Bible Commentaries
John 3

Verse 1

John 3:1

The Jewish senate and judicial courts were not separated into distinct branches of government, and the legislative and judicial work was done instead by “councils” (Matthew 5:22, Matthew 10:17, Matthew 26:59, Mark 13:9, Mark 15:1). The highest council in the land is said to be called the Sanhedrin, although the KJV doesn’t use the word. The KJV only uses the phrase “estate of the elders” (Acts 22:5) or senate (Acts 5:21). However, the term Sanhedrin is used repeatedly in other versions of the Bible, and its use is justified from both Jewish history and traditions.

There were likely seventy elders specifically chosen to participate as members of the Sanhedrin. Seventy reflects the number of elders chosen by Moses to help him govern the Israelites, as we see in Numbers 11:16-17. Jesus chose seventy too (see Luke 10:1). Why the Sanhedrin had one extra was they would usually select one as President and often this title and authority was given to the High Priest (Matthew 26:57-58, John 18:12-14, Acts 5:17, Acts 5:21). I said “usually,” because during Jesus’ trial before the council, there were two High Priests. Annas and Caiaphas both served as the High Priest (Luke 3:2, John 18:13, John 18:24, Acts 4:6). Jesus didn’t need seventy one, because He is our High Priest (Hebrews 1:1-15, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 8:1).

Nicodemus was a Pharisee (see notes on John 8:3), so he belonged to one of the leading parties of the Jews (John 7:48, Acts 23:6), and he sat on the Sanhedrin or the highest council (John 7:45-53). Yet, as we see in the next verse, his first word to Jesus was “Rabbi” (John 3:2). He called Jesus “My Master,” which was a title of honor and distinction.

Verse 2

John 3:2

This event was mentioned twice more by John in John 7:50 and John 19:39. In John 19:39, we also learn that Nicodemus brought gifts after the crucifixion. From the expensive gifts mentioned, we ascertain that Nicodemus was wealthy.

Additionally, Nicodemus was a Pharisee, and he sat on the Sanhedrin (see notes on John 3:1). He had a lot to lose, and his position in the Sanhedrin likely contributed to his sneaking to Jesus under the cover of darkness. However, in addition to his political concerns, Nicodemus was likely worried what people would think of him honoring someone deemed to be in a lower social station as he and teaching and saying the things Jesus spoke of. To anyone ashamed of Christ, or his relationship with Christ, as Nicodemus was, Jesus gave a stern warning in Luke 9:26.

Verse 3

John 3:3

See notes on John 1:13.

Notice how Jesus didn’t speak to the premise brought by Nicodemus in John 3:2, and instead of talking about Himself, He introduced a couple of Gospel topics. Entire books have been written on these two important subjects.

Jesus used the term, “born again” (1 Peter 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 5:15-21) for the first time. The concept was a confusing one to Nicodemus (see notes on John 3:4), but Jesus spoke of a spiritual rebirth (John 3:5-8).

Additionally, Jesus mentioned “the kingdom of God.” Jesus talked a lot about God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33, Matthew 12:28, Matthew 19:24, Matthew 21:31, Matthew 21:43, Mark 4:11, Mark 4:26-30, Mark 9:1, Mark 9:47, Mark 10:14-15, Mark 10:23-25, Mark 12:34, Mark 14:25, Luke 6:20, Luke 7:28, Luke 8:10, Luke 9:2, Luke 9:11, Luke 9:27, Luke 9:60-62, Luke 10:9-11, Luke 11:20, Luke 12:31, Luke 13:18-29, Luke 17:20-21, Luke 18:16-30, Luke 21:31, Luke 22:16-18, John 3:5, Acts 1:3). Preaching the good news of our inclusion into the kingdom of God through faith enough to believe was why Jesus was sent by the Father (Mark 1:14-15, Luke 4:43, Luke 8:1, Luke 16:16).

Verse 4

John 3:4

Nicodemus’ focus was on his here and now. His view was clouded by carnal thinking and all wrapped up in the physical (see notes on John 2:20). In his defense though, this being “born again” theology was entirely new (see notes on John 3:9).

