John 3 - Africa Study Bible

Open Membership • John 3:1-21

Like all Jews in his time, Nicodemus believed that the Kingdom of God belonged to the Jews because they were born as God’s chosen people. It is like many of our social clubs, secret societies, guilds, and lodges where membership is only open to people with a certain family name, profession, ethnic group, or financial status.

Jesus clearly said that membership into God’s Kingdom is not by any human credentials. It is not restricted to one ethnic group or race. It is not limited to the rich or powerful. Instead, it does require a certain rite of passage. This is not a physical birth or social standing but is a spiritual rebirth. Membership in the Kingdom of God is open to all. You can be part of the Kingdom of God. If you repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour, you will be born again into the family of Jesus!

The Greatest Love • John 3:16-21

The greatest motivation for giving is love. God’s love for the world motivated him to give Jesus, his only Son, to bring salvation and healing to the world. This great gift results in eternal life for all who believe and accept Jesus. What motivates you to do what you do? Is it unconditional love? How much are you willing to do or give in the name of love? True love will motivate us to make sacrifices that might even cost us our lives. Such sacrificial love makes God’s heart glad. This kind of love is worth it.