Columbiana County Jail Scripture Commentary
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· 3 viewsCommentary on John 3:1-21
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Commentary on John 3:1-21
Commentary on John 3:1-21
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
Pharisees were legalistic (a theological concept where a person believes they can earn salvation and spiritual growth through strict rules and good works rather than faith in God) and an extremely moral sect of Judaism. Their commitment to purity led them to add hundreds of laws to those of Moses, covering all possible situations. Their hope was to ensure the commandments would not be broken, and so God would not send Israel into exile.
Example
25 The Lord shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.
7 Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the Lord; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt. 8 Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words, 9 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the Lord, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations. 10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle. 11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
Pharisees during this time were honored for their religious commitment. They were also scholars of the Law and well educated in religious concepts.
Now Nicodemus was not just any Pharisee. He was a member of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was an ancient Jewish supreme legislative and judicial council that governed Judea during the Roman period. He was part of the seventy man local court. To put it in terms to get some understanding, he would have been a politician, cleric, and professor all rolled into one. Most people would have addressed him as Rabbi.
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Nicodemus was an important person in his culture. He was a respected Pharisee, a knowledgeable teacher, and a member of the Sanhedrin court. He decides to approach Christ under the cover of night. There might be two reasons. One reason could be that he did this out of fear that he would be seen asking questions of Jesus. The other reason could be that he wanted to speak to Jesus without the distraction of a large crowd.
Addressing Jesus as “Rabbi” was a gesture of respect. Nicodemus would have been called “Rabbi” by others , as well. This suggests that Nicodemus sees himself and Jesus as equals, at least at first.
The gospel of John presents Jesus’ miracles as proof that He has divine power. Nicodemus recognizes this, but he interprets Jesus’ abilities as a sign that God sent Him. However, he still is trying to understand Jesus’ teachings so he has questions.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Jesus explains that a person cannot be redeemed unless they are “born again”. The Greek phrase (gennethe anothen) can also mean “be born from above”. Nicodemus clearly does not understand this. People often misinterpreted Jesus’ spiritual teachings in physical ways.
Explaining being born again..
This concept of rebirth is critical for understanding the gospel. Children inherit the attributes of their parents: to be a “child of God” is no small thing.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
This also implies the associations of change, and pain, involved in childbirth. The change is mostly on the part of the child, but the pain is mostly on the part of the parent. In this case, the pain suffered by God, in the form of Jesus on a cross, produces rebirth and change in those who turn to Him for salvation.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
The question Nicodemus asks about re-entering a mother’s womb is rhetorical. Nicodemus doesn’t misinterpret Jesus, or take a physical literal view of His reference to being born again. He asks this question because he knows Jesus did not intend a literal meaning. But Nicodemus is confused though. Jesus, in fact, referring to birth, but not a physical one. Rather the reference is a spiritual birth.
According to Scripture, being “born again” is an absolute requirement for salvation. The gospel is offered to everyone, yet it is also exclusive, meaning it is restricted to only a certain group. Only those who put their faith in Christ are saved.
Examples
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Jesus introduces His comment by twice repeating the word (amen). This Greek word is frequently translated as “truly, truly” or “verily, verily”. It literally means “faithful.” or “believe,” and is most simply translated as “truly”. This is the reason why the term is often used at the end of a prayer or other statement. Putting the word “amen” at the end of a phrase suggests what was said is true or sure. Putting the word “amen” at the beginning of a statement is a way of claiming that this is the speaker’s own personal declaration. In other words, Jesus is claiming that His statement is absolutely true and He has absolute , direct, personal knowledge of its truth.
Jesus makes this comment specifically to Nicodemus, in response to his question about being born again. Now to be fair, there are several possible ways to interpret His comment that only those born of water and of Spirit can enter the kingdom of God. Being born of Spirit is clearly a reference to accepting Christ, but the aspect of water is less sure. Here is my interpretation, water refers to the spiritual cleansing which accompanies repentance. This is why John the Baptist’s ministry was a precursor to Christ. What does this mean? In other words, faith in Christ is an absolute requirement for salvation. The physical ritual of baptism is not. If you want proof, here is my examples in God’s word.