Verse 5

John 3:5

The first birth, the physical birth, is accompanied by the outpouring of water (the embryonic fluid pours out, that is, the mother’s water breaks). Our physical births usher our lives into the kingdoms of this world (Revelation 11:15).

Being born again is accompanied by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:14, Ephesians 1:13, Titus 3:4-6). Jesus was saying; to be a citizen in the Kingdom of God, we humans who were born first in the flesh must now be made a new creature through the Spirit (Romans 6:4, Romans 8:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:22-24).

Verse 6

John 3:6

Our physical bodies, our flesh, originated from an egg and sperm which were generated from other physical bodies. We were born of flesh, and we too have fleshly bodies (1 Corinthians 15:47-49). Likewise, when we are born again (see notes on John 3:5), our spirits are born of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:9).

Verse 7

John 3:7

See notes on John 3:5.

Verse 8

John 3:8

We cannot see the wind, and we don’t know where it started. We can only see the effects of it. Likewise, we don’t understand the workings of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:11), nor can we see the actual spiritual rebirth of someone. A physical birth is obvious, for it is physical and happens before our eyes. But a spiritual birth happens on the inside away from the glances and oversight of anyone or anything other than God Himself.

Although we cannot see the actual rebirth which happens within a person, we can see the effects of a person’s being “born again.” Each true believer in Christ will progressively (Isaiah 28:10, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Corinthians 4:16, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, Hebrews 5:13-14) exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in their new lives (Colossians 3:10). In other words, being a Christian ultimately means that one is changed from the inside out (Philippians 2:12).

Verse 9

John 3:9

Nicodemus’ bewilderment is understandable. No one had heard the things Jesus was teaching before Jesus taught them. His doctrine was new (Matthew 7:28, Matthew 22:33, Mark 1:22, Mark 1:27, Mark 11:18, Luke 4:32, John 7:16-17, Acts 17:19). People still wonder, “… how can these things be?”

To us who are not God, the things of the kingdom are mysterious (Matthew 13:10-11, 1 Corinthians 4:1, 1 Corinthians 13:2). Only the Holy Spirit can lift the veil and reveal the truth of the kingdom to us (Matthew 11:25-27, Luke 8:10, Romans 16:25-26, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Ephesians 3:3-10, Colossians 1:26-27). The Spirit will give us the knowledge of the truth (John 14:26, John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:13, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 2:27). Knowledge of the truth is a gift from God Himself (1 Corinthians 2:9-12, Ephesians 1:17-19, Ephesians 2:8, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6), and Jesus gave the answer to Nicodemus’ question in John 3:14-21.

Verse 10

John 3:10

Nicodemus was not only an important man politically (see notes on John 3:1), he also taught scripture to the people. Jesus recognized Nicodemus’ affect in the nation by designating the Jewish leader with the same honor Nicodemus had shown Him (John 3:2). However, given Nicodemus’ capability to influence the Israelites, it was troubling that he had not perceived how the scriptures not only pointed to Jesus but to the plan of redemption as well.

Verse 11

John 3:11

Jesus usually referred to Himself in the singular person. In other words, He would use the pronouns such as “I” or “myself” or “me.” In this verse, Jesus said “we” and “our.” Other than Himself then, to whom else would He have been referring to? He might have been including in His testimony “every one that is born of the Spirit,” as He said in John 3:8. Another possibility, and the one more likely, is that He was including His Father and the Holy Spirit in the statement (Luke 4:1, John 5:31-32, John 7:17, John 8:16, John 8:26, John 12:49, John 13:20, John 14:26, Acts 10:38, Romans 9:1, 1 Corinthians 2:13). The Son (John 3:13, John 6:33, John 6:51, 1 Corinthians 15:47, 1 Thessalonians 1:10), the Father (Matthew 6:9, Matthew 23:9, Luke 11:2) and the Holy Spirit (John 1:32, Acts 2:2, 1 Peter 1:12) are from Heaven (1 John 5:7) and “know,” because they all have “seen.”

