John 3 contains some of the most profound words ever spoken. In two conversations—one with Nicodemus and one through John the Baptist—we glimpse the very heartbeat of Jesus’ mission.
Nicodemus comes by night, representing sincere religion, moral effort, and intellectual curiosity. Yet Jesus immediately shifts the focus: “You must be born again.” The kingdom of God cannot be inherited, earned, or achieved. It must be received through spiritual rebirth. Jesus did not come merely to refine religious systems; He came to create new life.
He then points to the cross, referencing the serpent lifted up in the wilderness. This is not accidental imagery—it is mission clarity. The Son of Man will be lifted up so that whoever believes may have eternal life. Salvation flows from divine love, not human merit. “God so loved the world” reveals motive; “that whoever believes” reveals the means. Jesus came not to condemn but to rescue. Yet His coming exposes hearts: light reveals whether we prefer truth or darkness.
The chapter closes with John the Baptist’s joyful surrender: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Here we see the proper response to Jesus’ mission. He is the Bridegroom, the One from heaven, the bearer of God’s words, the One entrusted with all authority. Eternal life hinges on belief in Him.
John 3 shows us that Jesus’ purpose is regeneration, redemption, revelation, and rightful rule. The question it leaves us with is simple yet decisive: will we step into the light and believe?
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