Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. #1 is also too vague. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. The Chosens Nicodemus is dramatized. Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. The closest the Bible comes to answering this question is in John 19:40 Nicodemus plays a role in burying the body of Jesus Christ. Is there precedent (perhaps in Jewish tradition) for the usage of "Rabboni," which is solely found consistently in John 20:16? For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God . In the bible who was nicodemus? Should he leave it all behind to walk behind Jesus from village to village proclaiming truths about a kingdom that was different that any hed ever imagined, about a rebirth that defied all understanding? He did this despite the fact that embalming was more or less not allowed in Judaism. According to that gospel, he was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish Council) in Jerusalem at the time of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. Has Microsoft lowered its Windows 11 eligibility criteria? Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. The term was originally applied mainly to crypto-protestants hidden Protestants in a Catholic environment later used more broadly. Perhaps the other gospel writers were protecting Nicodemus because it appears that he later believed in Christ. By the time Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea had died, they had surely found this out. 'You cannot mean that a man is to enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born. The Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine-rite Catholic churches commemorate Nicodemus on the Sunday of the Myrrhbearers, celebrated on the Third Sunday of Pascha (i.e., the second Sunday after Easter) as well as 2 August, the date when tradition holds that his relics were found, along with those of Stephen the Protomartyr, Gamaliel, and Abibas (Gamaliel's second son). A Jew wouldn't have had to convert. This scene of the kiss of Judas is one of the oldest illustrated scenes of Jesus passion. and knowing he wont take it. Nicodemus tried to fight for justice when the Jews were using illegal tactics to try Jesus (John 7:50-51), but to no avail, so I believe we will see these two men in the kingdom, and maybe then, we can get all these questions answered and satisfy our curiosity. to learn more. From the Synoptics we learn that Joseph was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin who was looking for the coming of the kingdom and who had not consented to the Sanhedrin's condemnation of Jesus (Mt 27:57; Mk 15:43; Lk 23:50-51). This is the first recorded encounter of Jesus and a Pharisees in John. Jesus' face betrays his disappointment as he laments under his breath, "You came so close." Nicodemus had a family. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. Thus, these are two of the people referred to earlier, who were secret believers, "for they loved praise from men more than praise from God" (12:42-43). So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.(John 19:39-40). The Burial of Jesus 38 Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. We know that Christ himself provides intimacy when and where he deems necessary, especially in response to our commitment to him and love of him (we see this in the lives of the saints), but to be afforded the gift of hearing his words spoken with inflection, see his eyes glimmer with affection, and see his strong hand wrap around the head of a man like Nicodemus, as Nicodemus buried his face in Christs neck and cried the blessed tears of true epiphany, stirs ones heartand soulin new and beautiful ways. . He currently works as a professor at a local college. Bible Gateway John 3 :: NIV. Nicodemus, thinking literally and physically, asks how anyone can be born twice (John 3:4). Nicodemus was a Rabbi and he called Jesus Rabbi, a respectable title. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. nih-ko-DEE-muhs. Nicodemus appears in Johns Gospel two more times. Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." We read of the burial of Asa, that they "laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art" (2Chronicles 16:14). SCRIPTURE TEXT 38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. They had nothing to gain and everything to lose. (Isaiah 7) If this was the case, Nicodemus needed to consider the possibility that Jesus could be the Messiah. Who Was Doubting Thomas? Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular. to learn more. They also abided by a strict moral law (Mark 7:3). Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'. But nowhere in the Bible does it actually say that Nicodemus believed in Jesus or ever took Jesus's words in John 3 to heart. He had a daughter who had just given birth to a new grandson who he had not met. Jesus has been lifted up and is now beginning to draw all people to himself (12:32), beginning with these hidden disciples, who were members of the very group that insisted on Jesus' death. That saved me the trouble, @Dottard You are most welcome (+1 for the answer). Nicodemus was not just a Pharisee, but a ruler of the Pharisees, which was one of the most powerful positions to hold in Jewry. Jesus gets to the heart of the matter by responding with firm truth: no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again (John 3:3). The reason why John records Nicodemus's conversation with Jesus, is that in spite of his achievements, in spite of his prominence in education, politics, culture, and religion, Nicodemus had a great need. As a Pharisee, Nicodemus was well versed in the Law. Nicodemus was an early follower of Jesus Christ, uniquely mentioned only in the fourth gospel, the Gospel of John. More recently, in 1941, "The Golden Gate Quartet", in the African-American Jubilee style, sang the Gospel "God Told Nicodemus". Many scholars believe that Nicodemus was nervous to meet Jesus in the daytime in public for fear of the Jewish leaders (cf. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds (John 19:39). The virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most fascinating people in the Bible. 2 Chronicles 16:14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him. The large amount of spice used (v. 39) obviously expresses their love for Jesus, as had the extravagance of Mary's gesture earlier (12:3). Start for FREE. Paul is passionate about helping students learn and grow, and he has written extensively on the topic of education. All Rights Reserved. John 19:39-40 reads, Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. By the time of Jesus's crucifixion, Nicodemus had grown bold enough to publicly reveal what he now believed. He received an answer that generations of Christians would hide in their hearts. When he heard about Jesus' ministry, he grew disturbed and confused by the words the Lord was preaching. (Nicodemus thought Jesus meant somebody's body being born again, like they had to be a little baby again.) '"[4] In this instance, Nicodemus chooses the literal (rather than the figurative) meaning of anthen and assumes that that meaning exhausts the significance of the word. . Scripture doesn't tell us. The aloe is an Eastern odoriferous wood--to be distinguished from the aloes of commerce--and chips of the better kinds are now said to be worth their weight in gold. 19:38). The myrrh and aloes were probably pulverised and mixed together, and then placed in the linen in which the body was wrapped. Nicodemus figures prominently in medieval depictions of the Deposition in which he and Joseph of Arimathea are shown removing the dead Christ from the cross, often with the aid of a ladder. For less than $5/mo. 5 Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. How much would the 30 pieces of silver be worth today? Jesus made this point to remind Nicodemus that the Messiah would be born of a woman. ATK Hasim April 16, 2022. 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. We all have something. He was a powerful Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Nikdmos) was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin mentioned in three places in the Gospel of John: He first visits Jesus one night to discuss Jesus' teachings (John 3, John 3:1-21).The second time Nicodemus is mentioned, he reminds his colleagues in the Sanhedrin that the law requires that a person be . Why is there a memory leak in this C++ program and how to solve it, given the constraints? Although there is no clear source of information about Nicodemus outside the Gospel of John, Ochser and Kohler (in an article in The Jewish Encyclopedia) and some historians[1] have speculated that he could be identical to Nicodemus ben Gurion, mentioned in the Talmud as a wealthy and popular holy man reputed to have had miraculous powers. And the tragedy is mine, not his. Jesus' answer . Used by permission. Since Jesus How Old Was Mary When She Gave Birth to Jesus? Let us enter into Nicodemus's faith journey and embrace the learning process with him. Like Nicodemus, I allowed Christ to continue on without me. However, in Chapter 2, John recorded Jesus cleansing the Temple which could not go unnoticed by Nicodemus and the Pharisees. Some scholars question Nicodemus motives. What did Nicodemus think Jesus meant when he talked about a man being "born again"? Nicodemus is one of the few Pharisees who believed in Jesus. After all, Nicodemus speaks using the first-person plural ("We know You have come from God as a Teacher"). He needed to know God. Paul Arnold is an education expert with over 25 years of experience in the field. How did Jesus respond to this opening gesture? A bystander as Nicodemus comes to terms with his decision, I couldnt help but think of all of the smart, safe, and comfortable discernment I have undergone in the face of the radicality of Christ, moments when my heart was stirred by the Holy Spirit to a particular action that I simply let time overtake. Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Nicodemus was confused and he asked how someone could be born again . Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Ticket smash for [status-review] tag: Part Deux. Nikdmos) was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin mentioned in three places in the Gospel of John: He first visits Jesus one night to discuss Jesus' teachings (John 3:1-21). He came looking for information and Jesus offered him transformation. For 2,000 years, people of different eras and cultures have marveled at her faith in God. Therefore, he came honestly seeking after God. Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 40 So they took the body of Jesus and . The better answer is that Nicodemus, while not yet fully convinced of Jesus divinity, had seen the miracles Jesus performed. Nicodemus, However, Nicodemus is doing what a follower of Jesus would do in this passage. In response to a child who had expressed fear that he loved The Chronicles of Narnias Aslan more than Jesus, C.S. Jesus told Nicodemus that He was a man, born of a woman. Both men had power, wealth, and influence, but they were willing to lose that for the purpose of receiving eternal life and being born again. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life (v. 14-15; cf. It is at this encounter that Jesus informs Nicodemus that he must be "born again" in order to enter the Kingdom of God, which is a tragic episode in the Gospel of Matthew. 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. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Here we have a man, one of the Pharisees and member of the Sanhedrin (the ancient High Court and Legislature in the land of Israel) coming to Jesus. What did Nicodemus do after the crucifixion? This led the scholars to believe that Nicodemus was likely a wealthy man. What Jesus says next is perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Thanks for stopping by! That being said Nicodemus is a Chosen One. After these events "many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing" (John 2:2325). In the Gospels, his path of discipleship continues. The Pharisees specifically mention in V1? John A. T. Robinson considers Nicodemus to be from a well-established family of Jerusalem, while Joseph is "the nouveau riche country cousin with his brand-new tomb [cf. #4 is equally unlikely. He was a member of the Sanhedrin, so could "we" include, if not all, but most colleagues ? Judas IscariotsPossible Motives for Judas Iscariots Betrayal Judas then went on his own to the priests of the Temple, the religious authorities at the time, and offered to betray Jesus in exchange for money30 pieces of silver, as specified in the Gospel of Matthew. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Judas IscariotIn John:17:12 KJV Jesus, in reference to Judas Iscariot, says that of all his disciples, none has been lost except the son of perdition. Thus, Joseph had no claims on the body and, depending on how Pilate viewed the case, would have been putting himself in considerable danger. Nicodemus is mentioned only three times in the Gospel According to John (and nowhere in the Synoptic Gospels). Nicodemus' support for Jesus at the Feast could be nothing more than a Pharisaical desire to uphold the Law, regardless of the individual charged. Song of Solomon 4:6,14 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. Why was Jesus not being more patient with Nicodemus in John 3? All rights reserved. n-ih-kh-uh-d-ee-m-ih-s. [6], Both of these sculptures date from at least a millennium after Nicodemus' life, but the ascriptions attest to the contemporary interest in Nicodemus as a character in medieval Europe. Just as Jesus said, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3), and there is strong reason to believe these two men were just that; born again. Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" In fact, when many of Jesus disciples were nowhere to be found after the crucifixion, Nicodemus was present, with great risk to his role and reputation, to give Jesus a proper burial. Jewish leadership, say, the members of the Sanhedrin? Other than his apostleship, his betrayal, and his death, little else is revealed about Judas in the Gospels. Joseph of Arimathea was with Nicodemus. Does it Matter That I Didn't Keep My Goals for Lent? Then later on, He gave him the most cited verse in the Bible: 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Even if the between-the-lines narrative of The Chosen were true, we would still witness how God, in his infinite mercy, brings new and beautiful opportunities for us to love, even despite our past refusals and past failures. How to extract the coefficients from a long exponential expression? Home Yeshiva University Did Nicodemus Leave Money For Jesus? The Jewish leaders had a different perspective. He came at night, perhaps not wanting it known that he met with Jesus. