GOOD SHEPHERD
CHURCH SEMINARY
MODULE 34
NICODEMUS [PART ONE] -
THE SACRAMENTS
THE SACRAMENTS
Objectives: By the end of this Module you should;
1. Know about Nicodemus
2. Have knowledge about the visit of Nicodemus
to Jesus
3. Be equipped to teach about the Sacrament of
Baptism
4. Know that the Spirit gives birth to spirit
5. Understand that God loved the world so much
He gave us His Only Son
6. Be able to give a sermon on Nicodemus with
reference to New Testament sources
7. Understand that Jesus instituted the Sacraments
8. Be able to testify to the teaching of Jesus
regarding the lifting of the snake in the
wilderness by Moses
1. Know about Nicodemus
2. Have knowledge about the visit of Nicodemus
to Jesus
3. Be equipped to teach about the Sacrament of
Baptism
4. Know that the Spirit gives birth to spirit
5. Understand that God loved the world so much
He gave us His Only Son
6. Be able to give a sermon on Nicodemus with
reference to New Testament sources
7. Understand that Jesus instituted the Sacraments
8. Be able to testify to the teaching of Jesus
regarding the lifting of the snake in the
wilderness by Moses
Contents;
1. Who was Nicodemus?
2. Burden of Proof
3. Baptism and the Spirit
4. Sacrament of Baptism
5. Holy Spirit and Sacraments
6. Prophecy of the Sacraments
7. God's gift to Humanity
4. Sacrament of Baptism
5. Holy Spirit and Sacraments
6. Prophecy of the Sacraments
7. God's gift to Humanity
8. Parting
1.
Who Was Nicodemus?
As the night owl swooped, the hurrying figure of a
darkly cloaked man cast shadows on the Jerusalem
As Nicodemus
came to the place where Jesus sat with His disciples, it was illuminating to
realize that Jesus so trusted this man that He gave him knowledge of his
whereabouts.
Nicodemus was both a powerful Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin; the Jewish ruling
council.
This leader, a
respected, wealthy and influential member of Jewish society in Jerusalem
Nicodemus had
first become aware of Jesus’ ministry as rumours and reports of His teachings
and healings filtered back to the Temple
News had most
likely reached Jerusalem Nazareth
A carpenter’s son had proclaimed Himself the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah in the local synagogue; thus laying claim that He was indeed the Messiah promised by God.
Nicodemus had probably heard that this Man had been taken up for blasphemy in the synagogue, and had managed to escape the stoning.
A carpenter’s son had proclaimed Himself the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah in the local synagogue; thus laying claim that He was indeed the Messiah promised by God.
Nicodemus had probably heard that this Man had been taken up for blasphemy in the synagogue, and had managed to escape the stoning.
That alone was
unusual. What was more remarkable was His age; the same span of years which the
boy-children of the royal Davidic bloodline would have been if they had not
been massacred in the region of Bethlehem
Somehow this
young man appeared to have escaped the Bethlehem massacre.
Nicodemus was keenly aware that the timeline of Jesus' life fit exactly with a number of events which had excited discussion and comment within the Sanhedrin within the previous decades.
The priest Zechariah had received angelic vision in the Temple, been struck dumb and thereafter the unexpected birth of the infant John took place.
This predestined boy was the cousin of Jesus of Nazareth, and had been preaching and baptizing while making public announcement of the coming of the Messiah.
He was acknowledged as prophet of the Lord by the people of Israel.
The holy Simon and Anna, prophets within the Temple, had witnessed that the Messiah had been born and dedicated within the Jerusalem Temple itself.
Furthermore, a stir had been experienced within the Temple years before when a twelve year old genius village boy had been involved in lengthy discussions with the top teachers of the law.
Nicodemus had learned that the boy - instead of attending rabbinic study within the Temple - had returned home with His parents.
To Nazareth. The town of Jesus. Everything was falling into place for Nicodemus.
He himself had witnessed signs and wonders, healing and teaching of Jesus.
He had even seen dead people raised again to life by Jesus.
