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The Gospel of John
Northwest London Christian Church
Series

Background to John’s Gospel – Chapter 3

John Chapter 3
Birth and Re-Birth
Chapter three contains probably the most famous verse in the Bible - John 3:16. It is famous
for a reason - it sums up so much of what the Gospel is all about; God, his love for this world
(us), grace (he gave us his Son), the identity of Jesus and the purpose of his coming (to give
us eternal life). A power-packed verse indeed. But let us have a look at two of the characters
connected with Jesus to see what we can learn
Nearly-Man Nicodemus
Nicodemus is close, but, at least at this point, he gets no cigar. I like Nicodemus because I
have often felt like him when hearing a new teaching. The Bible confused me a lot growing
up - and in truth I still find this from time to time. But the impressive thing about Nicodemus is
that he goes to Jesus, asks questions, sticks at the conversation even when it turns
embarrassing for him, and learns some of the most important principles about how to enter
the kingdom of God. He also gives Jesus the opportunity to do some unforgettable teaching
and, in time appears to come to a fully-fledged faith in him (John 7:50, 19:39). There are
important lessons for us here. How often we stop seeking answers when the process of
finding the answers gets embarrassing. Our pride takes a bit of a pummelling and we are
tempted to walk away while we have some dignity left. If it is true that the night is darkest just
before the dawn, it is often the case that spiritual enlightenment is found just after the darkest
period of confusion. Do not give up seeking answers. Jesus himself said that if we persevere
we will find what we need (Matthew 7:7-8). Are you confused right now? Good! Apply the
Nicodemus principle and perhaps you are on the verge of a life-changing discovery.
John - Shaker, Not Stirred
John is impressive. He is shaking things up for God. Crowds are going to him, he is making
disciples (some were loyal way past his own death, Acts 19:1-7), baptising, confronting
religious hypocrisy and mediocrity. And he is able to work alongside Jesus. There is no
competition between him and Jesus. They both found places where water was plentiful and
got on with the business of teaching people to repent. But nothing attracts like ‘success’.
Someone comes to John on the pretext of a question of ‘washing’, and turns the opportunity
into an attempt to stir John into developing a competitive spirit - “everyone is going to him” the
man says. What is he saying? He is testing John’s resolve and conviction. Did he really
mean what he said in chapter 1:15ff? Well our man is sticking to his guns. He will not be
stirred. He reiterates what he has already said with even greater force - “He must become
greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30 NIV). Oh for a heart like that! Not an attitude of
insecurity or “I’m not important” (a false humility), but a confident, joyful and gloriously faithful
acclamation of the true nature of Jesus Christ. We find our joy in adopting the attitude of
John. A decisive worship of the one who came to save us.
Two Men of Faith
In this chapter we have seen two men of faith - in very different places. Each seeking to
understand and serve God. It matters not where you are today in your faith, but it does matter
in which direction of faith-discovery you are going. Take a lesson from Nicodemus and ask
the questions even when the situation is embarrassing, and take a lesson from John and
keep your focus on making Jesus look good, even at the expense of your own ‘glory’
Malcolm Cox