John 3
BSB1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him." 3 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. “ 4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?" 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, and yet you people do not accept our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God." 22 After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them and baptized. 23 Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized. 24 (For John had not yet been thrown into prison.) 25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him." 27 John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must increase; I must decrease. 31 The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony. 33 Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him."
Study Notes — John 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from John 3
- Themes from John 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on John 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee, where Jesus teaches that one must be born again to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-8). Jesus then explains the difference between earthly and heavenly things, using the example of the wind to illustrate the mysterious nature of the Spirit (John 3:12). The chapter also includes the famous declaration that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). The chapter concludes with John the Baptist's testimony to Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus is the Christ and that He must increase while John decreases (John 3:30).
Context for the Chapter
John chapter 3 is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry, following His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42) and preceding His feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-14). The chapter provides a theological framework for understanding the significance of Jesus' ministry and the importance of faith in Him for salvation.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to reflect on their spiritual birth and the role of faith in their salvation. It reminds us of God's profound love for the world and the gift of His Son, prompting us to share this message of love and salvation with others.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
John chapter 3 teaches that we must be born again to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3-8). It emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life, as seen in the declaration that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16). This chapter reminds us of God's love for the world and encourages us to share this message of salvation with others.
Voices from the Church
“The love of God is not a mere sentiment, but a profound and active principle, which led Him to give His only begotten Son for the salvation of the world.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Faith is the instrument by which we receive the righteousness of Christ, and it is the means by which we are justified before God.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-15) — Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God.
- The Heavenly Things (John 3:12-15) — Jesus explains the difference between earthly and heavenly things, using the example of the wind to illustrate the mysterious nature of the Spirit.
- God's Love for the World (John 3:16-21) — The chapter declares that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- John the Baptist's Testimony (John 3:22-30) — John the Baptist emphasizes that Jesus is the Christ and that He must increase while John decreases.
- Conclusion (John 3:31-36) — The chapter concludes with a summary of Jesus' superiority to John the Baptist, emphasizing that Jesus is the one who has come from heaven to testify to the truth.
Core Doctrines
- Salvation by Faith
- The chapter teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for eternal life, as seen in the declaration that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
- The Love of God
- The chapter illustrates God's love for the world through the gift of His only begotten Son, demonstrating the depth of God's love for humanity (John 3:16).
- The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth
- The chapter emphasizes the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God, highlighting the contrast between the natural and spiritual realms.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit
- The chapter mentions the Holy Spirit in the context of spiritual rebirth, emphasizing the mysterious nature of the Spirit (John 3:5-8).
Lessons from John 3
- The Importance of Spiritual Rebirth — The chapter teaches that being born again is necessary for salvation, emphasizing the transformation from the natural to the spiritual realm.
- The Role of Faith in Salvation — The chapter stresses that faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for eternal life, as seen in the declaration that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
- The Love of God for the World — The chapter illustrates God's love for the world through the gift of His only begotten Son, demonstrating the depth of God's love for humanity (John 3:16).
- The Superiority of Jesus — The chapter emphasizes the superiority of Jesus to John the Baptist, highlighting that Jesus is the one who has come from heaven to testify to the truth.
- The Importance of Sharing the Message of Salvation — The chapter encourages believers to share the message of salvation with others, emphasizing the role of faith in this process.
Themes from John 3
- Salvation by Faith — The chapter teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for eternal life, as seen in the declaration that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
- The Love of God — The chapter illustrates God's love for the world through the gift of His only begotten Son, demonstrating the depth of God's love for humanity (John 3:16).
- The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth — The chapter emphasizes the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God, highlighting the contrast between the natural and spiritual realms.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit — The chapter mentions the Holy Spirit in the context of spiritual rebirth, emphasizing the mysterious nature of the Spirit (John 3:5-8).
- The Superiority of Jesus — The chapter emphasizes the superiority of Jesus to John the Baptist, highlighting that Jesus is the one who has come from heaven to testify to the truth.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to be born again, and how does this relate to salvation?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life?
- What does the chapter teach about the love of God for the world, and how is this demonstrated through the gift of His Son?
- How does John the Baptist's testimony to Jesus emphasize the superiority of Jesus?
