John 7:47-52 - Have you also been deceived

7:47,48

The Pharisees were none too pleased by this response accusing them of being deceived. In truth, it was the Pharisees who were blinded, blinded by their own pride and self-righteousness. They then stated that none of the religious authorities believed Jesus. The argument went along the lines of the religious leaders knew what they were talking about, they did not believe so neither should you. This wasn’t strictly true as some Pharisees did believe, at least to some degree. 

7:49-52

They then disparaged the crowd, the common people, saying that the people did not know the Law (unlike the Pharisees). The people were accused in the eyes of the Pharisees. The religious leaders held the people in contempt. This is very different to the attitude that Jesus has. Jesus was both fully aware of the sinfulness of the people and cared deeply for them. Nicodemus spoke up, not directly defending Jesus, but citing a point of law. Surely they should let Jesus a chance to explain Himself. Nicodemus’ intervention is treated with contempt.