John 3 - A Dark & Stormy Night

Two very different men whom you have nothing in common with still have lots to teach you about certainty & commitment.

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John 3 Summary

We meet Nicodemus as this chapter opens, who is one of the most fascinating characters in the Bible. He's fascinating because although his interest in Jesus seems so genuine, we can't be certain as to whether he truly believed (we'll encounter Nicodemus again after Jesus' death).

Here Nicodemus hears Jesus explain some awesome theology: that one must be born again in the Spirit to attain eternal life, and that this rebirth happens by believing in the Son of Man who descended from heaven so that He could be lifted up like Moses' serpent in the wilderness, that all who look to Him will be saved.

It's hard to tell if the famous words in v16-21 were spoken by Jesus, or are commentary that John added, but either way they are words inspired by the Holy Spirit that simply and elegantly explain the gospel message.

Dig Deeper

The chapter ends with people trying to bait John the Baptist into envy as they point out that Jesus is becoming more popular than John.

John's reply is a masterclass in Christian contentment.

First, John understands his identity. He was simply the herald announcing the arrival of the Savior. So when Jesus, the true bridegroom, arrives, John truly experiences joy and not jealousy.

Second, John understands how his identity shapes his role. He had achieved a certain level of fame and notoriety as he eccentrically called society to repent from his wilderness outposts, and fame can be a difficult thing to let go. But upon seeing Jesus' ministry begin to flourish, John does exactly that, exclaiming that Jesus must increase, but I must decrease (v30).

Nicodemus and John the Baptist make for an interesting comparison. Nicodemus understood neither his identity or his role, and consequently never enjoyed contentment or certainty.

If you wish to enjoy the contentment & certainty Christianity brings, it's critical that you understand these two things that John modeled so well. Know your identity, and know the role that God has called you to.

AAA Prayer :

ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father in heaven, who so loved the world that He sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (v16)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Ask God that you might live by the truth and come into the light (v21)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: