The Serpent and the Shadow

A Portrait of Nicodemus

J.M. Diener

Download the PDF file to read or print the full document:
shadow.pdf (213.59 KB)

Nicodemus is one of the most shadowy figures in the New Testament. He appears only three times, all of them in the Gospel of John (3:1-21; 7:45-52; 19:38-42) and there are no reliable extra-biblical sources about him. Even so, what we do know is remarkable: he is a Pharisee, a rabbi, truly seeking the Messiah and the Kingdom of Heaven. He stands up for Jesus before the Sanhedrin and finally helps bury the true King of the Jews. But amidst this flow of information the man Nicodemus is just a shimmering shade. Who was he? What were his relations, job, tribe? And most important, did he believe? This portrait has tried to capture a picture of this man. Because of the lack of information most of what is written here is fictitious, but the real goal is to draw a picture of Jesus, called the Christ, using the medium of Nicodemus.

Copyright © 1995 J.M. Diener. All Rights Reserved.

End User License:

The printed version of this document is licensed only for the personal use of the individual who has printed it. Under no circumstances may it be sold for money or barter, nor may the printing costs be recouped. Printed versions may be shared with third parties, provided that the document is printed in its entirety, cited correctly, and passed on free-of-charge. Electronic PDF versions of this document may only be kept by the person who printed the document and may not be shared with anyone without the direct written permission of the author. Any alteration or editing of this document constitute an infringement upon copyright. Excerpts of 200 words or less may be used in other works or for reviews of the content, if properly cited. For more information or permission to reprint, contact writings@wolfhawke.com