Everybody Knows

John 3.16

John 3:16 KJV 1900

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.

John 3:16 NRSV

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Nicodemus

*** Image: Nicodemus and Jesus at night

Consulting Jesus in secret

Not yet ready to have others know his interest in the Lord

The darkness may also represent doubt or a faith that has not yet dawned

This passage (John 3).

Late in John 7 standing up for Jesus.

In John 19 bringing spices at the burial of Jesus.

*** Image: Nicodemus icon

Rebirth

John 3:1–4 NRSV

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?”

Natural & Supernatural

Chromosomes

23 from Mom

23 from Dad

“Born from above”/”Born again”

Something from Mom

Something from Dad

Something supernatural from God

John 3:5–8 NRSV

Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

So many things that are impossible for you are possible for you and God.

The Foundation

*** Image: Foundation

John 3:16–17 NRSV

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

***: N/S “That the world might be saved through him...”