MPV Commentary

1-2. Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, struggled with sincerity and timidity as he approached Jesus.

He came to Jesus by night, one of those superficial "believers" who craved further satisfaction (John 3:1). As a Pharisee, Nicodemus should have known better, but his encounter with Jesus would challenge him to reevaluate his understanding of God's kingdom.

2. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus reveals the tension between their two worlds. Jesus spoke of being born again, while Nicodemus was familiar only with physical birth (John 3:4).

Jesus explained that this new birth is not a physical process but a spiritual one, initiated by the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-6). This concept would have been difficult for Nicodemus to grasp, as he was rooted in Jewish tradition and law.

3. Jesus used the example of wind to illustrate the mysterious nature of the Spirit's work (John 3:8).

Just as the wind blows where it will, so too does the Spirit move people to faith in Christ. This analogy highlights the invisible yet powerful nature of the Holy Spirit's activity.

4-5. Nicodemus struggled to understand how a person could be born again, especially at an advanced age (John 3:9).

Jesus replied that unless one is reborn, they cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:10). This statement emphasizes the necessity of spiritual rebirth for entering the kingdom.

6-7. Jesus explained that the Spirit gives life to those who believe in Him (John 3:6), and that this new birth is a gift from God (John 1:12).

This gift is not earned through human effort but received by faith, as Nicodemus would soon discover.

8-10. Jesus spoke of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness as a foreshadowing of His own crucifixion (John 3:14).

Just as looking at the bronze serpent brought healing to those bitten by snakes, so too does faith in Christ bring salvation to those perishing from sin.

11-12. The contrast between earthly and heavenly things is highlighted in Jesus' words (John 3:12).

Nicodemus was familiar with the earthly economy of Jewish law and tradition, but Jesus spoke of a new, heavenly economy that would be revealed through His death and resurrection.

13. Jesus emphasized that no one has ascended to heaven except the Son of Man, who came down from heaven to reveal the Father (John 3:13).

This statement underscores the unique nature of Christ's person and mission.

14-15. Jesus used the example of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness as a foreshadowing of His own crucifixion (John 3:14).

Just as looking at the bronze serpent brought healing to those bitten by snakes, so too does faith in Christ bring salvation to those perishing from sin.

16. The famous verse "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" is a declaration of the Gospel's central message (John 3:16).

This statement emphasizes the depth of God's love for humanity and the cost of redemption through Jesus Christ.

17-21. Jesus clarified that His mission was not to condemn but to save those who believe in Him (John 3:17).

Those who reject Christ are already condemned, having rejected the one way of deliverance from sin (John 3:18). The light of Christ has come into the world, and those who love darkness will be exposed by their rejection of Him (John 3:19-20).

21. On the other hand, those who do truth, whose lives are characterized by integrity and honesty, will be drawn to the light of Christ (John 3:21).