Regardless of whom the “we” is, the problem was that their testimony had not been received (John 1:11, John 3:19, John 3:32, John 8:44, John 8:45). Why not receive the truth, especially when it is given by such dependable witnesses?

Verse 12

John 3:12

Being “born again” (John 3:3) is an event that occurs on this Earth. Those physically alive (see notes on John 5:24) on Earth may be born spiritually while upon the Earth (2 Corinthians 6:2). However, all those that beg forgiveness before the throne are seeking spiritual birth inside of physical death. It is acceptable (Isaiah 49:8, Isaiah 61:2, Luke 4:19, Hebrews 4:7) to the Lord that we choose spiritual life while we are yet physically alive. Anyone who believes while yet alive shall be saved (see notes on John 3:15-16), but unbelievers shall be damned (Mark 16:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:12).

Although the Lord may forgive whom He pleases, and He alone is God and able to forgive even in the world to come (Matthew 12:32), Jesus told us that attempts to seek forgiveness at the throne will be denied (Matthew 7:21-23, Luke 13:5, Luke 13:24-28, Revelation 20:11-15). Jesus also told us that there is no redemption from Hell (Matthew 3:12, Matthew 25:41, Mark 9:43-48, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 14:11, Revelation 20:10-15), and there are no means of transport between the damned and the saved (Luke 16:23-26).

Verse 13

John 3:13

Indeed no man had ever “ascended” to Heaven. Enoch was taken into heaven by the Lord (Genesis 5:24), but taken and risen under one’s own power are two quite different happenings. Moreover, Elijah was granted a ride into Heaven on a “chariot of fire” (2 Kings 2:11), but he didn’t ascend on his own.

Jesus did ascend into Heaven in front of His special witnesses (Acts 1:2), and He did it without being taken in a fiery chariot or plucked up during a private walk with His Father (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:9, Acts 2:32).

Jesus was from Heaven (Ephesians 4:10), and he belonged in Heaven (Judges 1:25). He understood “heavenly things” (John 3:12).

Verse 14

John 3:14

Following the plan God had laid out to save the children of Israel from complete destruction, Moses put an image of a creature laden with the same poison that was killing them upon a tree (Numbers 21:6-9). Jesus, “made in the likeness of man” (Philippians 2:7), too would be laden with the same sins that were damning us (1 Corinthians 15:3, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 9:28 1 Peter 2:24) and placed upon a tree (Acts 5:30, Acts 10:39, Acts 13:29, Galatians 3:13).

The snake on the tree in the wilderness was lifted up, so the people could see the hope of their salvation. Jesus was also lifted up to draw us to Him in order that we might be saved (John 6:40, John 12:32).

Verse 15

John 3:15

The word “believeth” is from the Greek word pisteuo ^G4100, pronounced pist-yoo’-o, and it means, “to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit, by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.”

Belief, in the way that Jesus spoke of belief, isn’t just a warm and fuzzy feeling that it must be true. The belief Jesus said one needed in order to have eternal life is faith that moves one to put full confidence in and reliance on Him (Proverbs 3:5). It is then, an acceptance of Jesus’ lordship in one’s life.

Belief, as with the current use of the word in our everyday language, isn’t enough to save. Belief isn’t enough to have eternal life. Someone might say, “I don’t have to go to church to believe in God.” That’s true, but have you changed? Have you moved beyond the “feeling” that it is true to acting as though it is? Have you entrusted Jesus with your lifestyle? Have you submitted yourself to the process of walking with Christ and not after your own desires? Do you truly trust Him, rely on Him, and have full confidence in Him, or are you still trying to make it yourself on your own terms?

Belief isn’t enough. The devil believes. One must also repent (Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15, Mark 6:12, Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Acts 17:30, Acts 26:20, Revelation 2:5). Repentance is turning from your old ways to doing things God’s way (Psalms 119:59, Psalms 119:128, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 7:10). There must be a willingness to change (Philippians 3:8-12). There must be an acceptance that Jesus is Lord (Matthew 10:32, Romans 10:9, Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10, 1 John 4:15, 2 John 1:7).

