John 3:1-15 / Darkness & Light

Nicodemus & Jesus / Darkness & Light

The story of Nicodemus in John 3 is more than just a late-night conversation. It’s a challenge—a call to see the world through the eyes of Christ rather than the lens of power, status, or religious tradition.

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, seeks out Jesus under the cover of night. The detail isn’t just about the time of day; in John’s Gospel, “night” symbolizes spiritual darkness. Though Nicodemus is a religious leader, he is lost—unable to recognize the truth standing right in front of him.

This passage presents five key ideas, each with two meanings: one earthly and one spiritual. They cannot coexist. Jesus forces Nicodemus (and us) to decide: How will we see the world?

1. “Night” – Darkness vs. Light

Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, not just physically but spiritually. He assumes Jesus is from God because of His miracles—because He does impressive things. It’s a perspective shaped by empire: power and spectacle equal divine favor.

We fall into the same trap. We assume a church is thriving because it’s growing fast or drawing crowds. We confuse popularity with righteousness. Yet history shows that power and charisma don’t always mean faithfulness. Sometimes, what looks like success is actually darkness in disguise. And as a member of the religious ruling class, Nicodemus could not see how their power over Gods people had become oppressive.

2. “Born Again” – Human Effort vs. Divine Transformation

Jesus tells Nicodemus, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” The Greek word anōthen means both “again” and “from above.” Nicodemus hears only the first meaning, thinking Jesus is talking about physical birth.

But Jesus is talking about baptism—about putting to death the old way of life and stepping into another kingdom altogether, the kingdom of God. Nicodemus is stuck in human logic. He sees faith as something you do, but Jesus points to the transformation only the spirit of God can bring.

3. “Wind/Spirit” – Control vs. Trust

Jesus compares the Spirit to the wind (pneuma in Greek, meaning both “wind” and “spirit”). The wind moves freely, beyond human control. So does the Spirit.

Nicodemus struggles with this because the power they wield over the people is about control—managing, predicting, enforcing. But to be born of the Spirit means surrendering that control. It means trusting in love and grace, even when it’s not pragmatic or efficient.

4. “Lifted Up” – Humiliation vs. Glory

Jesus references Moses lifting up a bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). Those who looked at it were healed. In the same way, Jesus will be “lifted up” on the cross.

To the world, crucifixion is a mark of shame. A scandal (1 Corinthians 1:23). But in God’s kingdom, it is the moment of victory. Jesus flips the entire system upside down: the cross, a symbol of humiliation, becomes the sign of exaltation.

How do we respond to those whom society shames—prisoners, immigrants, the outcast? Do we see them through the eyes of power, which condemns? Or through the eyes of Christ, who joins them, bears their burdens, and transforms their suffering into redemption?

5. “Eternal Life” – Temporary vs. Transformational Living

John 3:15 says, “Everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” But this isn’t just about life after death. The phrase zōēn aiōnion means a divine, everlasting quality of life—starting now.

Eternal life is the opposite of regular earthly life, which is lived to fulfill the wants and desires of our culture and our flesh. It means seeing the world through Christ’s eyes and living in a way that reflects His love and justice. Sometimes, this comes at a cost. The way of the Spirit often conflicts with the way of power because, as Jesus teaches, light and darkness cannot coexist.

What Now?

Following Jesus means stepping into the light. It means allowing the Spirit to reshape our assumptions, to expose the ways we’ve been shaped by empire rather than by Christ. It means committing—daily—to the lifelong journey of transformation.

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways do we, like Nicodemus, struggle to recognize God’s presence because we expect it to look a certain way?

2. Jesus speaks of being “born again” or “born from above.” How have you experienced spiritual rebirth in your own life?

3. The Spirit is compared to the wind—unpredictable and uncontrollable. Where in your life do you resist the Spirit’s movement?

4. How does the cross challenge our cultural ideas of power, success, and honor?

5. What would it look like for you to fully step into the light—personally, relationally, or within your community?

Additional Note:

If you’ve been feeling the pull toward something deeper, we invite you to take the next step. This Easter, we will celebrate baptisms—symbolizing this very process: moving from darkness to light, from old life to new. If you’re ready to take that step, we’d love to walk with you.