Various of the Sanhedrin and Temple staff were annoyed by the contretemps the ministry of Jesus created within the Temple; they elected to believe that Jesus was under demonic influence.
Nicodemus believed differently. It was wholly possible - he concluded - that based on evidence, it was not inconceivable, but probable, that Jesus might be the long promised Messiah.
2. Burden of Proof
Nicodemus was keenly aware that the timeline of Jesus' life fit exactly with a number of events which had excited discussion and comment within the Sanhedrin within the previous decades.
The priest Zechariah had received angelic vision in the Temple, been struck dumb and thereafter the unexpected birth of the infant John took place.
This predestined boy was the cousin of Jesus of Nazareth, and had been preaching and baptizing while making public announcement of the coming of the Messiah.
He was acknowledged as prophet of the Lord by the people of Israel.
The holy Simon and Anna, prophets within the Temple, had witnessed that the Messiah had been born and dedicated within the Jerusalem Temple itself.
Furthermore, a stir had been experienced within the Temple years before when a twelve year old genius village boy had been involved in lengthy discussions with the top teachers of the law.
Nicodemus had learned that the boy - instead of attending rabbinic study within the Temple - had returned home with His parents.
To Nazareth. The town of Jesus. Everything was falling into place for Nicodemus.
He himself had witnessed signs and wonders, healing and teaching of Jesus.
He had even seen dead people raised again to life by Jesus.
Various of the Sanhedrin and Temple staff were annoyed by the contretemps the ministry of Jesus created within the Temple; they elected to believe that Jesus was under demonic influence.
Nicodemus believed differently. It was wholly possible - he concluded - that based on evidence, it was not inconceivable, but probable, that Jesus might be the long promised Messiah.
2. Burden of Proof
A cautious and religious man, Nicodemus followed Jesus’ career with ever increasing interest.
The reported witness of Simeon at the circumcision of Jesus was
'Now, Lord, let Your servant go in peace as You promised:
for my eyes have seen Your Salvation,
which You have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light of revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel.' [Luke 2:29 - 32]
The prophetess Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher, came along as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph.
She began to praise God, and talked about the Child to everyone who had been awaiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
[Luke 2:38].
John the Baptist had witnessed that Jesus is the Messiah, saying;
'Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.
This is He of Whom I said 'A Man comes after me Who has surpassed me because He was before Me.
I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.'
John had given further testimony with the following words,
'I saw the Spirit come down from Heaven as a Dove and remain on Him.
And I myself did not know Him, but the One Who sent me to baptize with water told me, "The Man on Whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the One Who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One.' [John 1:29 - 34].
These were powerful witnesses; yet were they enough?
Nicodemus reasoned that in Jesus, he had found one who spoke with authority and power.
Yet was Jesus the Messiah? Israel had known false prophets before, and when a member of the Sanhedrin spoke, only measured and factual evidence should be presented to the people of God.
Yet Nicodemus became more and more convinced that Jesus might indeed be the promised Messiah.
Nicodemus personally witnessed varied of Jesus' preachings, teachings and healings: particularly those carried out within the Temple.
Reports flooded in from synagogues all over the country and from regions beyond of healing wonders carried out by Jesus.
A number of official reports had been received by the Sanhedrin from synagogue priests detailing successful healings at the hands of Jesus.
This had been done at the request of Jesus, and in accordance with the Law. [Luke 17:14].
All the evidence pointed to one fact: Nicodemus had to put the claim of Jesus to the test.
There was only one way he knew to begin this process; that was to meet with Jesus for discussion.
However, so much controversy was swirling in religious and political circles as a result of Jesus' ministry, that Nicodemus resolved to ask for a private meeting.
Nicodemus approach in secret for a nocturnal meeting had various benefits.
The two men would be able to discuss various issues without the pressure of public crowds, heckling or public dissension.
Pressure and threat from the Sanhedrin and the Temple guard would be avoided.
Jesus and the safety of His disciples would be assured. He would have sufficient time within peaceful circumstances in order to explain His position with clarity to the Sanhedrin representative.
