November 25, 2023
A Man From The Past
(Some information may be too graphic for small children)
“Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. 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 (NASB)
Yesterday, we looked at someone unfamiliar. Today, you should recognize Nicodemus. He too was likely another member of the Sanhedrin. In the Talmud (a collection of writings of Jewish law and tradition, compiled between the 3rd and 6th centuries), some have tried to connect him to Nicodemus ben Gorion. According to the Talmud, he was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin who lost his status and fortune later in life. Perhaps it was connected with his possible conversion to Christianity. Two men from similar backgrounds whom Jesus impacted.
“Nicodemus, who had first come to Him…” You may remember Nicodemus from John 3. Here is a brief synopsis of his life: “John is the only Gospel that mentions Nicodemus. Tenney identifies Nicodemus as ‘a secret disciple whose faith grew slowly’ (Tenney, EBC, 186). Nicodemus’ relationship with Jesus develops over three episodes: John 3:1–21: Nicodemus comes to Jesus during the night and learns about the necessity of new birth. He honors Jesus by calling him ‘Rabbi’ and acknowledges that Jesus comes from God (John 3:2). Although some scholars suggest that Nicodemus visits Jesus at night (John 3:2) to avoid being seen with him, Borchert says that the imagery of darkness represents Nicodemus’ unbelief or doubt (Borchert, NAC, 170). Nicodemus struggles to understand Jesus’ explanation that he must be born again to enter the kingdom of God: ‘Birth for him apparently was limited to physical birth’ (Borchert, NAC, 173). John 7:50–52: Nicodemus somewhat defends Jesus before the Pharisees at the Festival of Booths. When other Pharisees speak against Jesus and seek His arrest, Nicodemus argues that Jesus should receive a fair trial according to Jewish law. The text does not clarify his motives. Borchert suggests that, as a fair-minded member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus is urging just treatment for the accused (Borchert, NAC, 294). Tenney, while acknowledging that Nicodemus’ question ‘was not an open declaration that he had faith in Jesus,’ allows more room for the possibility that Nicodemus sympathizes with Jesus: ‘Nicodemus may have felt that if he championed Jesus’ cause unequivocally, he would lose his case; but if he raised a legitimate legal objection, he might prevent drastic action’ (Tenney, EBC, 88). John 19:39–42: Nicodemus brings about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. The account identifies Joseph of Arimathea as a disciple of Jesus (John 19:38), but it offers no clear statement of Nicodemus’ faith. However, the surprising amount of spice indicates that Nicodemus ultimately recognizes Jesus as king. Borchert says, ‘It was enough spice to bury a king royally. The Johannine Death Story thus makes clear that Jesus was a King’ (Borchert, NAC, 281). Tenney says the extravagant quantity of spice shows not only Nicodemus’ great wealth but also his appreciation of Jesus (Tenney, EBC, 186).”[1] Truly Jesus was the King of Kings.
Above, we see Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea taking Jesus’ body and beginning the burial preparation. These two connected with Jesus and He left an impact on their lives.
[1] Seely, K. A. (2016). In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, L. Wentz, E. Ritzema, & W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Lexham Press.