There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
For John was not yet cast into prison.
Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.
And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 3 contains some of the most profound and essential truths of the Christian faith. This chapter unveils the necessity of spiritual rebirth and the transformative power of believing in Jesus Christ. John masterfully uses contrast throughout his gospel, and this chapter is no exception. We transition from the public spectacle of the temple cleansing in John 2:13-16 to the intimate conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, setting the stage for deeper spiritual insights.
Nicodemus's Night Visit (John 3:1-2)
The chapter opens with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, approaching Jesus at night. The Pharisees were known as a group of conservative Jews devoted to meticulously keeping the law, often adding their own interpretations. As a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus held significant influence in religious, political, and economic spheres. It's possible that Nicodemus chose to visit Jesus under the cover of darkness to avoid scrutiny from his peers, who were growing increasingly hostile towards Jesus (John 7:32, 47-48; 8:3-6; 11:45-57). Despite his position, Nicodemus recognized Jesus as a teacher who had come from God, acknowledging the miraculous signs that attested to God's presence with Him.
The Necessity of Being Born Again (John 3:3-8)
Instead of being flattered by Nicodemus's praise, Jesus immediately addresses the core issue: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). The phrase "Truly, truly" (or "Truly I tell you" in some translations) was often used by Jesus to emphasize the spiritual significance of what He was about to say. The Greek word translated as "again" can also mean "from above," hinting at both a spiritual rebirth and its divine origin. Jesus reveals that entering God's Kingdom requires a spiritual transformation, a new birth that originates from heaven.
Nicodemus's literal interpretation of being "born again" highlights the difficulty in grasping spiritual truths with a purely earthly mindset. Jesus clarifies that one must be born of water (referencing physical birth) and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Physical birth and ancestry are insufficient for obtaining eternal life. The Spirit works invisibly within the human heart, much like the wind, whose effects can be seen and felt, but whose origin and direction remain unseen (John 3:8).
Earthly and Heavenly Things (John 3:9-13)
Nicodemus's perplexity prompts Jesus to gently rebuke him: "Are you a teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?" (John 3:10). The concept of the Spirit's work in the new kingdom age was actually foreshadowed in the Old Testament (Isaiah 32:15; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Joel 2:28-29). If Nicodemus, a teacher, couldn't comprehend these earthly analogies, how could he possibly grasp the heavenly realities that Jesus alone could reveal (John 3:12)? Jesus emphasizes that He possesses unique knowledge of heavenly things, having descended from heaven itself (John 3:13).
The Serpent in the Wilderness (John 3:14-15)
Jesus draws a parallel between the lifting up of the bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9) and His own impending crucifixion. Just as the Israelites who looked upon the bronze serpent were healed from the deadly snakebites, so too will those who believe in the Son of Man, lifted up on the cross, receive eternal life. This event foreshadows Jesus' eventual work on the cross (John 12:32), and the new covenant's salvation entirely by grace through faith (Romans 11:6). Trusting Christ and his substitutionary atonement is God’s provision for addressing his righteous judgment on sin.
God's Love and the Gift of Eternal Life (John 3:16-21)
John 3:16 stands as perhaps the most well-known and beloved verse in the Bible: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the very heart of the Gospel. God's love for humanity is not merely a sentimental feeling; it is an active, sacrificial love that prompted Him to give His only Son as a substitute for sinful humanity. Through faith in Jesus, divine judgment is removed, and eternal life is freely given.
It's essential to remember that God's love is intertwined with His justice and holiness. While God sent His Son to save the world (John 3:17), condemnation remains for those who reject Jesus (John 3:18). Those who cling to darkness, preferring to hide their sinful deeds (John 3:19-20), ultimately reject the free gift of God. Conversely, those who embrace the truth and live in accordance with it willingly come into the light, acknowledging that their good works are accomplished through God (John 3:21).
John the Baptist's Humility (John 3:22-36)
The narrative shifts to the ministries of both Jesus and John the Baptist, who were both baptizing at this time (John 3:22-23). John's disciples express concern that Jesus is attracting more followers, seemingly overshadowing John's ministry (John 3:25-26). However, John the Baptist exemplifies humility and contentment, declaring, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven" (John 3:27).
John understood his divinely appointed role as the forerunner, sent to prepare the way for the Messiah (John 3:28). He likens himself to the friend of the bridegroom, who rejoices to hear the bridegroom's voice (John 3:29). John's ultimate statement of humility is, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). He recognizes that Jesus is the main event, the star attraction, while he is simply the opening act.
John’s job was to point to and glorify the Messiah. And that’s our job too. John was content with and grateful for his role. Are you?
John concludes by emphasizing Jesus's superiority as the one who comes from above, speaking from a heavenly perspective (John 3:31). To reject the Son's testimony is to reject God Himself (John 3:32-33). The Father has given all things into the Son's hand (John 3:34-35). The choice is clear: believe in the Son to receive eternal life, or reject Him and face divine wrath (John 3:36).
John 3 offers a timeless message of God's love, the necessity of spiritual rebirth, and the ultimate choice between belief and unbelief. It invites each of us to examine our hearts and embrace the light of Christ, receiving the gift of eternal life through faith in Him. Nicodemus was being challenged to come out of the darkness and into the light (see 3:1-2). Not all Pharisees were hardened hypocrites, and the presence of men such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50–51) prove it.
