3:1-8 Verse 25 used the word "man" three times. In the next verse John writes, "Now there was a man" named Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin who visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus was a teacher sent by God and even referred to Him as a rabbi, although Jesus had never gone through the formal training to become a rabbi. It seems that the miracles had convinced Nicodemus and some of his colleagues. Jesus responded by teaching him about the necessity of being born again. Nicodemus is thinking very literally and questions how a grown man could be physically born a second time. But Jesus insists that a man must be "born of water and the Spirit" in order to enter the kingdom of God. "Flesh gives birth to flesh, the Spirit gives birth to spirit." Then He gave a physical example to help Nicodemus understand. The wind blows and even though you can hear it you can't tell where it comes from. That's what it's like with "everyone born of the Spirit."  

v. 9-13 But Nicodemus still doesn't understand. Jesus scolds him because he is one of Israel's teachers and he doesn't understand this. When Jesus says "we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen," the "we" probably refers to Himself and the Holy Spirit because at this time the disciples are still very new and are not likely to be explaining such things to anyone yet. Jesus goes on to say that "you people," the Jewish leaders, do not accept their testimony. If they won't accept what Jesus says about "earthly things" then they won't accept what He says about heavenly things either. Jesus, the Son of Man, has come from heaven.

v. 14-21 Jesus took a story from the Israelite's wilderness wandering and connected it to His own role of dying on the cross. Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole so that people who had been bitten by poisonous snakes would be able to live and not die. (Numbers 21:4-9) In the same way Jesus would be lifted up on the cross and all who looked to Him in faith may have eternal life. This sacrifice is evidence that God loved the world enough to give up His only begotten Son. Jesus was not sent to condemn the world but to save it. "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." These are strong statements that were probably well beyond Nicodemus' understanding. But the Lord's words have been preserved for future generations to read. Light has come into the world, but men love darkness because it hides their evil deeds. Evil men hate the light but men who live by the truth come into the light and everyone can see that what they have done has been done through God.

 v. 22-30 Next Jesus and the disciples went out near where John the Baptist was baptizing people. Some of John B's disciples argued with a Jewish man about ceremonial washings. They came to John B. and reported that Jesus was baptizing people on the other side of the Jordan and "everyone is going to Him." John B. reminded them that he was not the Christ but was sent ahead of Him. Jesus was like a bridegroom and John B. was like the groom's friend who waits for Him to arrive. John B. was overjoyed that Jesus had come to begin His ministry. "He must become greater; I must become less," said John B.

v. 31-36 John B. knew that he himself was from the earth and Jesus was from above. Because He is from above He is above all. John B. is only able to speak as one is from the earth but Jesus testifies as One who has seen and heard things that cannot be accepted by men. But anyone who does accept His testimony certifies "that God is truthful." Jesus speaks the words of God and gives the Spirit "without limit." John B. knew that Jesus was the Son of God and that God loved Him and "placed everything in His hands." Those who believe in the Son have eternal life "but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."

Much more next time.

--Sandy Blank