John Chapter 3
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John 3: Born from AboveA Ruler in the Night“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1, ESV). He comes to Jesus by night, likely to avoid scrutiny. “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” (John 3:2). His opening acknowledges the signs but stops short of full recognition.Jesus answers directly: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). The Greek anōthen means both “again” and “from above.” Nicodemus hears only “again” and objects: “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (John 3:4).Jesus clarifies: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Water likely recalls Jewish purification rites or natural birth; the Spirit gives new life. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). Flesh cannot generate spirit; only God’s Spirit regenerates.“Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again’” (John 3:7). The wind blows where it wishes; its sound is clear, its origin unseen. “So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). Regeneration remains God’s sovereign work.Nicodemus asks, “How can these things be?” (John 3:9). Jesus gently rebukes: “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?” (John 3:10). The Old Testament spoke of a new heart and God’s Spirit (Ezekiel 36:25-27); Nicodemus should connect the dots.The Son of Man Lifted Up“Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know... No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man” (John 3:11-13). Jesus claims unique heavenly authority. “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). Numbers 21 tells of bronze serpent on a pole; looking brought healing. The Son of Man lifted up—on the cross—brings eternal life through faith.God So Loved“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Love initiates; the gift is the Son; belief receives life. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). Judgment is not the mission; salvation is.“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:18). Unbelief rejects the remedy; condemnation preexists.Light and Darkness“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil” (John 3:19). Light exposes; darkness hides. “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light... But whoever does what is true comes to the light” (John 3:20-21). Deeds reveal allegiance.The Final WitnessJohn the Baptist reappears. His disciples note, “All are going to him” (John 3:26). John replies, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven” (John 3:27). He repeats: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).“He who comes from above is above all... He whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure” (John 3:31-34). The Son speaks divine truth. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). Belief and obedience align; rejection leaves wrath undisturbed.