Look at John 3:16. John 3:36. Ephesians 2:1-10. and Titus 3:5.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
The Bible describes our human nature using thge term “flesh”. The Greek term is (sarx), and is frequently used as a reference to the sin-prone condition of human beings. It is a reference to our weakness and our hostility towards God. This is the exact opposite of the Spirit which is from God.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
This is a reason a rebirth is necessary.
The phrase “born again” has become cliche in our culture and it means little to most people. However, the difference between the flesh and the Spirit is why rebirth is necessary. Those who are part of the “flesh” are incapable of loving, obeying, or knowing God. A sinful human nature makes this impossible. To be united with God, a person must have their nature changed. This cannot happen through normal means. It requires a person be “born again”, this time in the Spirit of God.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Earlier Jesus had said that a person had to be “born again” to see the kingdom of God. After He said that, He clarified that the reason was because of the difference between “the flesh” (human nature) and “the Spirit”.
What does this mean? All people, by nature, are opposed to God and disobedient to Him, by default. It is impossible for those who have a sin nature (the flesh) to relate to God. It is also impossible for the flesh to change its own nature. The only way for a person to change his nature is through rebirth. What does that mean? This means being reborn through the Spirit of God.
This is why Jesus says to Nicodemus to not marvel over this. Nicodemus should not be surprised over any of this. Flesh can not change itself. It is the same since birth. Yet flesh cannot be part of the kingdom of God. So, logically, a person must be given a new nature , “being born again” , to make this change.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Jesus is using a clever play on words here, however in the English translation, this is almost entirely lost. The Greek word “pneuma” can be translated in several different ways.
Examples it can mean this depending on the context
spirit (lowercase)
Spirit (capitalized)
wind
All of these have religious meanings which Nicodemus would have recognized. Wind or breath is often symbolic of the Holy Spirit.
4 The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
The term would also have reminded Nicodemus of Ezekiel 37:1-14. In that passage, the wind blows across dry bones and brings them back to life.
Now Jesus explained the need for rebirth should not surprise Nicodemus. The “flesh” and the “Spirit” are opposed to each other. The exact reasons why this happens and how it happens, will always be a mystery to us. Why? We can’t really see the wind or predict everything about it. In the same way, the work of the Spirit isn’t something we can completely understand. We know that the Spirit does works, and why, but the intricacies are beyond our comprehension.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Although Nicodemus was a Pharisee and knew the law of Moses and the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures very well, he came to Jesus looking for answers. Although he admitted that seeing the miracles led him to believe Jesus was from God. However, being a Pharisee, his perspective is very legalistic.
From Nicodemus’ point of view, what Jesus was saying about the flesh and the Spirit, or being “born again” is completely upside down. What Nicodemus needs to realize is that knowledge and moral behavior are not enough to make him right with God. So long as he thinks he can make things right by himself, he is going to be lost.
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Sometimes the most loving thing you can do for another person is remind them that they are not perfect. Still, Nicodemus’ legalistic mindset won’t let him accept the ideas Jesus is teaching. So, Jesus puts a hole in his self-image. Jesus refers to Nicodemus as “a master of Israel”. What does that mean? Nicodemus must have been a particularly knowledgeable man. That means he certainly studied the Old Testament in depth. But the difference is that knowing the facts is not the same as accepting the truth.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
So Jesus meets Nicodemus right at the point of his need: by breaking up his self-reliance.
11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
One reason people do not understand id because they will not understand. In other words, the problem is not lack of evidence, or a lack of reason, but a lack of interest. knowing the truth is different from submitting to the truth.
The Pharisees know quite a bit about the Old Testament, but they will not submit to the authority of Christ. Jesus is the living message from God, and what He says comes directly from God. Even though, Nicodemus recognizes this in Jesus’ miracles, he is still struggling to see the truth. His legalism and traditions are getting in the way.
