Nicodemus

[TaterTot]

I have been reading and digesting Nicodemus tonight. We read about him in John 3, 7, and 19. It seems his "discipleship" (for lack of a better term) is progressive, if it even is anything at all. Do you think he ever really "got it"? If he did, he surely was just a secret disciple, along with Joseph of Arimathea. Even so, does that count?

 

[PastorSBC1303]

What evidence is that that he did not "get it"?

 

[TaterTot]

Well, in chapter 3, we are left hanging as to his response to Jesus that night. In Ch. 7, Nic makes a small step toward Him, by saying to his colleagues "hey, lets at least hear Him out". But he never really shows that he is a true follower. Then in Ch 19, Nic is there with Joseph of Arimathea to get Jesus body. Joseph was a "secret follower" (v.38) as well. He never really made a stand that I can see, but yet he went to help with Jesus dead body. Did I miss it?

 

[PastorSBC1303]

It is probably one of those situations where we will not know for sure. I guess I have always assumed that since he came to take care of Jesus body that he was a follower of Christ.

 

[TaterTot]

I just think that if he were a true follower, he would have shown it. Twice John calls him the man that "visited Jesus at night" instead of the word disciple. He surely didnt make a firm stand in front of his Sanhedrin buddies. I think we are all a little like him in some ways.

 

[PastorSBC1303]

You are probably right.

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Wow...all six posts within 1/2 hour of the OP. (Read: get a life!

)

Seems to me that he may have been like many of those we all know who agree in principle with the teachings of Jesus and the Bible, and wishes he could do these things, but isn't entirely ready to "let go" of the life he has.

(perhaps)

 

[TaterTot]

thats what I have concluded as well.

You're just jealous cuase you werent here when the OP was posted! Now, go get a life!

 

[Helen]

When Nicodemus went with Joseph of A. to get Christ's body, he WAS making a stand. He was putting his own life, literally, on the line to be associated with this Man. This is the very reason the disciples had run away in the first place -- to save their own lives.

An interesting side note here that Barry found in some of his research: Joseph of A. was probably Jesus uncle. Mary's brother. Only a relative could claim a body and tradition has it that he was, indeed, Jesus' uncle and not just a 'secret follower.'

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Helen, that's certainly true...doing that would have certainly removed most of the doubt as to his position. Where before, he may have simply been "opposed" to the action of the Sanhedrin, now his loyalty and affections would have been quite clear to them.

I wonder what happened to him after this...

 

[genesis12]

To quote TaterTot:

"I just think that if he were a true follower, he would have shown it."

That's pretty subjective! You assume that he either did or did not do X so that the writer of the text could record it. In the final analysis, you're faulting the writer. That's a stretch for an inspired book, and that 2,000 years after the fact! Jesus Seminar?

 

[standingfirminChrist]

The Book of John, where we read of Nicodemus, is not focused on Nicodemus. This is why there are so few passages that mention him.

Nicodemus must have had a heart for the Lord, for he took the body and prepared it for interrment.

 

[Watchman]

In chapter three he came to Jesus by night.
In chapter seven, he did not come right out and say he believed in him, but, at least spoke up that they should at least find out more about Him.
In chapter 19 he came out publicly in helping to bury Jesus. To do so would no doubt have cost him something here, considering the attitude of the other Jewish leaders toward Jesus. It may have even cost him his life.

 

[Me4Him]

Joh 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, 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.

Nicodemus "SEEN" more in Jesus than just a "man".

And I think we'll all get to meet him, "SOON".

 

[standingfirminChrist]

I am not planning on meeting anyone in heaven, but my Jesus. If I do meet anyone else, that will just be fine, but my eyes are focused on meeting Jesus.

 

[TaterTot]

Thank you, WATCHMAN, for understanding what I meant about his progressive relationship with the Savior.

No Jesus Seminar needed.

Joseph of A was a "secret believer". HE was the one that asked for Jesus body. Nico was just with him. Now if he were a firm believer, why would he be following around a secret believer? Didnt you notice Jesus sarcasm in 3:10? Would He have been sarcastic with one who was truly seeking?

GENESIS, I am not assuming anything. I am reading the text. It leaves us hanging for a reason, I am sure. Fits Johns style of writing anyway. I think he left it for us to make our own conclusions.