Bible Commentaries
John 3

Verses 1-36

SECOND VISIT TO JUDEA

With reference to what occasion, and hence at what period of the year, did this visit take place (John 2:13 )? With what display of Jesus’ authority and power is it associated (John 2:14-17 )? Comparing this with Matthew 21:12-13 , it would seem that this transaction was repeated at the last Passover. In what manner did He refer at this time to His death and resurrection (John 2:18-22 ) ? What great discourse of Jesus is associated with this second visit to Judea (John 3:1-21 )? Where did this discourse occur presumably (John 2:23 )? How does the theme of this discourse demonstrate the profundity of this gospel, and bear out the theory that it was written for the church? How further does John the Baptist bear testimony to Jesus on this visit (John 3:25-36 )? An analysis of this testimony like that in the first chapter, would make an excellent sermon, or Bible reading. He testifies (1) to Jesus, relationship to His people (John 3:29 ); (2) His growing influence and authority (John 3:30 ); (3) His exaltation (John 3:31 ); (4) His truth (John 3:32 ; John 3:34 ); and (5) His supreme power and grace (John 3:35-36 ).

What reason is assigned for Jesus’ departure from Judea at this time (John 4:1-3 )? Whence did He journey, and what route did He take (John 3:3-4 )? What exhibition of grace was associated with this journey (John 3:5-36 )? Select some passages in this part of the chapter which harmonize with the design of John’s Gospel. What about verses 10, 14, 24? How long did Jesus remain in Samaria, and where did he next go (John 4:43 )? What miracle is connected with this return journey to Galilee, and how does it bear on the purpose of John’s Gospel (John 4:46-54 )? An allusion to this miracle was made in the introduction to our study of John.

We must not pass the teaching in 3:3-8 about regeneration. We see how essential it is because the natural man cannot “see,” apprehend, the Kingdom of God without it. Read here Jeremiah 17:9 ; 1 Corinthians 2:14 ; Romans 8:7-8 ; Psalms 51:5 ; Ephesians 2:3 . As to its nature or source it is a supernatural, creative act of the Holy Spirit, not reforming our old nature, but giving us a new one alongside of the old (John 1:12-13 ; John 2 Corinthians 5:17 ; Ephesians 2:10 ; Ephesians 4:24 ). There is one condition for our receiving it: faith in the crucified and risen Lord (John 3:14-16 ; Galatians 3:24 ). This gospel is richly set before us in the familiar John 3:16 . Salvation may be said to be its theme, and we find in it: (1) its source, the love of God; (2) its ground, the gift of Christ; (3) its means, faith; (4) its need, “should not perish”; (5) its result, eternal life; and (6) its extent, “whosoever.”

That word “perish” must not be misunderstood. It is translated “marred” in Mark 2:22 and “lost” in Matthew 10:6 and other places, but nowhere does it signify cessation of existence.

The great teaching in chapter 4 is suggested in John 4:6-14 about the Holy Spirit, whose indwelling in the believer is set before us in the Symbol of the living water. Other truths are the nature of God (John 4:24 ), the revelation of the Messiahship (John 4:26 ); the governing motive of Jesus (John 4:34 ), and the miracle of John 4:46-53 .

QUESTIONS

So many questions are asked in the text of the lesson that but few are required here.

1. What is the doctrine in John 3:3-8 ?

2. Tell what you have learned about it in this lesson.

3. How many of the corroborative scriptures have you examined?

4. Analyze John 3:16 .

5. What do we learn about the Holy Spirit in chapter 4?