Again using the word “amen, amen” , Jesus is not relying on anyone else for His truth. He is showing a strong claim of knowledge and authority.
12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Because Jesus is God and was with God in the beginning,
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He has direct knowledge of what He is claiming. Jesus states that if a person won’t believe His words about things on earth, they won’t believe His words about things in heaven.
Here are two applications on this.
First, some spiritual ideas are comparatively easy, others are not. If a person will not accept the basic teachings of salvation, they will not grasp more complex ideas, such as the Trinity.
Second if a person is so skeptical of Christianity that they won’t believe simple facts connected to it, they have no hope of understanding the gospel. It is one thing for a non-believer to doubt miracles or the existence of God. It is another to be so hardened against Christianity that even non-spiritual ideas are resisted. That is cynicism and a refusal to believe. If they won’t accept simple , everyday facts, they certainly won’t accept miraculous ones.
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
The term “Son of man” is a name Jesus often uses “for Himself”. Virtually every Jewish person would have recognized that phrase during this time. Why? It connected Jesus to Old Testament prophecy.
13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Also in this verse,
51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Jesus used this term while describing angels ascending and descending.
Here, Jesus is saying that no person has ever gone to heaven and returned. The only person present on earth who was once is heaven is Christ Himself. Earlier Jesus explained that a person who won’t believe earthly claims will not believe heavenly ones. If Nicodemus rejects what Jesus says about heaven, there is not any other source he can go to. This is a place in John chapter 3 where Jesus makes the claim that He is the one and only way to God, there is no other options.
Here is another example.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
The words “lifted up” is a polite way of referring to crucifixion. This method of execution was so deliberately vile and desecrating that it was often mentioned using substitute phrases. “Son of man” is a title Jesus often applies to Himself. As I showed in Daniel earlier, this name refers to an Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah. Nicodemus would have easily recognized both points and also the reference to the serpents.
This is the incident that Jesus is referring.
4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. 6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. 9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
This event paints the picture of how salvation would be brought to mankind through Christ. Israel was being attacked by poisonous snakes due to their own disobedience. The people went to Moses for help. Moses consulted with God. God instructed Moses to make an image of a snake and mount it on a pole. anyone who looked at the snake was cured from their bite and lived.
This was meant to foreshadow the sacrifice of Christ. The people in Numbers 21 suffered because of their own failings, the result was death. Their only hope is to trust God . The idea of being healed by looking at a bronze snake left no doubt that it was God’s power and not their own that brought the healing.
In the same way, all people suffer because of sin, and the result is death. The only hope is trusting in God. The fact that salvation comes entirely by faith leaves no doubt that we cannot earn our redemption.
Faith in Christ is not a work or something that we do, anymore that choosing to look at the serpent on the pole was. Both are available to anyone, and only those who refuse to look are going to miss being rescued.
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
As He speaks to Nicodemus, Jesus is explaining how His role as Messiah was symbolized by the bronze serpent Moses made in the Old Testament. To save the people from death brought on by their own sin, God had Moses construct an image of a snake and place it on a pole. When it was lifted, anyone who looked at it was cured.
In the same way, Christ will be “lifted up” on a cross, and anyone who looks to Him in faith will be saved.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
This completely symbolizes the fact that salvation is outside our ability, but also that it must be entirely by faith. Looking at the image held high on the pole required absolutely “no work” on the part of the Israelites. All it required was faith.
Jesus refers to the life being offered as “eternal”. This means this life being offered is absolutely, irrevocably permanent. The result of faith in Christ is not just a rescue from death, but a rebirth into everlasting life.
16 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.
This is probably one of the most recognized verses in the Bible. I am pretty confident everyone here reading this has heard this verse. What does it mean?