Nicodemus could assess the claim of Jesus and His teachings, with no compromise to his personal position and standing within the Temple and societal circles.
'Now, Lord, let Your servant go in peace as You promised:
for my eyes have seen Your Salvation,
which You have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light of revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel.' [Luke 2:29 - 32]
The prophetess Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher, came along as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph.
She began to praise God, and talked about the Child to everyone who had been awaiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
[Luke 2:38].
John the Baptist had witnessed that Jesus is the Messiah, saying;
'Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.
This is He of Whom I said 'A Man comes after me Who has surpassed me because He was before Me.
I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.'
John had given further testimony with the following words,
'I saw the Spirit come down from Heaven as a Dove and remain on Him.
And I myself did not know Him, but the One Who sent me to baptize with water told me, "The Man on Whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the One Who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One.' [John 1:29 - 34].
These were powerful witnesses; yet were they enough?
Nicodemus reasoned that in Jesus, he had found one who spoke with authority and power.
Yet was Jesus the Messiah? Israel had known false prophets before, and when a member of the Sanhedrin spoke, only measured and factual evidence should be presented to the people of God.
Yet Nicodemus became more and more convinced that Jesus might indeed be the promised Messiah.
Nicodemus personally witnessed varied of Jesus' preachings, teachings and healings: particularly those carried out within the Temple.
Reports flooded in from synagogues all over the country and from regions beyond of healing wonders carried out by Jesus.
A number of official reports had been received by the Sanhedrin from synagogue priests detailing successful healings at the hands of Jesus.
This had been done at the request of Jesus, and in accordance with the Law. [Luke 17:14].
All the evidence pointed to one fact: Nicodemus had to put the claim of Jesus to the test.
There was only one way he knew to begin this process; that was to meet with Jesus for discussion.
However, so much controversy was swirling in religious and political circles as a result of Jesus' ministry, that Nicodemus resolved to ask for a private meeting.
Nicodemus approach in secret for a nocturnal meeting had various benefits.
The two men would be able to discuss various issues without the pressure of public crowds, heckling or public dissension.
Pressure and threat from the Sanhedrin and the Temple guard would be avoided.
Jesus and the safety of His disciples would be assured. He would have sufficient time within peaceful circumstances in order to explain His position with clarity to the Sanhedrin representative.
Nicodemus could assess the claim of Jesus and His teachings, with no compromise to his personal position and standing within the Temple and societal circles.
Away from the public eye, the two were able to talk freely – Nicodemus, to explore Jesus’ teachings.
Jesus, to explore Nicodemus’ search for truth.
Nicodemus was aware of various issues surrounding Jesus' claim to be Messiah.
Not least among them was the dichotomy which Jesus presented.
The carpenter from Nazareth turned rabbi did not fit the profile of a Davidic king of warrior tendency and military leaning.
What then, was His plan to fulfil the destiny of Messiah and to win the support of the people of Israel?
[1] Good Night to Our Blessed Mother
With thanks to youtube
Jesus, to explore Nicodemus’ search for truth.
Nicodemus was aware of various issues surrounding Jesus' claim to be Messiah.
Not least among them was the dichotomy which Jesus presented.
The carpenter from Nazareth turned rabbi did not fit the profile of a Davidic king of warrior tendency and military leaning.
What then, was His plan to fulfil the destiny of Messiah and to win the support of the people of Israel?
3. Baptism and the Spirit
Nicodemus courteously greeted Jesus with honour as Rabbi.
He affirmed that he was member of a group who knew that Jesus was a teacher who has come from God.
Nicodemus courteously greeted Jesus with honour as Rabbi.
He affirmed that he was member of a group who knew that Jesus was a teacher who has come from God.
The reason Nicodemus gave for their belief was that no one could perform the signs Jesus was doing if God were not with him. [John 3:2]
As time wore on, the discussion between the Pharisee and the Christ took a most unexpected turn.
Instead of Nicodemus leading the discussion, Jesus took the opportunity to explore deeper theological realities with the powerful Sanhedrin member.