For commentary on “eternal life,” see notes on John 5:24. For more on the gospel, see the notes on John 3:16 and John 9:41.

Verse 16

John 3:16

This verse is quoted so often that believers in Jesus and unbelievers alike have heard it before. Regardless of its redundancy in our culture though, let it never lose the power to bring you hope. Let it forever ring true in your hearts. God loves you! He loves you so much that He gave His very best to you.

Notice that God’s reaction to His love for us is to give (Matthew 7:11, Matthew 11:28, Matthew 20:4, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, Luke 11:13, Luke 12:32, Luke 22:19, John 1:12, John 4:10, John 6:32-33, John 6:51, John 10:11, John 10:28, John 14:16, John 14:27, John 15:16, John 16:23, John 17:2, Acts 2:4, Acts 5:31, Acts 11:17, Acts 14:15-17, Acts 17:25, Acts 20:35, Romans 5:8-11, Romans 8:32, 1 Corinthians 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:57, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 9:15, Galatians 1:4, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:4-5, Ephesians 4:8-12, Ephesians 5:25, 1 Timothy 2:6, 1 Timothy 2:14, 1 Timothy 6:17, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:5, James 4:6, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 4:11, 1 Peter 5:5, 1 John 5:10, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:26-28, Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:5, Revelation 22:12). His love is “so” great (Ephesians 2:4), because He is love (2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16). God is a spirit (John 4:24, 2 Corinthians 3:17) of living (Deuteronomy 5:24, Deuteronomy 32:40, 2 Samuel 22:47, Job 19:25, Psalms 18:46, Jeremiah 4:2), burning (Deuteronomy 4:24, Ezekiel 1:27, Ezekiel 8:2, Hebrews 12:29) love. To see any part of God (Exodus 33:22-23), is to see living love as a holy being (Leviticus 11:44-45, Leviticus 19:2, Joshua 24:19, 1 Samuel 2:2, Psalms 71:22, Psalms 99:5, Psalms 99:9, Isaiah 5:16, Isaiah 6:3, Isaiah 30:15, Isaiah 43:3, Isaiah 54:5, Hosea 11:9, 1 Peter 1:15, 1 Peter 1:16, Revelation 4:8) rather than a human emotion. Love comes from Him (Galatians 5:22, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:7), because that is what He is.

God gives of Himself, and we too need to give of ourselves (Leviticus 19:18, Galatians 5:14, Matthew 10:8, John 15:13, Acts 3:6, Acts 20:33-35, James 2:8, 1 John 3:23). God even gave His “only begotten Son.” Jesus is God’s only begotten Son, because God, the Father, infused an egg from the ovary of a young Israeli woman named Mary (Luke 1:27), with His own divine nature and caused the embryo to be implanted in her womb (Luke 1:31). It was the first artificial insemination (Matthew 1:23), but God didn’t need to perform it In Vitro, or outside the body in a test tube. God performed it in inside the body.

We were “begotten” by our parents. That is, there was a DNA infusion from your father’s nature into the DNA saturated egg of your mother. The result is a new person sharing elements of both DNAs. We share characteristics from both parents.

Jesus’ human body was the result of an infusion of God’s holy nature into the egg of Mary. He shared characteristics of both parents. He was both human and divine. He was both man and God at the same time. He had no Earthly biological father as we had. He only had our Heavenly Father. Since half of Jesus’ human DNA was donated by God alone, and since God has only intervened into the fertilization of one human being, Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.

For more on belief, see notes on John 3:15.

For “eternal life,” see notes on John 5:24.

The word “belief” is used in both John 3:15 and this verse, but another significant word was used as well, “whosoever.” By saying “whosoever,” Jesus was saying “all.” Anybody and everybody can be included in the “whosoever.” His salvation wasn’t for just the “good” people. He didn’t come to save only the Jewish people. His gospel isn’t just for the rich or the smart or the beautiful people. The gospel of His kingdom applies to “whosoever” will accept it.

