Listen "#68 | Passover and Atonement: Jesus, Nicodemus, and New Beginnings"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode we take some of the lessons about the meaning of Passover from the previous episode and look at how John recounts the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3 in highly suggestive ways. For example, the Passover for Israelites was kind of like July 4th for Americans - it was a national holiday that celebrated the nations independence from tyrannical rule by an oppressive regime. In short, it was a birthday celebration.
The reason Jesus talks with Nicodemus about being "born again" is that the feast of Passover was when Israel was "born" as a nation and liberated from the enslaving power of Pharoah. Jesus is essentially telling Nicodemus that his status as an Israelite does not guarantee his freedom from enslaving powers.
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus during Passover is filled with irony when we recognize that one of the ways John presents Jesus in his Gospel is as the Passover lamb. For example, Israelites were supposed to kill the Passover lamb at 3 in the afternoon - in broad daylight - to identify themselves with God in his battle against Egypt and Amun-Ra, its chief god. But notice Nicodemus, even though he believes Jesus has come from God, goes to Jesus at night so that he can avoid being identified with Jesus.
Key Passages:
John 2:23-3:10
Exodus 12:1-2 - That Israel was essentially "born" at Passover is evidenced by Israel's calendar starting over with the month of Passover.
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Leave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music
The reason Jesus talks with Nicodemus about being "born again" is that the feast of Passover was when Israel was "born" as a nation and liberated from the enslaving power of Pharoah. Jesus is essentially telling Nicodemus that his status as an Israelite does not guarantee his freedom from enslaving powers.
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus during Passover is filled with irony when we recognize that one of the ways John presents Jesus in his Gospel is as the Passover lamb. For example, Israelites were supposed to kill the Passover lamb at 3 in the afternoon - in broad daylight - to identify themselves with God in his battle against Egypt and Amun-Ra, its chief god. But notice Nicodemus, even though he believes Jesus has come from God, goes to Jesus at night so that he can avoid being identified with Jesus.
Key Passages:
John 2:23-3:10
Exodus 12:1-2 - That Israel was essentially "born" at Passover is evidenced by Israel's calendar starting over with the month of Passover.
Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.org
Leave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music
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