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John 3:1-17

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Comparative World Scriptures from United Communities of Spirit:
    • Grace
    • Liberation
    • Born Anew
  • Comparative texts about Pharisees & Sadducees from Josephus, Tosefta, Mishnah & Babylonian Talmud. Comparative texts about Baptism: Water & Spirit from DSS, Josephus, Babylonian Talmud. At (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
  • "Kingdom & Children," "Jesus to Nicodemus," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • Chapter LXI, The First Apology of Justin Martyr. (c 150)
  • Chapter XCI, Dialogue With Trypho, Justin Martyr. (c 160)
  • IV.II.7, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter XII, On Baptism,  Tertullian (c. 198)
  • III.5, III.12, V.13, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • II.22, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 208)
  • Chapter XXXIX, On the Soul, Tertullian (c 210)
  • Chapter XVIII, On the Flesh of Christ, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter XXI, Chapter XXVII, Chapter XXX, Against Praxeas,  Tertullian (c. 213)
  • I.III.4, First Principles (De Principiis), Origen. (c.225)
  • V.II, V.XI, VIII.III, The Refutation of all Heresies (Philosophumena), Hippolytus of Rome. (c. 225)
  • Epistle LXXI -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 255)
  • Epistle LXXII -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 256)
  • From Augustine's Tractates on John: 
    • Tractate XI (3:1-5)
      • "Therefore they who are born again were of the night, and are of the day; were darkness, and are light. Now Jesus trusts Himself to them, and they come to Jesus, not by night, like Nicodemus; not in darkness do they seek the day. For such now also profess: Jesus has come near to them, has made salvation in them"
    • Tractate XII (3:6-21)
      • "Two nativities of Christ are understood: one divine, the other human: one, that by which we were to be made; the other, that by which we were to be made anew: both marvellous; that without mother, this without father."
  • Part 14, On the Incarnation of the Word, Athanasius of Alexandria, c. 318.
  • Sermon for Trinity Sunday, John 3:1-15, Martin Luther, c. 1525.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "The secret mystery of our regeneration which cannot be comprehended by man's capacity, is perceived by faith, and that in Christ only, because he is both God on earth, and man in heaven, that is to say, man in such a way that he is God also, and therefore almighty: and God in such a way that he is man also, and therefore his power is made manifest to us."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "So long as he continues under a load of unforgiven guilt, there can be little else than slavish fear of God; but when his doubts are done away, when he sees the righteous ground whereon this forgiveness is built, he rests on it as his own, and is united to God by unfeigned love."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Except he experience that great inward change by the Spirit, and be baptized (wherever baptism can be had) as the outward sign and means of it."
  • Sermons by John Wesley:
    • The New Birth (John 3:7)
      • "If any doctrines within the whole compass of Christianity may be properly termed fundamental, they are doubtless these two, -- the doctrine of justification, and that of the new birth."
    • The Marks of the New Birth (John 3:8)
      • "The true, living, Christian faith, which whosoever hath, is born of God, is not only an assent, an act of the understanding; but a disposition, which God hath wrought in his heart; 'a sure trust and confidence in God, that, through the merits of Christ, his sins are forgiven, and he reconciled to the favour of God.'"
  • "Regeneration," John 3:3, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1857.
  • "The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent," John 3:14, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1857.
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "Nicodemus probably thought he had gone a long way, and expected, perhaps, to be complimented on his candor. Instead of this, he is virtually told that he has raised a question which he is not in a capacity to solve, and that before approaching it, his spiritual vision required to be rectified by an entire revolution on his inner man. Had the man been less sincere, this would certainly have repelled him; but with persons in his mixed state of mind--to which Jesus was no stranger (Joh 2:25) --such methods speed better than more honeyed words and gradual approaches."
  • "Immeasurable Love," John 3:16, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1885.
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "All agree that the birth of the Spirit refers to the inward, or spiritual change that takes place, and all candid authorities agree that born of water refers to baptism."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Jesus and Nicodemus Meet in the Night, Nicodemus Visits Jesus, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2012.
  • Lent 2, John 3:1-17, a telling and video performance criticism, Tim Coombs, NBSINT, 2011. (At YouTube)
  • Commentary, John 3:1-17, David Lose, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
    • "The obvious challenge in preaching this reading may seem to be how to say anything fresh, meaningful, and new about the world's most famous Bible verse."
  • Lectionary Blogging, Lent 2, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
    •  "'Nicodemus,' incidentally, means 'peoples' victory.'"
  • "Nicodemus's Non-Decision," Reflections on John 3:1-16, Alyce McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, Patheos, 2011.
    • "It's easier to find your way in the light."
  • "Like It or Not!" David Lose, Working Preacher, 2011.
