John 3:11-21

Verses 11-12

We speak – Perhaps a reference to the prophets or to the Godhead. This could also refer to Jesus and John the Baptist.

That which we know…that which we have seen – Jesus, being very God in the flesh, did know and had seen the things of God.

Earthly things – The new birth. If Nicodemus stumbled over the point of entry into the kingdom how would he understand the details of the kingdom.

Verse 13

No one has ascended into heaven – No earthly teacher had ever ascended into heaven and returned to teach about heavenly things.

He who descended from heaven, even the Son of Man – Only Jesus, The Son of Man of Daniel 7, had the authority to teach heavenly things!

Verse 14

As Moses lifted up the serpent…even so must the Son of Man be lifted Up – Numbers 21:4-9 – Only those who believed God and looked on the bronze serpent lived! Today, only those who believe in Christ receive eternal life.

Verse 15

Eternal life – This John’s first reference to eternal life. It refers to the life of the age to come, both in the kingdom age and forever after. It is also a life that believers can experience in a measure before the kingdom begins.

This is eternal life, that they may know Thee…John 17:3

Verse 16

This is the clearest expression of the gospel message in all of Scripture. The verse order is literally: For so loved God the world that His Son, the only begotten, He gave that everyone who believes on Him Should not perish but have life eternal

Three things God cannot do:

1 - He cannot love us any more than He does! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…

2 - He could not have made our response any easier! …that whosoever believes in Him

3 - He could not have given us a greater gift! …should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Verse 17

The world - Greek = kosmos, which stands for all mankind. Jesus’ purpose was to save, not to judge. However, judgment is involved in salvation for the person who does not receive the free gift of eternal life is judged.

Verse 18

Belief = not judged

Unbelief = judgment We are not judged eternally because of how sinful we are. Sin has been paid for on the cross! We are judged because we do not believe.

Verses 19-20

The light – Jesus is the Light of the World, particularly the light of the gospel.

Darkness – Spiritual blindness or sinfulness. People choose darkness over light because their deeds are evil. Immorality lies behind much unbelief. The light of Christ would expose their vanity of life.

Verse 21

He who practices the truth – Those who adhere to truth are attracted to the Light.

Comes to the light – Coming to the light is not the same as believing for eternal life. Nicodemus is probably in view here as he came to the light but did not want his deeds to be known.

That his deeds may be manifested – They do not try to cover up their deeds.

As having been wrought in God – They understand any good works they do are because of God’s enablement.