He challenged Nicodemus to fathom the reality of the great Sacraments He was forging on earth.
Rather than raise up earthly armies and pitting military might and causing suffering on earth, Jesus had laid celestial military campaign.
He was going to storm the very foundations of demonic holdings on earth and wrest humanity from the dominion of satan.
This would be done through divine sacraments of baptism, water, Holy Spirit, eucharist, crucifixion leading to redemption and eternal life.
God's master plan was not strategy leading to earthly rule.
He planned a new Kingdom, a new Heaven; with everlasting Davidic rule by Jesus Christ as Emperor of the cosmos.
4. Sacrament of Baptism
Jesus intended to begin the divination process of each human by means of divine infusion.
His first laid strategy was to infuse divine life - the very life of God Himself - into human beings.
This would be effected by removal of the defacement of the Image of God within each person which had been wrought by the fall.
The defacement - or removal of the stain of original sin - would be brought about by the action of the Holy Spirit of God.
The Spirit of God would be called upon the person, and would carry out God's work upon the spirit.
An earthly sign to witness to the inward reality of divine action, and one easily discernable to all humanity - and demonic entities - would be the sign of water.
5. Holy Spirit and Sacraments
Nicodemus had attended the meeting with Jesus for the purpose of learning more about Him.
To this honest man of integrity Jesus gave the honour of knowledge of the Sacrament of Baptism and the Nature of the Holy Spirit of God.
Jesus explained to Nicodemus that no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again.
As time wore on, the discussion between the Pharisee and the Christ took a most unexpected turn.
Instead of Nicodemus leading the discussion, Jesus took the opportunity to explore deeper theological realities with the powerful Sanhedrin member.
He challenged Nicodemus to fathom the reality of the great Sacraments He was forging on earth.
Rather than raise up earthly armies and pitting military might and causing suffering on earth, Jesus had laid celestial military campaign.
He was going to storm the very foundations of demonic holdings on earth and wrest humanity from the dominion of satan.
This would be done through divine sacraments of baptism, water, Holy Spirit, eucharist, crucifixion leading to redemption and eternal life.
God's master plan was not strategy leading to earthly rule.
He planned a new Kingdom, a new Heaven; with everlasting Davidic rule by Jesus Christ as Emperor of the cosmos.
4. Sacrament of Baptism
Jesus intended to begin the divination process of each human by means of divine infusion.
His first laid strategy was to infuse divine life - the very life of God Himself - into human beings.
This would be effected by removal of the defacement of the Image of God within each person which had been wrought by the fall.
The defacement - or removal of the stain of original sin - would be brought about by the action of the Holy Spirit of God.
The Spirit of God would be called upon the person, and would carry out God's work upon the spirit.
An earthly sign to witness to the inward reality of divine action, and one easily discernable to all humanity - and demonic entities - would be the sign of water.
5. Holy Spirit and Sacraments
Nicodemus had attended the meeting with Jesus for the purpose of learning more about Him.
To this honest man of integrity Jesus gave the honour of knowledge of the Sacrament of Baptism and the Nature of the Holy Spirit of God.
Jesus explained to Nicodemus that no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again.
Nicodemus assumed that Jesus was speaking in the literal, physical sense.
He enquired how someone could be born when they are old; surely they could not enter their mother’s womb a second time in order to be born. [John 3:3-4]
He enquired how someone could be born when they are old; surely they could not enter their mother’s womb a second time in order to be born. [John 3:3-4]
Jesus' answer was that no one can enter the Kingdom of God
Simply put, Jesus is speaking about spiritual rebirth through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Jesus told Nicodemus that the body gives birth to another body, but the Spirit of God gives birth to the spirit.
As our mother’s body gives birth to our physical form, so God’s Spirit gives birth to our spiritual form.
In order for us to metamorphose successfully from our physical body on planet earth into our eternal spiritual being capable of existing eternally in Heaven, we have to undergo a new birth.
Our spirits are born of God Himself through a mysterious process which we undergo through the physical symbolism of poured water during sacrament while here on earth.