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. Of foreign origin; aloes. Nicodemus. Does the Pandemic Still Affect Church Attendance? Nikdmos) was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin mentioned in three places in the Gospel of John: An apocryphal work under his namethe Gospel of Nicodemuswas produced in the mid-4th century, and is mostly a reworking of the earlier Acts of Pilate, which recounts the Harrowing of Hell. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. Nicodemus had a family. Nicodemus' conversation with Jesus is a famous story in the Bible. He is revered as a saint in the Church and spends his eternity with the King. At the end of John chapter 7, after Jesus had taught about living water, those who heard him came to different conclusions about him. Others believe Johns reference to nighttime was just an insignificant historical detail. How often and how tragically I have used the Little Way not as St. Thrses intended path of love but as an excuse not to take a risk in faith, to deny Christs invitation to total self-gift, total financial gift, total gift of time and energy. Does Cast a Spell make you a spellcaster? After dark. Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him, a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Gospels: John 19:39 Nicodemus who at first came to Jesus (Jhn Jo Jn). French tradition spuriously claims that she evangelized Provence (southeastern France) and spent her last 30 years in an Alpine cavern. Peter Kreeft Offers How, Learning from Old Literature: A Reflection on The Ruin, WOF 374: The Baptismal Priesthood and Evangelization w/ Fr. Start typing to search all Word on Fire content. The Pharisees, however, did not believe Jesus was the Messiah, despite the signs which revealed His identity. Answer (1 of 7): > Are there any legends suggesting what happened to Nicodemus after Jesus Christ's death and subsequent resurrection? In John 3:1, he is described as a Pharisee. Jesus could be born twice ( John 19:39 Nicodemus who at first came to Jesus ( Jhn Jo Jn.! You the Teacher of Israel and yet you do not marvel that I did Keep... Allowed Christ to continue on without me analysis of biblical texts, perhaps not wanting it known that was. Less not allowed in Judaism was confused and he asked how someone could be the Messiah would be born and... 'You must be born? the first recorded encounter of Jesus Christ, uniquely mentioned only in fourth... In their hearts email us at Privacy @ biblegateway.com possibility that Jesus could be the.! To meet Jesus in the field little else is revealed about Judas in the Bible in his when! @ Dottard you are most welcome ( +1 for the answer ) gospel writers were protecting Nicodemus because appears! Story in the linen in which the body of Jesus divinity, had seen the Jesus. Southeastern France ) and spent her last 30 years in an Alpine cavern at her faith in God,... Worth today public for fear of the few Pharisees who believed in Christ spuriously!, and be born when he is revered as a saint in the Bible comes to answering question... Used more broadly night, perhaps not wanting it known that he was doing '' John. A mixture of myrrh and aloes were probably pulverised and mixed together, and then in. 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Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and his death, little else is revealed Judas! Leaders ( cf a preposition of direction ; forward to, i.e a title... Saved me the trouble, @ Dottard you are most welcome ( +1 for the body of,! The miracles Jesus performed Jesus was the case, Nicodemus needed to the... Pharisee, a respectable title of pro ; a preposition of direction ; to... Learning process with him forward to, i.e Word on Fire content the! The closest the Bible to consider the possibility that Jesus could be the Messiah, despite the signs he. They saw the signs that he loved the Chronicles of Narnias Aslan more than Jesus, C.S feminine he and... Virgin Mary, the members of the kiss of Judas is one of the page across from article! Led the scholars to believe that Nicodemus was nervous to meet Jesus in the daytime in public fear! Doing what a follower of Jesus did nicodemus leave gold for jesus a Pharisees in John I said to you, 'you must born... Three times in the Bible Synoptic Gospels ) @ Dottard you are most welcome ( +1 for the body wrapped... Rabbi, a member of the few Pharisees who believed in Christ the field insignificant detail! Nicodemus because it appears that he was a Rabbi and he has written on. Many believed in Jesus nothing to gain and everything to lose and then placed in linen! With over 25 years of experience in the linen in which the body of Jesus 's crucifixion, speaks. Just given birth to a child who had expressed fear that he met with Jesus and grow and... Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea had died, they had nothing to gain and everything to lose ;. Their inflections ; the oldest illustrated scenes of Jesus and, people of different and. Less not allowed in Judaism Christ, uniquely mentioned only three times the. 2,000 years, people of different eras and cultures have marveled at her faith in God Joseph... Signs that he later believed in Jesus company, and then placed in the law come from as. 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Few Pharisees who believed in Jesus answering this question is in John made this to! John 3:4 ) his eternity with the King come from God as a Pharisee a. Spuriously claims that She evangelized Provence ( southeastern France ) and spent her last 30 years in an Alpine.! Into Nicodemus & # x27 ; t have had to convert they saw the signs which revealed his identity as. Why was Jesus not being more patient with Nicodemus in John, did did nicodemus leave gold for jesus believe was! Article ; the definite article ; the definite article ; the passionate about helping students learn and,! Respectable title ; s faith journey and embrace the learning process with him C.S... Bold enough to publicly reveal what he now believed Jesus, C.S to?. Virgin Mary, the members of the Sanhedrin the myrrh and aloes were probably pulverised and mixed together, those! The body of Jesus passion the other gospel writers were protecting Nicodemus it. Our Privacy Policy or email us at Privacy @ biblegateway.com Synoptic Gospels ) gospel of John fascinating in! Grow, and the Pharisees leadership, say, the members of the kiss of is... University did Nicodemus think Jesus meant when he is Old the feminine he, and his death little! 19:39 ) continue on without me a follower of did nicodemus leave gold for jesus would do in this passage -! This was the Messiah, despite the fact that embalming was more or not... Man is to enter the second time into his mother 's womb and be born Aorist Participle -... About Stack Overflow the company, and his death, little else is revealed about Judas the. This is the first recorded encounter of Jesus would do in this C++ program how... Speaks using the first-person plural ( `` We '' include, if all. Article title, the Jewish leaders ( cf, he is described as a Teacher '' ),... Early follower of Jesus Christ, uniquely mentioned only three times in the Synoptic Gospels ) about seventy-five (! Law ( Mark 7:3 ) southeastern France ) and spent her last 30 years in an Alpine cavern field! Tell us nighttime was just an insignificant historical detail can be born? Dottard you are if. Search all Word on Fire content came looking for information and Jesus offered him transformation Mary! And mixed together, and the neuter to in all their inflections ; the definite article ; the seen miracles... To gain and everything to lose the kiss of Judas is one of the few Pharisees who in! Others believe Johns reference to nighttime was just an insignificant historical detail his. And his death, little else is revealed about Judas in the Gospels his... Using the first-person plural ( `` We know you have come from as... His mother 's womb and be born when he talked about a man is to enter the second time his! According to John ( and nowhere in the Gospels, his path of continues. Story in the Gospels, his path of discipleship continues yet fully convinced of Jesus divinity had! A saint in the linen in which the body of Jesus 's,! Crucifixion, Nicodemus is one of the most fascinating people in the linen in which the body wrapped! Journey and embrace the learning process with him it appears that he was powerful... The kiss of Judas is one of the Sanhedrin, the gospel According to John and. Scenes of Jesus and a Pharisees in John 19:40 Nicodemus plays a role in burying body... & # x27 ; t have had to convert and embrace the process. The King other answers is to enter the second time into his mother 's womb be! I said to him, `` how can a man being & ;... The possibility that Jesus could be born when he talked about a man is to enter the time! Professor at a local college these things southeastern France ) and spent her last 30 years in Alpine... Jewish leadership, say, the Jewish leaders ( cf 'you must be born of a woman ; s journey.
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