That indeed is good news. I am a “whosoever.” You are a “whosoever.” The gift applies to all people who will receive it. If you still haven’t received God’s gift though, it isn’t too late. You can be a “whosoever” too.

For more on the gospel, see the notes on John 9:41.

Verse 17

John 3:17

I love this verse. It is a sweet assurance that, even though this world would kill God’s gift (John 3:16), Jesus came to save the world anyway. We should all be condemned, but He doesn’t condemn us (John 8:11). His goodness so overwhelms our unrighteousness without Him that in His presence we would have no choice but to shrink in self-imposed condemnation (Philippians 2:10). We may know we are sinful (Luke 5:8), but He doesn’t condemn us. He wants to forgive us, if we’d only repent of our old, worldly ways (Romans 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9) and stop sinning on purpose (John 5:14).

Verse 18

John 3:18

There is no greater condemnation. Yes, we are guilty of many wrongs (1 Kings 8:50, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Daniel 9:11, Romans 3:9, Romans 3:19, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Romans 11:32, Galatians 3:22, 1 John 1:8-10). Yes, there is much to be forgiven for and much we could be condemned for, but to reject the goodness of God’s grace in order to enjoy sin is clearly justification for eternal death (for more on eternal death, see notes on John 5:24).

The greatest commandment is to love God (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27), and God is good (Psalms 73:1, Psalms 73:22-28, Psalms 84:11, Psalms 145:8-9, Isaiah 63:7-9, Nahum 1:7, Romans 8:28). Those that love evil rather than good are condemned to the darkness they chose. Jesus is the light of the world (Isaiah 60:1-3, Matthew 4:14-16, Luke 2:32, John 1:4-9, John 8:12, John 9:5, John 12:35, 1 John 1:5), and He came to save us from the darkness (Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 42:7, Isaiah 49:6, Luke 1:78-79, Acts 26:23). To love the darkness more than the light is to choose death over life (Deuteronomy 30:19, Jeremiah 21:8). Truly, our standing with God is a result of our choices. It is wisdom then to choose Jesus.

If we believe (see notes on John 3:15) on Jesus, we are in right-standing with God (Jeremiah 33:8, Romans 4:6, Romans 4:22-24, Romans 3:21-26, Romans 8:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21). When we receive Him, we receive His righteousness (see notes on John 16:10). After receiving Jesus, begin your walk with Him by becoming aware of your standing with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Galatians 2:21, Galatians 3:21-22, Ephesians 4:24, 2 Timothy 4:8) and attempting to behave accordingly (Romans 12:1-2, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 15:34, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 4:22-24, Ephesians 6:12-18, Colossians 3:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:22, 2 Timothy 3:16, Titus 2:12, Hebrews 5:13, James 3:18, 1 Peter 1:13-16, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 3:7-10). Change your behavior (2 Peter 1:5-12), not because your good works merit favor with God (Isaiah 64:6, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5), but because now you love Him (1 John 4:19).

It isn’t easy, and mistakes will be made (Romans 7:15). When you sin (1 John 2:1), confess it (1 John 1:7-9), repent (Psalms 119:59, Ezekiel 14:6, Matthew 4:17, Acts 17:30, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation 3:19), and move on (Philippians 3:13). Press on (Philippians 3:14), and continue progressing, from one level to the next (Isaiah 28:10, 2 Corinthians 3:18). Without faith in Him it is impossible (John 15:5, Hebrews 11:6), but with Jesus how can you fail (Judges 1:24)?

Verse 19

John 3:19

See notes on John 3:18.

Verse 20

John 3:20

People that walk in the darkness of their sin-filled lives try to justify their actions and convince themselves and others that they are basically good. However, in the light of God’s goodness, the darkness of their evil is evident. To come to the light of Jesus (see notes on John 3:18) is to admit that they are living wrong and need salvation. People that love doing wrong hate to admit that they are wrong. Because the light reveals their darkness, and because God’s goodness reveals their wrongness, they hate the light.

