By Rebecca Asiimwe Mutesi
The inVerse Bible Study is a youthful lesson for those aged 18-35+ including university students, young adults, working professionals, younger parents and those young at heart. It provides a unique approach to Bible study, encouraging deep personal reflection and engagement with Scripture.
The Gospel of John| Week Three Summary
A Secret Interview
inTro
Midnight Visit
In John 3, we look at Jesus’ midnight conversation/ interaction with Nicodemus, a Pharisee. John connects Nicodemus with the idea that Jesus knew people’s hearts.
John used light to describe God’s presence and darkness in the night to describe God’s absence. Therefore, Nicodemus, though in darkness, was open to the light of Christ.
John’s Gospel emphasizes that people can not be easily categorized as for or against Jesus because even Nicodemus who was uncertain later showed signs of faith.
inGest
The teacher of Israel
Nicodemus visits Jesus to talk things teacher to teacher. Jesus bypassed pleasantries, addressing the essential issue: the need to be “born again” or “born from above” to see and enter God’s kingdom. Nicodemus struggled to grasp this metaphor, but Jesus explained that spiritual rebirth begins in this life through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The conversation, while directed at Nicodemus, was meant for a broader audience, signalled by Jesus’ use of plural pronouns. Jesus’ reference to Moses lifting the serpent foreshadowed His crucifixion, where Nicodemus later recognized Jesus as the Redeemer. This passage underscores that true life transformation comes through understanding the cross and Jesus’ sacrifice, offering eternal life to believers.
Journal
QN: Why was it difficult for Nicodemus to comprehend his own spiritual needs?
Nicodemus found it difficult to comprehend his spiritual need because he was a respected religious leader and teacher therefore his status and knowledge likely gave him a sense of confidence in his understanding of God and salvation. Jesus’ concept of being “born again” challenged his deeply held beliefs.
QN: Why is it sometimes difficult for us to comprehend our own spiritual need?
inTerpret
The Gospel’s Source and Function
John 3:14–21 concludes Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, focusing on how eternal life is gained through belief in Christ and His crucifixion.
Jesus being “lifted” refers to His death, which offers salvation. God’s love is universal, seen in the gift of His Son (John 3:16).
The passage emphasizes that salvation is not forced, but a result of God’s deep love. Verses 17–21 highlight the importance of personal choice, accepting Christ brings eternal life while rejecting Him results in condemnation.
Ultimately, judgment is self-imposed based on our response to God’s love. This passage underscores the themes of salvation, love, and individual responsibility.
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The Testimony of John the Baptist
John the Baptist’s testimony, as described in John 3, emphasizes his role in preparing the way for Christ. Using the metaphor of a wedding, John likened his ministry to that of the “friend of the bridegroom,” whose purpose is to prepare everything for the groom’s happiness. As Jesus’ ministry grew, John acknowledged that his own influence must decrease and Christ increase, showing his humility and understanding of his role.
John’s testimony echoes Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, reinforcing the idea that Jesus came from above, bringing eternal life to those who believe in Him.
inSight
Christ Lifted Up
Ellen G. White, (Faith and Works [1979],16) emphasizes that contemplating Christ’s sacrifice on the cross moves us to fully surrender to God. Faith is not just understanding but a total commitment of heart, mind, and will to God. John the Baptist exemplified humility, finding joy in pointing others to Christ and stepping aside. God calls people to work but brings others to continue it; focusing on humans rather than God can lead to pride and error. Finally, those who live in rebellion against God would find heaven intolerable, as their exclusion is the result of their own choices.
