Page 113 - laten-08-06-2020

Nicodemus

Ambiguity as Resistance

John 19: 38-42
Introduction

icodemus dares to meet Jesus in the darkest hours and dares
Nto ask him the darkest questions disclosing Nicodemus
ambiguous personality. What is ambiguous about Nicodemus?
Nicodemus' recognition about Jesus and his conversation
with Jesus is contrary to his religious office, political power
and social positioning. On one hand he acknowledges Jesus'
capacities on the other hand he belongs to the office which is
in a way opposite to Jesus' ideals. Nicodemus is self identified
by the author of the gospel as a person with dual citizenship,
he belongs to the Roman ruled world and also he engages with
the world that Jesus was advocating through his teachings and
signs. In a context where the Empire expected absolute loyalty,
here is a man who is both in the premise of the Empire and also
in the venue that is trying to counter the Empire. The meaning
of Nicodemus is " Victory of the people" Which itself is Ironical
in nature. I intend to reflect Nicodemus on two grounds.

Firstly, Nicodemus' ambiguity discloses, a part of
johannine community that is ambiguous in nature. Secondly,
Ambiguity as a tool to resistance.

Ambiguous community

Johannine community is ambiguous in nature. Scholars
agree on the plurality Of the community from which the gospel
is derived. Empire then and now dwell on the ideal of "mono",
it thrives on a singular notion of identity and community, The
"Mono" as the driving principle, Though plurality is actual,
Empire as such would operate above plurality.

107
Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People