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
For John was not yet cast into prison.
Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.
And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 3 contains some of the most profound and essential truths of the Christian faith. This chapter unveils the necessity of spiritual rebirth and the transformative power of believing in Jesus Christ. John masterfully uses contrast throughout his gospel, and this chapter is no exception. We transition from the public spectacle of the temple cleansing in John 2:13-16 to the intimate conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, setting the stage for deeper spiritual insights.
Nicodemus's Night Visit (John 3:1-2)
The chapter opens with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, approaching Jesus at night. The Pharisees were known as a group of conservative Jews devoted to meticulously keeping the law, often adding their own interpretations. As a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus held significant influence in religious, political, and economic spheres. It's possible that Nicodemus chose to visit Jesus under the cover of darkness to avoid scrutiny from his peers, who were growing increasingly hostile towards Jesus (John 7:32, 47-48; 8:3-6; 11:45-57). Despite his position, Nicodemus recognized Jesus as a teacher who had come from God, acknowledging the miraculous signs that attested to God's presence with Him.
The Necessity of Being Born Again (John 3:3-8)
Instead of being flattered by Nicodemus's praise, Jesus immediately addresses the core issue: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). The phrase "Truly, truly" (or "Truly I tell you" in some translations) was often used by Jesus to emphasize the spiritual significance of what He was about to say. The Greek word translated as "again" can also mean "from above," hinting at both a spiritual rebirth and its divine origin. Jesus reveals that entering God's Kingdom requires a spiritual transformation, a new birth that originates from heaven.
Nicodemus's literal interpretation of being "born again" highlights the difficulty in grasping spiritual truths with a purely earthly mindset. Jesus clarifies that one must be born of water (referencing physical birth) and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Physical birth and ancestry are insufficient for obtaining eternal life. The Spirit works invisibly within the human heart, much like the wind, whose effects can be seen and felt, but whose origin and direction remain unseen (John 3:8).
Earthly and Heavenly Things (John 3:9-13)
Nicodemus's perplexity prompts Jesus to gently rebuke him: "Are you a teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?" (John 3:10). The concept of the Spirit's work in the new kingdom age was actually foreshadowed in the Old Testament (Isaiah 32:15; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Joel 2:28-29). If Nicodemus, a teacher, couldn't comprehend these earthly analogies, how could he possibly grasp the heavenly realities that Jesus alone could reveal (John 3:12)? Jesus emphasizes that He possesses unique knowledge of heavenly things, having descended from heaven itself (John 3:13).
The Serpent in the Wilderness (John 3:14-15)
Jesus draws a parallel between the lifting up of the bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9) and His own impending crucifixion. Just as the Israelites who looked upon the bronze serpent were healed from the deadly snakebites, so too will those who believe in the Son of Man, lifted up on the cross, receive eternal life. This event foreshadows Jesus' eventual work on the cross (John 12:32), and the new covenant's salvation entirely by grace through faith (Romans 11:6). Trusting Christ and his substitutionary atonement is God’s provision for addressing his righteous judgment on sin.
God's Love and the Gift of Eternal Life (John 3:16-21)
John 3:16 stands as perhaps the most well-known and beloved verse in the Bible: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the very heart of the Gospel. God's love for humanity is not merely a sentimental feeling; it is an active, sacrificial love that prompted Him to give His only Son as a substitute for sinful humanity. Through faith in Jesus, divine judgment is removed, and eternal life is freely given.
It's essential to remember that God's love is intertwined with His justice and holiness. While God sent His Son to save the world (John 3:17), condemnation remains for those who reject Jesus (John 3:18). Those who cling to darkness, preferring to hide their sinful deeds (John 3:19-20), ultimately reject the free gift of God. Conversely, those who embrace the truth and live in accordance with it willingly come into the light, acknowledging that their good works are accomplished through God (John 3:21).
John the Baptist's Humility (John 3:22-36)
The narrative shifts to the ministries of both Jesus and John the Baptist, who were both baptizing at this time (John 3:22-23). John's disciples express concern that Jesus is attracting more followers, seemingly overshadowing John's ministry (John 3:25-26). However, John the Baptist exemplifies humility and contentment, declaring, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven" (John 3:27).
John understood his divinely appointed role as the forerunner, sent to prepare the way for the Messiah (John 3:28). He likens himself to the friend of the bridegroom, who rejoices to hear the bridegroom's voice (John 3:29). John's ultimate statement of humility is, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). He recognizes that Jesus is the main event, the star attraction, while he is simply the opening act.
John’s job was to point to and glorify the Messiah. And that’s our job too. John was content with and grateful for his role. Are you?
John concludes by emphasizing Jesus's superiority as the one who comes from above, speaking from a heavenly perspective (John 3:31). To reject the Son's testimony is to reject God Himself (John 3:32-33). The Father has given all things into the Son's hand (John 3:34-35). The choice is clear: believe in the Son to receive eternal life, or reject Him and face divine wrath (John 3:36).
John 3 offers a timeless message of God's love, the necessity of spiritual rebirth, and the ultimate choice between belief and unbelief. It invites each of us to examine our hearts and embrace the light of Christ, receiving the gift of eternal life through faith in Him. Nicodemus was being challenged to come out of the darkness and into the light (see 3:1-2). Not all Pharisees were hardened hypocrites, and the presence of men such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50–51) prove it.