This is the core of Christianity. God loved the world enough to come in human form, Jesus, who died for us, so that anyone who trusts in Him will be saved from sin. This verse is a one sentence summary of the gospel and the subject line of the entire Bible. This verse reflects the way to the gospel’s essential idea. It makes it very clear, however there are layers to the meaning and knowledge inside of it.
In the opening statement, “For God so loved the world, that” really means this, God loved the world “in this way”. This means the emphasis should be on what God did , more that why God did this. Jesus is an expression of God’s indescribable love for “the world”, meaning all of mankind.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
The phrase translated as ”only begotten Son” comes from the Greek word (monogenes). When you think of the English translated word “begotten” will usually make people think of biology. However the Greek word (monogenes) does not imply it. The word literally means same nature or substance. What does that mean?
In other words, Jesus is of exactly the same divinity as God the Father. So this makes this verse a very important part of proving the Trinity. This word is always used to imply “the only of its kind”.
The life offered to those who believe in Christ is “eternal”. The alternative to life in Christ is destruction : “to perish”. This passage explains that the purpose of sending Jesus was our salvation, but also reminds us that those who don’t believe are condemned.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
There is no question that people can only be saved through faith in Jesus.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Jesus’ first coming to earth was for the purpose of saving people, not condemning people. In fact, mankind is sinful and all people are condemned for their sin. Those who don’t believe will remain in that condition. God does not want to see anyone destroyed. Rather He would prefer that everyone be saved.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
However, for His own reasons, God seems to give us the dignity of our choices.
This salvation is offered to the world, and this phrase is used three times in this verse. Although this sometimes refers to the God-hating system of human society, here in this context, it means “all people”. The meanings overlap in this case. The people Christ died for were and are sinners naturally separated from Him.
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
This verse also reiterates the idea that salvation is through Christ and nothing else. The offer of salvation is for everyone , but only those who accept it will be saved.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Jesus’ first coming was a humble work offering salvation. The second coming will bring eternal judgment.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
God’s love was demonstrated by sending Jesus to us. Rather than coming to judge us, Jesus came to save anyone who would believe in Him. This verse emphasizes that there are only two options, life with Christ or death. Scripture offers an open, hopeful view of salvation due to God’s love. Yet it also presents God as holy, and the consequences for rejecting Him are dire.
Every person is guilty of sin. Everyone deserves to be separated from God. Those who do not believe are condemned already. We have already been declared guilty, because we are guilty. God’s love and patience cause Him to delay judgment, so we can have an opportunity for Christ to pay our penalty for us.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
The opening verses of the gospel of John refer Jesus as “the Light”. This is an important concept in Hebrew culture. Light reveals the truth and exposes what was hidden. According to this verse, that is the ultimate reason many people reject Jesus. His life and His teachings expose every single person as sinners and proves the things we do are morally wrong.
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Many people would prefer to hide in darkness rather than be exposed by the light.
It is crucial to remember those who are saved are not “better” than those who reject Christ. They are simply sinners who confess and believe.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Each person is “condemned already’ for sin and can hope for rescue only by turning to Jesus.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Light is an important symbol in the Bible. Why? Light reveals things. Some of what the light uncovers, we would rather keep secret. That means those who commit sin would rather stay hidden than be exposed.
The Greek term here translated as “evil” is (phaula). This also means “worthless”, “base”, or “no good”.A life without God may seem satisfying for a while.
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
But ultimately it is hopeless. worthless, and ends in disaster.
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
They seek ways to avoid living as though life has no meaning but recognize that without God there is no sensible purpose to life. To live a life of purpose, rationally, a person must believe in purpose.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
A life without Christ is meaningless and ends in disaster. Hiding from the Light, Christ, is an effort to keep our evil actions hidden.
In contrast, life in Christ results in our actions being approved by God. Rebirth through Christ gives us meaning and purpose.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Those who put their effort into pleasing God don’t have to be ashamed of how they have spent their time.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Those who want to cling to evil hide from the light, those who want to be free from evil move into it.