Nicodemus was utterly astounded. So much so, that Jesus responded to his surprised face with the words, 'You should not be surprised at my saying, "You must be born again." The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”'[John 3:8 - The Greek for Spirit is the same as that for wind]
The Greek for ‘you’ is plural; so Jesus was speaking to the group of whom Nicodemus was the spokesman.
The Greek for ‘Spirit’ is the same as that for ‘wind’.
So Jesus explained that the spirit is a force humanly unseen; yet, the spirit is reality nevertheless.
Nicodemus asked how this could be; the teaching was unclear to him.
So Jesus explained that the spirit is a force humanly unseen; yet, the spirit is reality nevertheless.
Nicodemus asked how this could be; the teaching was unclear to him.
Jesus challenged Nicodemus as Sanhedrin member - foremost religious and spiritual teacher - as to his inability to understand these things.
The Messiah then affirmed in most solemn terms that ‘we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen,’ [John 3:11]
Jesus thus gave witness to His knowledge of the Godhood and the mysteries of God Himself.
6. Prophecy of the Sacraments
Jesus further prepared Nicodemus for the miracle of His Resurrection, and for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
He explained that as the great Prophet Moses had lifted up the snake in the wilderness, He as the Son of Man must be lifted up.
As the fatally afflicted people of Israel looked upon the bronze serpent and lived, so humanity fatally poisoned by sin are destined to look up at the Figure of the Son of God upon the Cross, and to receive redemption and eternal life from Him.
Jesus was explaining the steps towards the Sacraments of Eucharist, Forgiveness of Sins, Administration of Graces and Preparation for Eternal Life.
Crucifixion, death and Resurrection would effect the background to the great Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Furthermore, the sacrament of the forgiveness of sins would be effected at the foot of the cross where 'but one drop of blood which for sinners is spilt, is sufficient to cleanse the whole world of its guilt.' [1]
In other words, the innocent Blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus God's only Son, is the only means by which we could be reconciled to God after the complete rift in relationship between God and humanity.
7. God's Gift to Humanity
Jesus thus gave witness to His knowledge of the Godhood and the mysteries of God Himself.
6. Prophecy of the Sacraments
Jesus further prepared Nicodemus for the miracle of His Resurrection, and for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
He explained that as the great Prophet Moses had lifted up the snake in the wilderness, He as the Son of Man must be lifted up.
As the fatally afflicted people of Israel looked upon the bronze serpent and lived, so humanity fatally poisoned by sin are destined to look up at the Figure of the Son of God upon the Cross, and to receive redemption and eternal life from Him.
Jesus was explaining the steps towards the Sacraments of Eucharist, Forgiveness of Sins, Administration of Graces and Preparation for Eternal Life.
Crucifixion, death and Resurrection would effect the background to the great Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Furthermore, the sacrament of the forgiveness of sins would be effected at the foot of the cross where 'but one drop of blood which for sinners is spilt, is sufficient to cleanse the whole world of its guilt.' [1]
In other words, the innocent Blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus God's only Son, is the only means by which we could be reconciled to God after the complete rift in relationship between God and humanity.
7. God's Gift to Humanity
Jesus affirmed to Nicodemus that God loved the world [humanity] so much that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God did not send Jesus into the world to judge and condemn humanity, but to save the world through Him.
Jesus further explained that those who do not believe in His Messianic status are in danger of not taking advantage of the opportunity for eternal life on offer.
Jesus gave God's verdict. The Light of God had come into the world through His Person and teachings, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the Light of God, and will not come into His Light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into God’s Light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. [John 3:16-21]
8. Parting
And so the two – Jesus, descended from Davidic royalty, sired mysteriously, birthed in an animal dugout and with the muscles of a hard-working carpenter – had met with Nicodemus, a Pharisee born into a privileged and comfortable lifestyle.
After their parting, Nicodemus discreetly retired home with much to ponder . . .
Rev Catherine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jltKwX6ifzQ
Rev Catherine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jltKwX6ifzQ
[1] Good Night to Our Blessed Mother
With thanks to youtube
No comments:
Post a Comment