John 3 reminds me of the End Zone. In football, that’s the area beyond the goal line. It represents completion and victory. It is the place of celebration. It is also a place where thousands of fans have seen a sign reading “John 3:16”. I’m sure most ignore it. Perhaps some wonder what it means. Today’s chapter gives us something to cheer about. We begin with a leader from “the Jewish ruling council” coming at night to ask Jesus questions. It seems Nicodemus was sincerely searching, but did not want to be seen with Jesus. Nick listened as Jesus taught, “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”. This terminology confused Nick and many today. Referring to a mother’s womb, Nick asked, “How can someone be born when they are old?” Jesus answered, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit”. In sports, strength is a physical attribute, but desire is an internal quality. Which is more powerful? Strength without desire remains idle. Jews both then and now believe anyone born of a Jewish mother is a Jew, regardless of their faith because they are descendants of Abraham. Jesus used an example to remind Nick that it is faith that changes lives. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him”. This is a reference to Numbers 21:4-9, when all of the Jewish people were healed by looking up onto the symbol of sin and judgment. This image would later be fulfilled when the debt of sin was paid on the cross. We too are healed by faith, and that is confirmed by His Spirit.
The next verse is the most quoted by Christians today, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”. The verse that follows amplifies the meaning, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him”. Note that Jesus does not condemn. He offers healing and hope to a dark world. Those that do not wish to submit to God’s authority often reject His standards. “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light”. The biggest deterrent to committing crime is the belief that you will get caught. If you remove any standards, then nothing is wrong. Jesus said, those that reject God “will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed”. To be clear, beliefs dictate behavior. Those who honor God believe that, “what they have done has been done in the sight of God”. This is an active decision to live a visible life in full view.
The chapter closes with a victory. We read that Jesus and the disciples came to Judea and were baptizing. I can imagine the reporters shoving microphones in John’s face to stir up controversy, “look, He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him”. John’s response is clear, “I am not the Messiah… He must become greater; I must become less”. John pointed the world toward the Messiah, “The one who comes from heaven is above all”. God’s love lavishes without restraint. “For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit”. All authority was given to Jesus to teach and lead His followers into eternity. “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands.” Overtime in football includes a sudden death rule, meaning the moment any player scores, the game is over, and that team wins. There is no tie in eternity. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life”. We are also given the other option, “whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them”. Friend, eternity is just ahead. If you are sincerely searching, put your faith in the Savior and let’s celebrate together!