Article July 22, 1985 Issue

Jesus' answer to Nicodemus

LYNN H. HOWARD

Often, the Gospels say, crowds followed Jesus. They listened to his message and witnessed healings. Farmers, merchants, craftsmen, fishermen, even women and children heard him. When he spoke in the synagogue, the people were amazed at his teaching, "for he taught them as one that had authority." Mark 1:22.

Sometimes there were Pharisees in the crowd. They were highly educated men, an elite group who taught and interpreted Jewish religious laws. Since they believed that observing hundreds of ceremonial rules and rituals fulfilled God's will, they doubted that Christ Jesus' message had divine authority. They were disturbed by his failure to observe their rigid rules—for example, when he healed people on the Sabbath.

However, not all the Pharisees were hostile to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Pharisee who was also a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish governing council, was impressed by Jesus' works of healing. He came by night to visit Jesus. By coming privately at night, he probably hoped the other Pharisees wouldn't know he was visiting Jesus and therefore wouldn't condemn his action.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Testimony overdue?
July 22, 1985
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit