21 Days in the Book of JohnSample

Jesus resided in Galilee, but when you begin reading this chapter, He is in Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. Many people saw the signs He was performing and believed, but Scripture tells us Jesus would not commit Himself to them because He knew their hearts. This means He understood they mostly had admiration for what He was capable of doing and not love for who He was.

Here are a few things I’d like to point out about Chapter 3:

1. Nicodemus was a wealthy Greek Pharisee who desired to meet with Jesus at night. Why he met at night is a matter of debate among scholars. Some say it is because he was afraid to be seen with the man who called Himself the Son of God. Others say it is because Jesus was surrounded by people all day long and nighttime was his only opportunity to get Him alone. Lastly, some believe that there was nothing unordinary about an evening meeting as scholars often met each other after dark.
2. Numbers 21:4-9 tells the story of the brass serpent. The Israelites were being bitten by poisonous snakes because of their rebellion against God. Moses was told to create a brass pole with a snake on top. When the people looked at it, they would be saved. This is what Jesus was referring to in verses 14-17. He is explaining that like the serpent when you look to Jesus you will be saved.
3. History tells us that John the Baptist lived for about one year after baptizing Jesus. His followers became upset when they heard that Jesus’ disciples were also baptizing people. John reassured them that this was good and that the plan was always for his followers to become Jesus’ followers.