The Gospel of John - Chapter 3 Bible Study Guide
Bible Study Questions & Reflection at The End!
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 is theologically rich and a significant chapter in the Gospel of John. It contains teachings about spiritual rebirth, faith in Christ, and God’s plan of salvation.
(John 3:1–21) Jesus and Nicodemus
John 3:(1–2) The Introduction of Nicodemus
(1) “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.” (2) “This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’”
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council). He is learned, religious, and respected. Coming by night possibly indicates fear of public scrutiny or symbolizes his spiritual darkness or ignorance.
John 3:(3–8) The Necessity of Being Born Again
(3) “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” (4) Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (5) “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (6) “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (7) “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” (8) “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Born again (Greek: anōthen): Can also mean “born from above.” This rebirth is spiritual, not physical. Nicodemus interprets Jesus literally, wondering how an older man can re-enter his mother’s womb. Jesus clarifies that being born of “water and the Spirit” refers to spiritual cleansing and regeneration (Ezekiel 36:25–27). Wind is a metaphor used in (8) to reference the Spirit’s work, which is invisible but powerful and unpredictable.
John 3:(9–15) Earthly and Heavenly Things
(9) “How can these things be?”(10) “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?(11) Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.(12) If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?(13) No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.(14) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,(15) that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus rebukes Nicodemus for his lack of understanding as a spiritual leader. Jesus contrasts earthly understanding with heavenly revelation. In (14) reference to Moses lifting the serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4–9) is a sign of Christ being lifted on the cross. Those who “look” in faith will be saved.
John 3:(16–18) The Heart of the Gospel
(16) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”(17) “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
(18) “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
(16) Is a frequently quoted verse that expresses God’s love, the gift of Jesus, and the universal offer of salvation. Salvation is by faith, not by works or heritage. Condemnation comes from rejecting the light (Jesus), not from God arbitrarily judging.
John 3:(19–21) Light and Darkness
(19) “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
(20) “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”
(21) “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Light vs. darkness is a key Johannine theme. Jesus is the Light and rejecting Him means preferring sin and spiritual blindness. Those who do truth come to the light, and their deeds are aligned with God’s will.
(John 3:22–36) John the Baptist Exalts Christ
John 3:(22–26) John’s Ministry and His Disciples’ Concern
(22) After these things, Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.
(23) Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.
(24) For John had not yet been thrown into prison.
(25) Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification.
(26) And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
Jesus and His disciples began baptizing (John 4:2). John the Baptist’s disciples felt threatened by Jesus’ growing influence. They are concerned about Jesus’ popularity, but John the Baptist is not.
John 3:(27–30) John’s The Baptist’s Humble Response
(27) John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.”
(28) “You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’”
(29) “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is fulfilled.”
(30) “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John the Baptist emphasizes that all spiritual authority is from God. He joyfully accepts that his role is to prepare the way for the Messiah. His humility is striking, as John views himself as the “friend of the bridegroom,” rather than the bridegroom (Jesus) himself.
John 3:(31–36) Supremacy of Christ
(31) He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the world. He who comes from heaven is above all.
(32) And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.
(33). He who has received His testimony has certified that God is faithful.
(34) For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
(35) The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.
(36) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but
Jesus’ origin is from heaven; therefore, His testimony is supreme. (34) Jesus speaks the words of God because He has the Spirit without measure. (36) A stark conclusion is that those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who reject (“disobey”) the Son remain under God’s wrath.
Questions & Answers
1. What does it mean to be “born again”?
To be born again means to experience a spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit, which is a transformation of the heart that brings a person into new life with God (John 3:3 6). It is not a physical birth, but a divine renewal where one’s spirit is cleansed and made alive through faith in Jesus Christ. This rebirth is essential for entering God’s Kingdom because it changes not just our behavior, but our nature itself.
2. Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus at night?
Nicodemus came by night, likely to avoid being seen by other religious leaders who opposed Jesus. Symbolically, his nighttime visit also represents his spiritual condition; he was still in darkness, seeking the light. His curiosity shows an open but uncertain heart, one that Jesus gently leads toward understanding the truth. Later in John’s Gospel, Nicodemus appears again in daylight and as a defender and follower of Christ (John 7:50–51; 19:39).
3. What is the significance of Jesus comparing Himself to the bronze serpent (John 3:14-15)?
In (Numbers 21:4–9), those bitten by serpents were healed when they looked upon the bronze serpent Moses lifted. Jesus used this image to foreshadow His crucifixion — that He, too, would be “lifted” on the cross, and all who look to Him in faith will be healed from the deadly bite of sin and granted eternal life. It’s a powerful picture of salvation through belief, not works.
4. What does John 3:16 reveal about the nature of God’s love?
(John 3:16) is the heartbeat of the Gospel. It reveals that God’s love is active, sacrificial, and universal, reaching out to all humanity through the gift of His Son. God’s desire is not condemnation but redemption. His love compels Him to give, not to demand; to save, not to destroy. This verse encapsulates the entire message of grace. That salvation is available to whoever believes in Christ.
5. What does John the Baptist mean by “He must increase, but I must decrease”?
John the Baptist’s words express the essence of true discipleship and humility. He understood his role as the forerunner to Christ, not the focus of attention. To “decrease” means surrendering our pride, ego, and personal ambitions so that Christ’s presence and purpose can shine more fully through us. In every believer’s life, this statement becomes a spiritual posture, letting Christ be magnified while the self takes a lesser place.
Reflection & Application
1. Have I experienced true spiritual rebirth?
Jesus told Nicodemus that no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again. This is not about religion, reputation, or good works. It is about relationships. Reflect: Has there been a defining moment when you surrendered your heart to Christ and invited the Holy Spirit to make you new? If not, today can be that day.
2. Am I walking in the light or hiding in the shadows?
Nicodemus came to Jesus under the cover of night, but faith eventually brought him into the light. What areas of your life might still be hidden in spiritual darkness, fear, pride, guilt, or unbelief? The light of Christ does not expose to shame; it reveals to heal. Step out of the shadows and allow His truth to bring peace and clarity.
3. Is Christ increasing in my life while self decreases?
John the Baptist’s humility is a model for every believer. Our spiritual maturity is revealed when we rejoice in Christ’s greatness, not our own success. Ask yourself: in my words, choices, and relationships, am I making much of Jesus or myself? True joy begins when His presence becomes greater within us each day.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving us with a love so deep that You gave Your only Son for our salvation. Help me to truly understand what it means to be born again, to walk not by the flesh, but by Your Spirit. Bring Your light into every corner of my life, and teach me to live with humility like John, rejoicing in the increase of Christ. May Your Spirit renew me daily, and may my life reflect Your grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.