Much could be said about this famous (perhaps the most famous?) chapter in the Bible, but I'd like to share just a few observations:
I am struck by the repetition of "belief" in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. The religious leaders don't believe (3:12), but Jesus identifies belief in Him as the key to eternal life (3:15; 3:16; 3:18). Of course, the richness of John 3:16 could be mined forever! There is a reason it appears so frequently on stickers and signs, on tattoos and terrible towels. It contains the essence of the gospel message in a single verse.
One of the themes in John's Gospel is why we ought to believe in Jesus. In that day and age, having two witnesses was considered very important to establish something as true. The last half of chapter 3 deals with the testimony of John the Baptist. He is willing to vouch for Jesus as the bridegroom who has come for His bride. John is only the friend of the bridegroom (maybe "the best man?") I've always considered John's statement in 3:30 ("He must become greater; I must become less.") as one of the greatest examples of authentic humility.
Here's a question to ponder: How do you feel about Nicodemus? Was he a clueless religious leader who couldn't understand what Jesus was talking about? Was he cowardly for venturing out only "at night" to talk with Jesus rather than seek Him out in the daylight (especially considering 3:20?) Or was he an honest seeker looking to Jesus for spiritual answers? I myself have tried not to be too hard on Nicodemus - it's thanks to him that we have this wonderful passage in our Bibles!
One of the themes in John's Gospel is why we ought to believe in Jesus. In that day and age, having two witnesses was considered very important to establish something as true. The last half of chapter 3 deals with the testimony of John the Baptist. He is willing to vouch for Jesus as the bridegroom who has come for His bride. John is only the friend of the bridegroom (maybe "the best man?") I've always considered John's statement in 3:30 ("He must become greater; I must become less.") as one of the greatest examples of authentic humility.
Here's a question to ponder: How do you feel about Nicodemus? Was he a clueless religious leader who couldn't understand what Jesus was talking about? Was he cowardly for venturing out only "at night" to talk with Jesus rather than seek Him out in the daylight (especially considering 3:20?) Or was he an honest seeker looking to Jesus for spiritual answers? I myself have tried not to be too hard on Nicodemus - it's thanks to him that we have this wonderful passage in our Bibles!
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