7. John 3:1-21 Jesus, the Giver of Eternal Life

 

1 Now 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 him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again① 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, “Truly, truly, 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 its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  17 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. 18 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. 19 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. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

What does this passage reveal about God?

• The Holy Spirit is the one who gives new life, making people "born again" (v. 5-8).
• God loves the world so much that He sent Jesus to save it, not to condemn it (v. 16-17).
• Jesus is the Light, revealing truth and calling people out of darkness into life (v. 19-21).

What does this passage reveal about human nature?

• People cannot enter God's kingdom on their own; they need to be born again through the Spirit (v. 3-5).
• Many people reject Jesus because they prefer darkness, not wanting their sins to be exposed (v. 19-20).
• Those who believe in Jesus step into the light and experience new life (v. 21).
   

What did this passage mean to its original audience?
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, thought being part of God’s kingdom was about following the law, but Jesus taught that it requires being 'born again' by the Spirit. For the Jewish audience, Jesus comparing Himself to the bronze snake in the wilderness (v. 14, Numbers 21:9) would have been a striking image—just as looking at the snake brought healing, believing in Jesus brings eternal life. The famous statement in verse 16, 'For God so loved the world,' would have been radical to a Jewish mindset that often viewed God’s salvation as primarily for Israel. Jesus was making it clear that His mission was for everyone.

How does this passage impact my attitude? 

"Do I sometimes rely on my own knowledge or efforts instead of fully surrendering to Jesus?" I want to develop an attitude of humility, recognizing that true life comes not from what I do, but from what Jesus has done for me. Jesus says that people reject Him because they love darkness more than light. I want to grow in my love for Jesus and for truth, stepping into the light with confidence instead of hiding in fear or shame. 

 

How does this passage challenge my actions?
Each morning, I will ask the Holy Spirit to renew my heart and help me walk in the new life I have in Christ. I will examine my heart and bring any areas of darkness into the light, trusting that Jesus' love covers all things.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being the giver of eternal life.

Lord, I don’t want to hide in darkness. If there are areas in my life where I have been resisting Your light, please reveal them to me and give me the courage to step into the truth. Help me to love You more than anything else and to walk in the freedom that comes from knowing You.

Since You so loved the world, teach me to love others with that same heart. Give me opportunities to share Your love, not just with words, but through my actions and how I treat people.  

In Your name, I pray. Amen.