As we continue to contemplate the reunion of the physical and the spiritual in our readings this week, we also see the tension that existed between the proto-Gnostic Johannine community and the Pharisees in Judaism at that time.
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(Read this series from the beginning here. )
“Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and bear witness to what we have seen, and yet you do not accept our testimony. I have told you about earthly things, and you do not believe; if I tell you about heavenly things, how will you believe?”
The division between Johnites and Pharisees pointed out here is not unique. The Pharisees would have opposed Jewish Gnosticism just as they opposed Christian Gnosticism.
In keeping with the Gnostic definition of salvation as having secret knowledge, Nicodemus represents a secret follower of John’s Jesus within the Pharisee community. Nicodemus is mentioned three times in the Gospel of John, and each time he is portrayed as a hidden follower of Jesus.
Nicodemus, who had previously been with Jesus, was one of their companions. “Does our law condemn a person without first determining his deeds?” They answered. “Are you also from Galilee? Find out, and you will find out that no prophet comes out of Galilee” (John 7:50-52).
Then Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now, Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but he kept it a secret because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and carried away his body. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who had previously visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought about 75 pounds of a mixture of myrrh and aloe. They took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen along with spices. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. There was a garden where Jesus was crucified, and in that garden there was a new tomb where no one had ever been buried. (John 19:38-41)
The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in this week’s Bible reading revolves around the distinction between those born of the flesh and those born of the Spirit. This separation between flesh and spirit, the physical world and the spiritual world, had profoundly destructive consequences for Christianity as a whole.
Recently I was reminded of what Fredrick Douglas wrote about the consequences of this kind of division. Next, we begin part three by reading Douglass’ critique.
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