He had to know the vitriolic rebuke he would receive if he said anything in Jesuss defense. The Gospel of John says Nicodemus was a "Pharisee" and a "ruler of the Jews" (John 3:1). 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]. 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. [18] Elder McConkie explains, Our Lord is speaking in the early days of his ministry. The possibility of seeing the Kingdom of God is also talked about. 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. On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus finally made His appearance. I'm intrigued to find out and can't wait for season 2. Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. Hopefully these questions will prove helpful as you watch episode 8 of The Chosen with your youth group. The Chosen begins with two episodes that follow the arc of Mary Magdalene (Lilith) very closely. [30] Chandler, Trial of Jesus from a Lawyers Standpoint, 2:319; emphasis added. There is no indication in the Bible that Nicodemus left money for Jesus. . With eighteen months of plotting against Jesus, the conspiracy was an open secret in the streets of Jerusalem. 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. Today, what are some ways that women might have their lives disrupted by Jesus' kingdom? FYI: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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]. John 7:13; 9:22; 12:42; 19:38; 20:19). It is plain and clear beyond question.[19] For a person in Nicodemuss position, that plain, open declaration by Jesus, if not true, was unmistakable blasphemy and this Galilean was worthy of death by stoning (see Leviticus 24:1116; John 10:3033). He comes from a family of fishermen. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit," Jesus said. 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. In the show, Nicodemus seems to already understand that Jesus is not just the Messiah but also divine, which isn't at all obvious from what Jesus actually says. Today we call this unequally yoked. On the other hand, when he has his encounter with Jesus, the questions that he asks aren't intended to trick or catch Jesus like the questions of his peers. In some depictions, such as Filippino Lippis Piet, he is the lone figure bearing the body, flanked by two angels. Nicodemus, a man of great wealth, donated 75 pounds of expensive myrrh and aloes to anoint the Lord's body after his death. The show does a great job of showing us real tension in Nicodemus' heart. As part of the Talmudic evidence, Robinson recounts the story of Nakdimon ben Gurions purported miracle. There was no dearth of self-proclaimed messiahs. If you want to avoid the ads (there's a lot!) A non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation. Miriam, daughter of Naqdimon ben Gurion of distinguished parentage, whose marriage contract providing 1,000,000 gold denars for her widowhood. This enormous sum Baron presents in contrast to poor fathers [who] were expected to supply a minimum dowry of 50 denarii (Salo Wittmayer Baron, A Social and Religious History of the Jews, 18 vols., 2nd ed., [Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1952], 2:11314, 221). Because Nicodemus was a wealthy man, he would have had plenty of people to assist him. Even so, a degree of ambiguity could still have been retained. Your email address will not be published. Potters pressed on the pilgrims their clay dishes and ovens for the Passover Lamb; hundreds of traders recommended their wares aloud; shops for wine, oil, salt, and all else needed for sacrifices, invited customers, and, in addition, persons going across the city, with all kinds of burdens, shortened their journey by crossing the Temple grounds. If any one thinks evil of his rabbi, it is as if he thought evil of the Eternal.[17]. Known for: Nicodemus was a leading Pharisee and well-recognized religious leader of the Jewish people. I realize asking these questions might feel like opening up a can of worms. Jesus counseled Nicodemus personally and privately. There are two sources of information, Josephus and the Babylonian Talmud (Priority of John, 284). You can find episode 8 on YouTube, . I offer my work for free and rely on the generous support of readers like you. Can you think of specific examples of women being treated unfairly in the Old Testament? After all, they reasoned, Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? (v. 48). 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. And the thing that happened in between, was Him." In particular, this episode of The Chosen shows us the impact of Jesus on Simon's wife (Eden), her mother, Nicodemus' wife (Zohara), Mary, and Photina (the Samaritan Woman at the Well from the well-known passage in John 4) - all against the backdrop of the unjust patriarchal society of ancient Israel. After Nicodemus had become a follower, his life was changed forever. This amount of spice was enough to fittingly bury royalty, signaling that Nicodemus had recognized Jesus as King. 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. Jesus often strongly denounced them for their legalism (see Matthew 23 ). Why do you think Photina sometimes responded a little harshly to Jesus? 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. 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). 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. 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. That evening Nicodemus learned from Jesus that he must be born again, and he was. The Welsh metaphysical poet, Henry Vaughan, in his poem The Night, uses Nicodemus to accentuate the nights connection with God. 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). While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Nicodemus speaks to Jesus in the first-person plural (we know). Come, follow me." The following outlines Nicodemus' actions and response to Jesus. As an introduction, Nicodemus complements Jesus saying, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. 1. 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. Season 2 Reflection P1: What is The Chosen Season 2 about? I offer my work for free and rely on the generous support of readers like you. 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). At night, when the masses of humanity had settled into whatever places of abode they could find, there might be some hope of privacy. If the above statements are true about her, she was one who feared God. 2, appendix I. He even helped anoint Jesus body. 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. 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