Verse 21

John 3:21

Christians don’t hate the light, because Jesus is the light (John 8:12, John 9:5). We come boldly (Hebrews 4:16) into the light, because our deeds are now covered in Christ’s righteousness (see notes on John 3:18, John 16:10).

Verse 22

John 3:22

The verse that is used to say that Jesus didn’t actually baptize but rather it was His disciples is John 4:2. Note that John 4:2 was added by the KJV interpreters and was not part of the original manuscripts... thus the parentheses.

Verse 23

John 3:23

The word “Aenon,” pronounced ahee-nohn’ only appears in this one verse.

The word “Salim,” is pronounced sal-ime’ and too only appears in this one verse.

Since neither city is spoken of again in the New Testament, it is obvious the only significance the locations had to the importance of the text was related to the part of the story at hand, i.e., the fact that John was baptizing there. Why there? “There was much water.” Obviously, John’s baptism of repentance required “much water,” and was likely via submersion.

“They came.” Why did they come? Did they come because of the water? No, they came, because John was baptizing there.

Verse 24

John 3:24

By writing that John the Baptist was still free, the Apostle John was putting Jesus and His disciples’ baptism services (John 3:22-23) in a timeline. John eventually was imprisoned (Matthew 4:12, Matthew 14:3, Mark 6:17, Luke 3:19-20).

Verse 25

John 3:25

Of course, what were they concerned with? Their focus was outward purification ... just as we saw in the beginning of Chapter Two with the water pots and the miracle at the wedding in Cana.

Verse 26

John 3:26

We just learned in verse twenty five that a question arose about purifying. How does their statement in this verse relate in any way to the discussion they were having on purification? Baptism, to John’s disciples, was seen as another Jewish act of washing and purification. It was religious in practice; it wasn’t a spiritual act. It was ritualistic; it wasn’t worship. Their concern revealed their religious values related to traditional expressions ensuring holiness rather than a willingness to pursue a relationship with a holy God. They were more concerned with who was seen as anointed to do the washing rather than the fact that many were being washed.

They had tied their religious notions and future to John. They were letting their master know that he made a mistake in highlighting Jesus, because John’s baptism ministry was now being copied by this same Jesus, and He was becoming more successful than John. They were worried about losing their place in the ministry they had become involved with, because that ministry may soon no longer exist. Jesus was seen as the one who was taking it all away from them too.

Verse 27

John 3:27

Everything we have, even the breaths we take (Genesis 2:7, Job 27:3, Job 33:4, Isaiah 42:5, Daniel 5:23) are gifts from God. If others are blessed, it too is because of God. However, the Baptist’s disciples were certain that the people Jesus and his ministry were receiving were at their ministry’s expense (see notes on John 3:26). They were worried about the loss of the ministry they were associated with, rather than the lost coming to repentance (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Acts 13:24, Acts 19:4). Their “loss” truly was heaven’s gain. They had a great reason to rejoice (John 3:29).

Pray for those in ministry that their hearts stay committed to the lost and hurting and not to the growth of their own kingdoms (Matthew 5:19, Matthew 25:40-45).

Verse 28

John 3:28

The Baptist reminded his disciples that he had already publicly acknowledged his position in the kingdom of God (John 1:19-27). He was just a man born of Earthly parents, but Jesus was sent from heaven (John 3:13, John 3:31, John 6:32-41, John 6:50-51, 1 Corinthians 15:47, 1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Verse 29

John 3:29

Jesus did his first miracle at a wedding, and John used the metaphor of wedding symbolism to illustrate his role (see notes on John 3:28) and feelings in the matter. Jesus is the bridegroom (Isaiah 62:5, Revelation 18:23, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:9), and the church is His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). The Baptist was happy (Jeremiah 33:11, Matthew 9:15, Matthew 25:1-13, Revelation 19:7-9) to simply have been alive at the time of Christ upon the Earth in the flesh (John 8:56).

