Pentecost Season · Exaltation of the Holy Cross · Year A
John 3:13-17
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
September 14, 2026
Overview & Insights
“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.” (John 3:16)
Nicodemus is introduced as a particular example of the “believers” mentioned in 2:23–25. As a “ member of the Jewish ruling council ” and “ Israel’s teacher ” (vv. 1, 10), he is perhaps not wholly typical of the group, though later indications are that leaders of the people were indeed conspicuous among these so-called believers (12:42). It is probably out of fear that Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. Speaking perhaps for the larger group, he makes a confession that puts the narrator’s summary (2:23) into his own words: Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him (v. 2).
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Commentary
John 3: Born Again and the Love of God Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the whole of John 3.
John 3 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of word studies and cross references worked verse by verse.
John 3:13 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on the Son of Man lifted up in one place.
Barnes' Notes on John 3 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the whole chapter of John 3.
Commentary on John 3:13-17 Working Preacher
A preaching commentary on the Son of Man lifted up, set for Holy Cross.
John 3 Scripture Reflections Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Catholic homiletic reflections gathered on God's love and the Son lifted up.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Explained Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre works through the feast readings and the cross that becomes the source of life.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic background, reflection questions, and family prayer for the feast.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: John Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the Gospel of John, its structure and themes.
Gospel of John Overview (John 1-12) BibleProject
An animated overview of the first half of John, where the Nicodemus scene falls.
John 3 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the lifting up of the Son of Man.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why is this read on Holy Cross Day?
Jesus tells Nicodemus that “as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14). The bronze serpent of Numbers 21 becomes a sign of the cross: all who look in faith to the crucified and risen Christ are healed and given eternal life. The reading holds John 3:16, the gospel in miniature.
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