John 3 - CSB Tony Evans Study Bible

3:1-2 Nicodemus went to Jesus under cover of darkness so that he could avoid the scorn of his fellow Pharisees.

3:3 The Greek word translated again can also mean “from above.” Probably both ideas are intended. Indeed, we need to be born again (to have a spiritual birth in contrast to our physical birth), and that new birth comes only from heaven above. As the apostle Paul explains it, all people are dead in their sins, and only God can give us spiritual life (Eph 2:1-5). Nicodemus needed a spiritual rebirth; simply being a religious leader wouldn’t cut it.

3:5-6 To enter God’s kingdom, you must not only be born physically (of water and flesh) but also supernaturally (of the Spirit). Human birth and even an impressive physical ancestry are insufficient for obtaining eternal life.

3:8 God’s Spirit invisibly does its work inside the human heart. We can’t see it happening. All we see are the results.

3:9-13 The concept Nicodemus couldn’t understand concerning the new kingdom age of the working of the Spirit was clearly taught in the Old Testament (3:9; see Isa 32:15; Ezek 36:25-27; Joel 2:28-29). As a teacher and leader, Nicodemus should have known of it. If he could not grasp earthly things that were plainly taught in the Scriptures, how could he grasp the heavenly things that only Jesus could reveal (John 3:12)—that is, that God in grace can give people a new heart (see 1 Sam 10:6; Jer 31:33)? Jesus could reveal deep heavenly truths since he had descended from heaven (John 3:13).

3:14-15 The mention of Moses [lifting] up the snake is a reference to an incident recorded in the book of Numbers (John 3:14; see Num 21:4-9). If anyone bitten trusted God and looked at the bronze snake, he would be healed. Similarly, the Son of Man would also be lifted up (on a cross; John 3:14), so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life (John 3:15).

3:16 God loved the world of people, and his love was not merely sentimental. Rather, it prompted him to take action. God the Father gave his one and only Son as a substitute for sinful human beings. He would die in their place, bearing their sins. But salvation from sin through the Son requires faith: Everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. When you trust in Jesus alone as your personal sin-bearer, divine judgment is removed and eternal life is freely given.

3:18 Salvation from sin and judgment is free for the taking. But if you reject the miracle cure that the doctor offers you, don’t blame him when you succumb to your fatal illness.

3:19-21 Those who love darkness rather than the light, so that they can try (in vain) to hide their sinful deeds (3:19-20), will experience eternal judgment for rejecting the free gift of God. Those who receive the truth and live in accordance with it come to the light (to Jesus) in order to show that their good works have been accomplished by God (3:21). Unbelievers are responsible for their evil deeds, but believers know that God gets the glory for their good ones.

3:24 On John’s imprisonment and execution, see the notes on Mark 6:16-28.

3:25-26 John’s disciples had become concerned because everyone [was] going to Jesus. Thus, they essentially told their master, “This Jesus fella is moving in on your ministry. Now fewer people are coming to you.”

3:28-30 John was simply the opening act, expected to warm up the crowd and then get off the stage. Jesus was the main event, the star attraction. John was content with and grateful for his role (3:30). Are you?

3:31-32 Jesus—the one—is the Son of God speaking from a heavenly perspective.

3:36 Jesus will one day rule the world as King. Thus, the matter is simple. Believe in the Son to receive eternal life. Reject him and experience divine wrath.