Pentecost Season · Holy Cross · Year C
John 3:13-17
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
September 14, 2028
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 3:13-17 (Holy Cross) Working Preacher
Lutheran voice written specifically for Holy Cross Day on this exact pericope.
John 3 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Full verse by verse walk through the chapter including the lifted up saying.
John 3 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse by verse study notes with cross references for the lifted up serpent typology.
John 3:16 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries (Barnes, Cambridge, Pulpit) on the chapter's key verse.
Feast of the Holy Cross, Selected Sermon Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
Episcopal Church homily on the cross traced on us in baptism, preached for this day.
Background & Word Study
John 3 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Shows the Greek verb hypsothenai (lifted up) that carries both crucifixion and exaltation.
Gospel of John Overview BibleProject
Video overview of John's first half, the setting for the Nicodemus conversation.
John Course Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background course on the Gospel's themes and structure.
The Church Fathers
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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