Lenten Season · Fourth Sunday in Lent · Year B
John 3:14-21
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
March 7, 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
John 3:14-21 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reads the serpent-lifting and God's saving love in John's own theological grammar.
John 3:14-21 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary framing John 3:16 as Good News to proclaim rather than a slogan.
Love and Mercy SALT Project
An ecumenical commentary tracing the Numbers 21 and John 3 link as God's universal saving intent.
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic reflection and teaching questions on the Gospel.
Fear Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Anglican Sermons That Work homily for this exact Sunday and readings.
John 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the whole Nicodemus discourse.
Classic commentaries on John 3 BibleHub
Aggregated classic and modern commentary voices on the pivotal lifted-up verse.
Background & Word Study
Facing Evil, Coming to Light Left Behind and Loving It
A fresh Greek translation and word notes on 'lifted up' (hypsoo) and its double meaning.
God's love for the world and judgement in John 3 Psephizo · Ian Paul
A scholarly study of the passage's serpent allusion and the interplay of love and judgment.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Worship & Prayers
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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