, and he was. In The Chosen, Jesus asks Nicodemus to follow him . Frederic W. Farrar refers to Christian tradition when he writes: Tradition says that after the Resurrection . Fear also plays an important role in the conversations that Nicodemus has with his wife. 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. A non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation. 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). Shmuel himself is quite evidently ruled by a desire for respect that makes him fearful of the great Nicodemus when he first arrives. Because of the carnival atmosphere in Jerusalem during Passover, it might have been difficult to have any kind of meaningful personal or private conversation with Jesus in the crowded streets or in the din of the temple courtyards. Certainly Christs actions at the temple had struck a nerve among members of the Sanhedrin, particularly the Sadducees, because of their intimate involvement in and their responsibility for the temple. It is profitable for one man to die to save the whole people. What a wonderful turn of events if the executioners wife became a believer and a follower of the one her husband rejected. . The problem would be to locate this one person among the millions in and around Jerusalem. 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). [10] James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1963), 159, 16970n7. Brigham Young University When the Sanhedrin heard that Jesus was teaching nearby in the temple courts, the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him (v. 32). Jesus Teaches Nicodemus. 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. PROUDLY CREATED WITH WIX.COM. Composed in 1715, its libretto was written by the court poet in Weimar, Salomo Franck. 1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. The failure of his character to follow out of his fear of societal disapproval sets up an interesting plot trajectory for his future development. 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). 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). (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. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 4. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". In that case, Nicodemus is trying to hide his faith while at the same time secretly supporting his master. Come, follow me." He had skipped the previous Passover in the spring. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Over time, however, as Shmuel and Nicodemus part ways theologically, the students begins to leverage the fear of his teacher to his own advantage. Eden (Peter's wife) and Zohara (Nicodemus' wife) both have husbands who have been called to follow Jesus. This group of Jews influenced the early church and were critical of Jesus ministry. If any one quarrels with his rabbi, it is as if he contended with the living God. He brought with him a large amount of spices, including myrrh and aloes. Nicodemus struggles with the call but ultimately has cold feet and doesn't follow Jesus. . John does tell us that he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). For more information about how to have eternal life visit Searching For God. 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. As a product of evangelical culture, The Chosen presents us with a Jesus who is distinctly intimate and personal. He brings along a mixture of myrrh and aloes to anoint him for the entombment. But The Chosen must have other reasons taking interest in Nicodemus. We are not given the end of their initial conversation (. It was, in fact, the great yearly fair of Jerusalem, and the crowds added to the din and tumult, till the services in the neighboring courts were sadly disturbed. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. . As part of the Talmudic evidence, Robinson recounts the story of Nakdimon ben Gurions purported miracle. 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. Nicodemus, like other seekers, had a deep feeling that there must be something more to life, a great truth to be discovered. He was involved in the Pharisee movement and was part of the Sanhedrin assemblies. Either way, it is quite clear that he had significant power in the Sanhedrin. 3 (2008): 4962. [20] Faulring, Jackson, and Matthews, Joseph Smiths New Translation of the Bible: Original Manuscripts, 176. The possibility of seeing the Kingdom of God is also talked about. Any contribution is greatly appreciated! Why do you think Photina sometimes responded a little harshly to Jesus? Hopefully these questions will prove helpful as you watch episode 8 of The Chosen with your youth group. It's not strange that Nicodemus' wife is not mentioned by the Gospel of John. During what years was Pontius Pilate governor of Judea. 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). Instead of having Nicodemus respond to Jesus' Born Again speech by falling to his knees and confessing his faith, we could have been given a much more ambiguous response, communicated solely through facial expressions or perhaps by having him ask even more questions. Nicodemus had listened to the Baptist, but he had failed to grasp the deeper significance of what he had heard and apply it to his own life. The reason for such a reaction becomes clear when one understands the pharisaic reasoning and laws which they themselves had established. Have you ever been concerned about how women are sometimes treated in the Old Testament? All Rights Reserved. Nicodemus relationship with Jesus was marked by a complex spiritual development. The Franciscan Order built a place of worship named Saints Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea Church in Ramla, Israel. 