. Every attempt to gain Heaven by some sort of sin-management system is called to task in this text.
This text is big and rich. The longer I have studied John’s Gospel, the more I begin to see our Lord’s encounter with Nicodemus as an interpretive key for much of what will follow in the Gospel. In fact, if you are planning on preaching the Gospel lessons throughout Lent, the exchange in this reading will aid in your understanding of what is to come. Through encounters with Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the blind beggar, and the grieving sisters of Lazarus, John provides a fairly comprehensive picture of the Kingdom of God as it collides with human wisdom and strength.
This will not be the last time Nicodemus is featured in this Gospel. He is a Pharisee and a member of the council, but he will speak in defense of our Lord (7:50), eventually ensuring Jesus has an honorable burial (19:39). In our text, he comes by night to see Jesus, clearly not wanting to draw undue attention. But he cannot ignore what he has witnessed. He says, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” He knows. He knows Jesus has come from God. He knows God is still with Him. But is his knowledge enough? That seems to be the question.
Our Lord’s answer sets things in the proper perspective: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” The necessary thing for seeing, or entering (3:5), the Kingdom of God is a new birth. He will go on to clarify that this new birth is outside of the work of man. It is a birth of the Spirit. It is not something we can control by our knowledge or strength, it is a gift of God. And this gift is necessary for salvation.
The necessary thing for seeing, or entering, the Kingdom of God is a new birth.
Perhaps, a sermon on this text may start precisely where we think we are in control, where we believe we have it all figured out. Think of the times we rise above Scripture to make it conform to our understanding, to make it fit our comfortable narratives. Every attempt to gain Heaven by some sort of sin-management system is called to task in this text. One must be reborn, there is no other way, and that rebirth does not flow from your own ability.
The goal in preaching ought to be for your hearers to wonder aloud with Nicodemus, “How can these things be?”
For here all men’s aspirations fade before the working of God. He drives His point home, saying, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.” The cross now stands stark before the eyes of your hearers. The new birth of water and the Spirit is a new birth in and through the death of the Son of Man. And this is precisely the promise we are given in the waters of Holy Baptism. So, your sermon ought to focus on this assurance. The hope that we have is in the gift of God. Our efforts, our knowledge, and our ability to control the situation will not even let us see the Kingdom. But a new birth, a birth into the death and resurrection of Christ, this is everything. This is hope and confidence. This is entrance into eternal life.
It seems that the final verses of our text (3:16-17) function as a commentary on what our Lord has declared. An effective way to bring your sermon to a close might be to not explain them but simply proclaim them. Speak the words boldly and firmly to the baptized children of God sitting before you.
God bless your preaching.
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Additional Resources:
Craft of Preaching-Check out 1517’s resources on John 3:1-17.
Concordia Theology-Various helps from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO to assist you in preaching John 3:1-17.
Lectionary Kick-Start-Check out this fantastic podcast from Craft of Preaching authors Peter Nafzger and David Schmitt as they dig into the texts for this Sunday!
The Pastor’s Workshop-Check out all the great preaching resources from our friends at the Pastor’s Workshop!
