Advent Season · Year C
Third Sunday of Advent
December 12, 2027
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
Commentary on Luke 3:7-18 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary's Year C commentary reads John's ethical instructions as economic justice worthy of repentance.
Luke 3:7-18 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed commentary on John's fiery preaching and his concrete answers to what should we do.
Luke 3 Commentary: The Preaching of John the Baptist Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse study of John's call to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
Luke 3 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse by verse study library with word notes on John's instructions to the crowds.
Luke 3:10 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators compiled verse by verse on the crowd's question and John's answer.
The Third Sunday of Advent, Year C Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre walks through all four Advent 3 (Gaudete) readings, including John's call to bear fruit.
The Third Sunday of Advent (Cycle C) Agape Bible Study
Catholic study of all four Gaudete Sunday readings verse by verse, centered on John's fruits of repentance.
Third Sunday of Advent, Cycle C Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic Sunday Connection with background and family discussion questions for the day's readings.
Background & Word Study
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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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