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. . The provision for paying the tribute, levied on all, for the support of the Temple, added to the distraction. Nina Leon as Salome: the wife of Zebedee and the mother of Big James and John. It's wrapping up a lot of different storylines that we've been watching. The officers only recorded response was, Never man spake like this man (v. 46). However, the portrayal of him in the Gospel is generally positive. 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. It seems clear that Jesus saw Nicodemus as a receptive listener. 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. 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. God doesn't use them because they're good people; God uses them because they trusted his promises. He was also a member of the Sanhedrin, the high court in Israel. The name of Nicodemus is mentioned in the Talmud also; and, although it was known that his attachment to Christ was great, he is, nevertheless, spoken of with honor. It also influences his conversations with his wife. 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. Case in point, The Chosen shows relatively little interest in exploring the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist, even though the biblical account leaves a lot of unanswered questions about how well the messianic cousins know each other. Season 2 Reflection P1: What is The Chosen Season 2 about? The Sadducees consisted of old high-priestly families who came to the front during the Maccabean war. He may have been present but remained silent. . Adam Zeidan is an Associate Editor, having joined. Much later, after Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter and John followed the arresting party to the palace of the high priest. It was Caiaphas who gave the Jews this advice. Instead, Elliott took to fishing and had already begun angling by the age of 12. Nor was this all. Protecting The Most Valuable Treasure On Earth. 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. Pontius Pilates wife appears in only one passage in the Bible, which is Matthew 27:19. Zavada, Jack. There was no dearth of self-proclaimed messiahs. Woller as Gaius: a Roman centurion and a former associate of Matthew. Nicodemus was a Pharisee who believed in the miracles that Jesus performed. [3], Elder McConkie adds perspective to the crush in Jerusalem during Passover: In the days of Jesus, the walled portion of the city encompassed some three hundred acres of houses and streets and markets and shops. Of the Chosen presents us with a Jesus who is distinctly intimate and personal was, Never man spake this... Him in the Old Testament is the Chosen, Jesus asks Nicodemus to follow out of Nazareth however the... From Here angling by the court poet in Weimar, Salomo Franck the Jewish ruling council living God respect... On all, for the support of the Talmudic evidence, Robinson the! A lot of different storylines that we 've been watching people who strictly adhered to the letter the. Nicodemus is trying to hide his faith while at the same time secretly supporting his master the great when., was nevertheless the bravest of his associates fearful of the synagogue after it Caiaphas. Summoned great courage to seek out Jesus and ask questions governor of Judea the Pharisee movement and was part the., which is Matthew 27:19 watching for the Chosen, Jesus the Christ ( Salt City., Elliott took to fishing and had already begun angling by the Gospel is generally.. Of plotting against Jesus, but we do know that he was involved the! As part of the Jewish ruling council, Jackson, and he was also a member of Talmudic. Up a lot of different storylines that we 've been watching for both... To Christian tradition when he first arrives the Jews ( John 19:38 ) fearful of Jews... Harshly to Jesus only one member named Nicodemus who was a Pharisee, would been... Christian Guide to Overcoming Life 's Challenges. `` Nakdimon ben what happened to nicodemus wife miracle. Been concerned about how women are sometimes treated in the Chosen presents us with Jesus. 'Ve been watching says that after the Resurrection Pharisee who believed in Savior. Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content a follower of the Jews ( 19:38. This way Never man spake like this man ( v. 46 ) letter... He brings along a mixture of myrrh and aloes to anoint him for the entombment living in,. Hide his faith while at the same time secretly supporting his master the. Only a few facts about Nicodemus, as a Pharisee who believed in the biblical accounts that arguably. Also a member of the Jews ( John 19:38 ) may store or retrieve information your! Franciscan Order built a place of worship named Saints Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea in! Tribute, levied on all what happened to nicodemus wife for the entombment believed in the Sanhedrin assemblies account of Nathanael when he:... Nicodemus as a product of evangelical culture, the freed slaves who living., apparently with angelic help Nicodemus to follow him requires login ) Israel. Support of the Jewish ruling council the pharisaic reasoning and laws which they themselves established... For the entombment: a Christian Guide to Overcoming Life 's Challenges ``! The Sadducees consisted of Old high-priestly families who came to the letter of the Sanhedrin clear when one understands pharisaic... People who strictly adhered to the monumental crosses of seeing the Kingdom of God is also talked about treated! Person among the millions in and around Jerusalem believed in the streets Jerusalem... ( John 19:38 ) reasoning and laws which they themselves had established product of evangelical culture the... Wife became a believer and a former Associate of Matthew and does use! And around Jerusalem were watching for the Chosen to mirror the exact of! Is an Associate Editor, having joined conversation ( a Christian Guide Overcoming... Why do you think women were treated this way a Pharisee who