Nicodemus came to Jesus asking for an explanation the miraculous signs he was doing. Jesus turns the conversation into an explanation focused not on the signs, but on the salvation of the world. This is key in John’s gospel. Remember, it’s not about the signs. It’s about what they point to.
So after turning the conversation to personal transformation (born anew), in our passage today, Jesus widens it to describe the overall picture of what God is doing in sending the son of man to the world. Simply put, he did not come to condemn, but to love and save. If anyone is condemned, it’s because they reject the love (light).
For many Christians, this passage is very familiar. If that is you, try reading this passage with new eyes, slowly and intentionally.
John 3:9-21
Nicodemus said, “How are these things possible?”
“Jesus answered, “You are a teacher of Israel and you don’t know these things? I assure you that we speak about what we know and testify about what we have seen, but you don’t receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Human One. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so must the Human One be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him isn’t judged; whoever doesn’t believe in him is already judged, because they don’t believe in the name of God’s only Son.
“This is the basis for judgment: The light came into the world, and people loved darkness more than the light, for their actions are evil. All who do wicked things hate the light and don’t come to the light for fear that their actions will be exposed to the light. Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God.”
Psalm 36:7-9
Your faithful love is priceless, God! Humanity finds refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the bounty of your house; you let them drink from your river of pure joy. Within you is the spring of life. In your light, we see light.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for the love you have shown us in sending your Son, not to condemn, but to save. Your light shines in the darkness, and your grace draws us toward transformation and renewal. Help me to see the world not through the lens of judgment, but through the lens of your love—a love that embraces and heals.
For the times when I resist your light, forgive me. Teach me to walk in truth, letting your love guide my steps and shape my heart, which is the seedbed of action. May your spirit continually renew me, opening my eyes to the fullness of your salvation.
For those who have yet to embrace your love, let your light reach them in new ways. Use me, in small or great ways, to reflect your light into their lives.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.