Verse 30

John 3:30

This is true for us all. To live a life of victory (rather than continually go over the same mistakes again and again in bondage) we need to learn (it isn’t something that comes naturally to us) to get ourselves off our mind and focus on Jesus. It shouldn’t be about us and doing what we want. It should be about Him and being obedient to God.

Each time you deny your flesh (Matthew 16:24) what it is screaming for, it grows a little weaker. We need to kill the flesh (Galatians 5:24, Romans 6:6-7, Titus 2:12). How do we do that? Starve it (Romans 8:13, Romans 13:14).

John the Baptist knew his place (see notes on John 1:15, John 3:28), and he was happy (John 3:29) to play a role in God’s work upon the Earth. John’s disciples were concerned about the loss of their master’s prominence (see notes on John 3:26-27), but he realized and accepted that his time in the spot light was coming to an end. John had increased and was now decreasing, but Jesus’ increase will never end (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Verse 31

John 3:31

The Baptist’s disciples questioned the sense in simply standing by and watching as Jesus’ ministry grew and theirs decreased (see notes on John 3:26-27). Why shouldn’t Jesus’ ministry and glory increase (John 3:30)? Jesus’ glory yet today makes more sense than any of our Earthly priorities (see notes on John 3:28).

Verse 32

John 3:32

Jesus only did and said what He was told to do and say from His Father in Heaven (see notes on John 12:44). The problem was that people weren’t receiving the message (Luke 7:30, John 3:16) or the messenger (Matthew 21:42, Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22, Luke 17:25, Luke 20:17, John 1:5, John 1:11).

Verse 33

John 3:33

The Father sealed Jesus (John 6:27), but He also seals us (2 Corinthians 1:22). “His seal,” or His sign of approval, is stamped onto our lives (2 Timothy 2:19) as a testimony that we may depend upon, and place our trust in, His expressed intention to save us to Himself. His promise (Luke 24:49, Acts 2:39, Acts 13:23, Acts 13:32-33, Romans 4:13-16, Galatians 3:22, Galatians 3:29, Galatians 4:28, Ephesians 3:6, 1 Timothy 4:8, 2 Timothy 1:1, Hebrews 9:15, 2 Peter 3:13) to redeem us (Titus 1:2, 1 John 2:25) is sealed by the Holy Spirit coming into us as an earnest of our salvation (2 Corinthians 1:22). The Holy Spirit is evidence of your salvation and a pledge that your inheritance is assured (2 Corinthians 5:5, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:30, 1 John 2:5, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:13).

Verse 34

John 3:34

One whom is filled with the Spirit (see notes on John 20:22) isn’t filled a little bit. Just as one can’t be “kind-of” pregnant, so too you are either filled with the Spirit or you have not been filled.

Yet, the Spirit does give out various gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-10) and gives certain gifts to some and not to others (1 Corinthians 12:11). For example, you may have been given the gift of prophecy, and I have not received that gift. If we regard each gift as a measure of the Spirit imparted to us, you have a different measure than mine.

No matter how it is viewed though, John was obviously saying that Jesus was given every gift and every aspect and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) or the fullness thereof (John 3:35, Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9).

Verse 35

John 3:35

The Father has held nothing back from His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus (Matthew 28:18, John 3:34, John 5:22, John 13:3, John 17:2, 1 Corinthians 15:27, Ephesians 1:22, Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 2:8, 1 Peter 3:22).

Verse 36

John 3:36

Jesus was speaking of spiritual life … not physical life. Although some will go to Hell and some will go to Heaven, everyone will be able to reason cognitively, endure pain or enjoy pleasure and experience emotions after death. So, “everlasting life” or “eternal life” is not life after death. Even those that are not saved will be aware of their damnation. “Everlasting life” or “eternal life” is spiritual life. Damnation in Hell is spiritual death.

See notes on John 5:24 for more about spiritual life and death compared to physical life and death.