Trinity/After Pentecost · The Holy Trinity
John 3:1-15 (16-17)
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
May 31, 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
Commentary on John 3:1-17 (Holy Trinity) Working Preacher
The lectionary voice on the Nicodemus dialogue for Trinity Sunday.
John 3 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse study of the new birth and the lifted up Son of Man.
John 3:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered on the night visit of Nicodemus.
John 3 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed study notes and cross references on the chapter.
Barnes' Notes: John 3 StudyLight
A historic verse by verse commentary on the passage.
Born Again (John 3:1-21) JesusWalk · Ralph Wilson
A teaching study on being born from above in the Nicodemus dialogue.
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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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