Overview
A sermon on John 3:1–21 focusing on Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus: the need to be born again, entrance into God’s kingdom, the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion, and the choice between light and darkness.
Nicodemus: Pharisee, Sanhedrin member, respected teacher of Israel.
Visits Jesus at night to seek truth without distractions.
Acknowledges Jesus as from God due to undeniable signs and miracles.
Spiritual, supernatural, eternal realm where Jesus rules as King.
Present spiritually now; future fullness in new heavens and new earth.
Described as a place without death, sickness, fear, war, or want.
Entry is not by lineage, law, or ritual; requires spiritual birth.
Jesus: “No one can see/enter the kingdom unless born again.”
Born again = born from above; a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.
Flesh gives birth to flesh; Spirit gives birth to spirit.
Jewish echoes of “born anew” (conversion, bar mitzvah, marriage, ordination) reinterpreted as a divine rebirth.
The new birth is powerful, mysterious (like the wind), yet evident in changed lives.
Common claim: “I’m a good person” is insufficient before God’s standard.
Scripture: “No one is good but God alone”; all have sinned (Romans 3).
Good deeds cannot erase guilt; flesh cannot inherit a spiritual kingdom.
Consequences align with sowing and reaping; sin’s wage is death.
Israel’s grumbling led to judgment by fiery serpents; many died.
God commanded a bronze serpent on a pole; those who looked lived.
Looking expressed faith in God’s word; grace received through faith.
Parallel: “As Moses lifted up the snake, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”
Jesus’ crucifixion bears the curse due to our sin; He is our substitute.
He who knew no sin became sin for us; God’s justice satisfied in Christ.
Faith is action: looking to Christ, trusting His work, not mere assent.
Result: forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life.
God’s love: gave His only Son so believers have eternal life.
Jesus came to save, not condemn; unbelief leaves one condemned already.
People love darkness to avoid exposure of evil deeds.
Those who live by truth come to the light; deeds seen as done in God.
Truth: objective reality, unchanging across time and culture.
Grace: God’s unmerited favor; mercy to the undeserving.
Faith: trusting response to God’s word that acts (e.g., “look and live”).
Condemnation: present state for unbelief; not God’s desire but human choice.
Free will: real freedom entails responsibility, accountability, and consequences.
Topic
Nicodemus’ Assumption/Question
Jesus’ Teaching
Implication
Identity of Jesus
Recognizes divine origin due to signs
Signs validate His mission
Seek truth from the One sent by God
Entrance to Kingdom
Lineage, law, circumcision suffice
Must be born again (from above)
Heritage/works cannot save
Nature of New Birth
“How can this be?”
Spirit gives birth to spirit; like wind
Supernatural work of the Spirit
Foreshadowing
Law and history known
Bronze serpent lifted; Son of Man lifted
Look to Christ and live
Judgment
Confusion about condemnation
Unbelief = condemned already
Personal responsibility for response
Light vs. Darkness
Human tendency to hide
Truth comes to light
Repentance brings exposure and freedom
Born Again/Born from Above: Spiritual regeneration by the Holy Spirit enabling entry into God’s kingdom.
Kingdom of God: Reign of Christ now spiritually and fully in the future new creation.
Son of Man: Messianic title (Daniel 7) applied to Jesus, the One lifted up for salvation.
Justification: God declaring sinners righteous through Christ’s atoning work.
Condemnation: Judicial status of guilt for unbelief; reversed by faith in Christ.
Examine whether trust rests in heritage, goodness, or Christ alone.
Repent and believe in Jesus’ finished work; “look and live.”
Step into the light: confess sin, seek truth, embrace transformation by the Spirit.
Pursue humility as a truth-seeker; receive Scripture’s teaching with an open heart.
