John 3:1-21
This passage comes in two parts:
Vv1-15 the account of the interview between Jesus and Nicodemus
Vv16-21 John’s comments on it.
Nicodemus is a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council, he is one of the Pharisees who are generally critical and antagonistic towards Jesus. He will appear again in John 7:50, where he appears to be defending Jesus, and in John 19:39 where he comes to help bury Jesus. He seems to be one of those in the ruling class who are secret followers, coming by night to see Jesus, which suggests there is a risk evolved. Clearly his curiosity is piqued by what he has witnessed and heard of Jesus.
He claims to believe that God is with Jesus, but his own religious understanding is not sufficient for the challenge that Jesus is about to present him. Nicodemus would have assumed his being born into a Jewish family, and being a religious leader would assure him a place in the Kingdom of God. “Not so” says Jesus, it is only spiritual rebirth that can ensure entrance into the kingdom. Physical birth cannot produce spiritual rebirth, which being spiritual is difficult to explain! Perhaps it is not surprising that Nicodemus does not understand.
John finishes this passage with his commentary including the famous verse 3:16 which assures us it is the love of God for all humanity that has brought about the arrival of his son. Jesus’ arrival brings a separation and judgement between light and darkness (which is one of John’s themes) and this is dependent on the choices we make.
Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.
Thank you so much, Ali. Finding all of your reflections most helpful. Thank you!
Thank you Myra, I’m glad they are of benefit, bless you.