John 3

John 3 introduces Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, who comes to Him by night seeking understanding. This chapter emphasizes themes of spiritual rebirth, the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation, and God’s immense love for humanity, highlighted by the famous verse, John 3:16. Through Jesus’ teachings to Nicodemus, this chapter explores the nature of God’s kingdom, eternal life, and the light of truth versus the darkness of unbelief.

John 3:1-10 (NKJV)
1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”
10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?”

Nicodemus approaches Jesus at night, perhaps due to fear of judgment or a desire for privacy, showing he recognizes Jesus’ divine authority. Jesus responds to Nicodemus’ inquiry by introducing the concept of being “born again,” which is essential for entering God’s kingdom. Nicodemus struggles to understand, interpreting Jesus’ words literally. Jesus clarifies that this rebirth is spiritual, a transformation through the Holy Spirit. The comparison to wind illustrates the mysterious, unseen nature of spiritual rebirth, emphasizing that it is a divine work beyond human comprehension.

John 3:11-13 (NKJV)
11 “Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.
12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.

Jesus highlights the challenge of Nicodemus’ unbelief, explaining that if he cannot accept basic spiritual truths, he will struggle with greater heavenly realities. By stating that “no one has ascended to heaven but He who came down,” Jesus affirms His unique authority as the Son of Man, who came from heaven to reveal divine truth. This underscores His role as the one bridge between humanity and God’s wisdom.

John 3:14-15 (NKJV)
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus compares His upcoming crucifixion to the story of Moses lifting up the bronze serpent for Israel’s healing in the wilderness. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the serpent in faith, so too will those who look to Jesus in faith receive eternal life. This points to Jesus’ sacrifice as the means of salvation, providing eternal life to all who believe in Him.

John 3:16-17 (NKJV)
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

This passage reveals the depth of God’s love for humanity, shown through the giving of His Son for our salvation. Jesus’ mission is clarified—not to condemn, but to save. Belief in Him opens the way to eternal life, emphasizing that God’s heart is for redemption, offering life to all who trust in Jesus.

John 3:18-21 (NKJV)
18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

Jesus explains that belief in Him removes condemnation, while unbelief brings judgment. The arrival of Jesus as the light of the world exposes people’s choices—those who cling to evil resist the light, while those who seek truth willingly approach it, revealing their deeds as aligned with God. This contrast shows the dividing line of faith, where individuals choose between light and darkness.

John 3:22-30 (NKJV)
22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.
23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.
24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification.
26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’
29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John the Baptist’s disciples express concern over Jesus’ growing influence, but John responds with humility and joy. He acknowledges his role as a forerunner, pointing to Jesus as the bridegroom and himself as the friend who rejoices at the bridegroom’s presence. John’s statement, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” captures his acceptance of Jesus’ prominence and his own subservient role.

John 3:31-36 (NKJV)
31 He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.
32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.
33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.
34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

The chapter concludes with a reflection on Jesus’ divine authority, emphasizing His origin from heaven. Jesus speaks with God’s authority, offering the Spirit without limit. Those who accept His testimony affirm God’s truth, receiving eternal life, while those who reject it face God’s judgment. This reinforces the chapter’s theme that belief in Jesus brings life, while unbelief brings separation from God.