- What are some ways in which the message of salvation can be shared with others, and what role does faith play in this process?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-15)
| John 3:1 | Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus at night to discuss His teachings. |
| John 3:2 | Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a teacher from God, noting the signs He has performed. |
| John 3:3 | Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God. |
| John 3:4 | Nicodemus questions how it is possible for a person to be born again, given their physical limitations. |
| John 3:5 | Jesus explains that being born again involves the Spirit, emphasizing the mysterious nature of spiritual rebirth. |
| John 3:6 | Jesus contrasts the natural and spiritual realms, highlighting the difference between flesh and Spirit. |
| John 3:7 | Jesus emphasizes the necessity of being born again, noting that this is a spiritual transformation. |
| John 3:8 | Jesus uses the example of the wind to illustrate the mysterious nature of the Spirit. |
| John 3:9 | Nicodemus is perplexed by Jesus' teaching, questioning how these things can be. |
| John 3:10 | Jesus responds by noting that Nicodemus, as a teacher of Israel, should understand these things. |
| John 3:11 | Jesus emphasizes that He is speaking from personal experience, having come from heaven to testify to the truth. |
| John 3:12 | Jesus explains that earthly things are not sufficient to understand heavenly things. |
| John 3:13 | Jesus notes that no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, emphasizing His unique role as the Son of God. |
| John 3:14 | Jesus references the serpent lifted up in the wilderness, foreshadowing His own crucifixion. |
| John 3:15 | Jesus teaches that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life, emphasizing the importance of faith in salvation. |
2. God's Love for the World (John 3:16-21)
| John 3:16 | The chapter declares that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. |
| John 3:17 | The purpose of God giving His Son is not to condemn the world, but to save it through Him. |
| John 3:18 | Whoever believes in Jesus is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is already condemned. |
| John 3:19 | The reason for condemnation is that people preferred darkness to light, highlighting the spiritual state of humanity. |
| John 3:20 | Those who practice wickedness hate the light, fearing that their deeds will be exposed. |
| John 3:21 | Those who practice the truth come to the light, demonstrating their willingness to be exposed and to live according to God's will. |
3. John the Baptist's Testimony (John 3:22-30)
| John 3:22 | Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where Jesus was baptizing. |
| John 3:23 | John was also baptizing at Aenon, and people were coming to him. |
| John 3:24 | John had not yet been put in prison, and he was still baptizing. |
| John 3:25 | A discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew about purification. |
| John 3:26 | They came to John and said, 'Rabbi, the one who was with you on the other side of the Jordan, the one you testified about, look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him!' |
| John 3:27 | John replied, 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given to them from heaven. |
| John 3:28 | You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent before him.' |
| John 3:29 | The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. |
| John 3:30 | He must become greater; I must become less. |
4. Conclusion (John 3:31-36)
| John 3:31 | The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. |
| John 3:32 | The one who comes from heaven is above all. |
| John 3:33 | Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. |
| John 3:34 | For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. |
| John 3:35 | The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. |
| John 3:36 | Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be born again?
To be born again means to experience a spiritual rebirth, where one is transformed from the natural to the spiritual realm, as taught by Jesus in John 3:3-8.
What is the role of faith in salvation?
Faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for eternal life, as seen in the declaration that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
What does the chapter teach about the love of God for the world?
The chapter illustrates God's love for the world through the gift of His only begotten Son, demonstrating the depth of God's love for humanity (John 3:16).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 3:3 → 2 Corinthians 5:17 | The concept of being born again is also referenced in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where it is written that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. |
| 2 | John 3:16 → Romans 5:8 | The love of God for the world is also emphasized in Romans 5:8, where it is written that God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. |
| 3 | John 3:8 → Galatians 5:25 | The comparison of the Spirit to the wind is also referenced in Galatians 5:25, where it is written that if we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. |
| 4 | John 3:14 → Numbers 21:9 | The reference to the serpent lifted up in the wilderness is also seen in Numbers 21:9, where Moses lifted up the bronze snake in the wilderness to save the people from death. |
| 5 | John 3:19 → Isaiah 5:20 | The concept of people preferring darkness to light is also referenced in Isaiah 5:20, where it is written that woe to those who call evil good and good evil. |
| 6 | John 3:29 → Matthew 3:11 | John the Baptist's statement that he must decrease while Jesus increases is also referenced in Matthew 3:11, where John says that he baptizes with water, but the one coming after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. |
| 7 | John 3:31 → Philippians 2:9-11 | The statement that the one who comes from above is above all is also referenced in Philippians 2:9-11, where it is written that God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name. |
| 8 | John 3:36 → Matthew 25:46 | The warning that whoever rejects the Son will not see life is also referenced in Matthew 25:46, where it is written that the wicked will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. |
| 9 | John 3:16 → Deuteronomy 7:9 | The concept of God's love is also referenced in Deuteronomy 7:9, where it is written that God is faithful, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. |
| 10 | John 3:3 → Psalm 51:5 | The concept of being born again is also referenced in Psalm 51:5, where it is written that surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. |
Sermons on John 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Revival Hymn by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land |
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |
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(Alabama) the Prodigal by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a heart-to-heart talk about the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the uncond |
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(Australia) a Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the internal struggles and cries of a young person who is feeling overwhelmed and confused. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having |
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A Sermon That Has Angered Many - Examine Yourself by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of focusing on eternal things. He warns against being enslaved to the things of this present |
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Gods Love by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being introduced in Alaska and compares it to the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of not standing in the |
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(1 Peter - Part 27): Who Is He That Will Harm You? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher describes the physical deterioration of a man who is nearing death. Despite his weakened state, the preacher emphasizes that the devil and death cannot |
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Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t |
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(Revelation) 01 Introduction by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Revelation and its message of hope and warning. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire book as a whole, |
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Action and Obedience by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God rather than human authority. He encourages the audience to reflect on their own lives and identify any areas wh |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on John 3
In John chapter 3, Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God. This spiritual rebirth is a transformation from the natural to the spiritual realm, and it is necessary for salvation. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life, as seen in the declaration that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. This gift demonstrates the depth of God's love for humanity and highlights the significance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The love of God to us is the fountain of all our blessings, and therefore we ought to admire it, and magnify it, and make it the subject of our praise.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Spiritual Rebirth
The chapter emphasizes the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God, highlighting the contrast between the natural and spiritual realms.
The Role of Faith in Salvation
The chapter stresses that faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for eternal life, as seen in the declaration that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
The Love of God for the World
The chapter illustrates God's love for the world through the gift of His only begotten Son, demonstrating the depth of God's love for humanity (John 3:16).