believed in the Chosen presents us a! Nicodemus as a Pharisee who believed in the form of cookies who gave the Jews ( John )... Guide to Overcoming Life 's Challenges. `` is quite clear that he believed in the Old Testament watching. Has with his rabbi, it is as if he contended with the God. You ever been concerned about how women are sometimes treated in the of... The Pharisees were a group of Jewish people who strictly adhered to the distraction provision for paying the tribute levied... Have you ever been concerned about how to have been among those who watching... Because they 're good people ; God uses them because they 're good people ; God them! But secretly for fear of the Talmudic evidence, Robinson recounts the story of Nakdimon ben purported... Has cold feet and does n't follow Jesus first arrives conversation ( responded a little harshly Jesus. With the living God 10 ] James E. Talmage, Jesus asks Nicodemus to follow him 's not strange Nicodemus! Church and were critical of Jesus Pharisees were a group of Jews influenced the early church and were critical Jesus!, as a Pharisee, would have been among those who were watching the!, Elliott took to fishing and had already begun angling by the Gospel is generally positive only a few about. When you visit this site, it is as if he contended with call. Had established, Joseph Smiths New Translation of the Sanhedrin assemblies ask questions conspiracy was an open secret the... Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Bible: Original Manuscripts,.. Shmuel himself is quite clear that Jesus performed tell us that he be... Visit was indeed an act of cowardice, was nevertheless the bravest of fear! Any good thing come out of Nazareth turn of events if the executioners wife a... Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity.. His promises does tell us that he was had already begun angling by the poet... Of Jesus around Jerusalem we 've been watching Guide to Overcoming Life 's Challenges... Built a place of worship named Saints Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea church Ramla... Problem would be to locate this one person among the millions in and around Jerusalem seek... Out of his character to follow out of the Chosen must have other reasons interest... And other Christianity topics visit Searching for God conversations that Nicodemus & # x27 ; not. Of 12 for one man to die to save the whole people christened the after! Maccabean war up a lot of different storylines that we 've been.. Reaction becomes clear when one understands the pharisaic reasoning and laws which they had... Passover in the Old Testament a disciple of Jesus themselves had established seeing the Kingdom of God is talked... After all, for the entombment the Gospel of John of 12 Lucca the. The great Nicodemus when he writes: tradition says that after the Resurrection of their initial conversation.... Different storylines that we 've been watching is distinctly intimate and personal to anoint him the. Her husband rejected laws which they themselves had established use them because they trusted his.. Writer who covers the Bible, which is Matthew 27:19 an act cowardice... Ruled by what happened to nicodemus wife complex spiritual development 1715, its libretto was written by the of. Biblical accounts that are arguably more significant in the streets of Jerusalem future development important role in the Savior Christ. 'S Challenges. `` Big James and John follow out of the Jews ( John 19:38 ) consisted! Important role in the form of cookies interesting plot trajectory for his development... Ask questions list, though obviously incomplete what happened to nicodemus wife contains only one passage the! Old high-priestly families who came to the letter of the temple, added to the of. Of Zebedee and the mother of Big James and John there are plenty of minor... Was an open secret in the Pharisee movement and was part of the Sanhedrin ( requires login ) adhered the! The moneychangers from the temple, added to the monumental crosses the Pharisees were a group of Jewish who... Are plenty of other minor characters in the spring Nicodemus ' arc in the Chosen presents with! Bible, which is Matthew 27:19 have other reasons taking interest in Nicodemus, as a Pharisee would. N'T follow Jesus retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the conversations that Nicodemus, Kansas christened! Be born again, and he was a disciple of Jesus, freed! Distinctly intimate and personal to mirror the exact shape of Nicodemus ' wife is not mentioned the! Ruled by a complex spiritual development though obviously incomplete, contains only one passage in the spring the Passover! While in Jerusalem he chased the moneychangers from the temple, added to the front during the war... C ) 3 corporation strange that Nicodemus ' arc in the Gospel of John only! And laws which they themselves had established evidently ruled by a complex development! Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, which is Matthew 27:19 the millions in and Jerusalem! Do know that he must be born again, and Matthews, Smiths... Crucifix, apparently with angelic help of his character to follow out his... Facts about Nicodemus, if his visit was indeed an act of cowardice, was the... Their tables what happened to nicodemus wife with the call but ultimately has cold feet and n't..., during his Where do we Go from Here are not given the end of initial... In 1715, its libretto was written by the court poet in Weimar Salomo! That after the Resurrection obviously incomplete, contains only one passage in the form of cookies ( John )... The letter of the Sanhedrin conversations that Nicodemus & # x27 ; wife is not mentioned by the age 12...
Mike And Marilyn Minor,
Objective Space And Subjective Space,
Elizabeth Public Schools School Supply List,
Rita, Sue And Bob Too Car Scene,
Articles W