    • "So maybe this week, Working Preacher, we should move the Confession and Absolution to right after the sermon. And after saying words of confession – admitting those places where we have fled rather than embraced the light of Christ – we can turn and say to one another, 'Do not forget – You are forgiven because God loves you...like it or not!'"
  • "Gospel Noir," Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2011.
    • "Why is Nick treated so differently in the history of interpretation than other religious leaders? Jesus treats him the same as the others."
  • Lectionary Commentary: John 3:16 - The Rest of the Story, Carl Gregg, Patheos, 2011.
    • "God cannot be reduced to a formula — neither can the way of God, revealed in the life of Jesus."
  • Commentary, John 3:1-17 (Lent 2A), Karoline Lewis, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
  • Preaching John 3:1-17, Jon M. Walton, Lectionary Homiletics sample, 2011.
    • "In a commencement address, Anne Lamott advised the graduates of the University of California Berkeley a few years ago how to discover what is most important in life."
  • "The Rob Bell Controversy: Does Anyone Go to Hell?" (John 3:16) David Lose, The Huffington Post, 2011.
  • "First Thoughts on Year A Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Lent 2," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "...Nicodemus is a believer in Jesus who believes the wrong way and so does not see what Jesus is on about."
  • Lectionary Commentary and Preaching Paths (Lent A2), by Jirair Tashjian, at The Christian Resource Institute.
    • "Nicodemus represents people who carefully and cautiously must examine the new things that God may be doing and subject these to painstaking scrutiny in light of past traditions and experiences before jumping in and embracing them. We must allow people to respond to God in a variety of ways rather than prescribing a single mode."
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks.
    • "I don't think that the doctrine of the Trinity and orthodox Christian faith can be separated -- even if we can't completely understand it."
  • "Rebirthing the Powerless Rabbi," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2011.
  • "What a contrasting encounter it was!  The Conqueror of nations and the Suffering servant, Son of Man."
  • John 3:1-17, Lent 2A, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Lent 2. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • "In many ways, saying that anyone could join God's people by establishing a blood tie to Abraham, who was called out of Ur by God, was pretty radical.
  • Commentary, John 3:1-17 (Trinity B), Sharon H. Ringe, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
  • John 3:1-17, Trinity B, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "First Thoughts on Year B Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Trinity, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Being born of the Spirit is talking not about a new mystical height of experience but about a way of living out the life of God in the world. When you see like this, you see the connection between Jesus and God and you see God in Jesus not trying to compete for adoration in the market of miracle workers, but seeking to establish a relationship of love and community. The focus is life. The means is relationship. The motive is love."
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, John 3:1-17, David Ewart, 2009.
    • "To be more clear. The logic of John is NOT: If you believe, then God will love you and save you. God's salvation is not a reward for belief. Nor does God withhold God's love, forgiveness and salvation until we believe. On the other hand, since love is not coercive, we do have to accept the invitation in order to actually be part of the family."
  • "The New Birth," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • Nicodemus and Born Again, Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
    • "The purpose of God and the purpose of Jesus and the purpose of Christians is to save the world. That is, people and institutions around us that have fallen away from the Lord God and the godly values of love, justice and goodness and their consequence of peace."
  • "Unless One Is Born Again," Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.
    • "Imagine studying all your life to be among the elite and powerful only to be told that all of your theories are based upon a completely false premise.  The unfortunate thing is that many of us do experience this reality at some point in our life when we finally realize that life is really not ?all about me,? and that God could care less what I know but instead wants to know who I loved."
  • Marginally Mark, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "Discipleship in John: Four Profiles," Mark F. Whitters, Word & World: Theology for Christian Ministry, Volume XVIII, Number 4, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1998.
    • "Reviewing Jesus' encounter with four potential disciples in John's Gospel can help us understand our own discipleship -- potential and real."
  • "Nicodemus," Sarah M. Foulger, Stirred by the Light - Voices of Lent.
  • "God So Loved," William Willimon, The Christian Century, 1982. At Religion Online.
    • "We kneel not as miserable worms but as those brought to their knees by sheer wonder at the gift. It was not to condemn us that our Lord bid us bear his cross, but to save us. We are not here as the lost but as the found."
  • "Wind Blown," Bill O'Brien, The Christian Century, 2003.
    • "No church or movement can claim ownership of the Spirit, which is interactive with the Father and the Son in the overall missio Dei."
  • "Born Anew," Sandra M. Schneiders, Theology Today, 1987.
    • "Encounter with the Nicodemus text is a perennial challenge to be born again, to enter ever more fully into the mystery of divine revelation and thus to appropriate anew our identity as disciples."
  • "Love's Double Victory," commentary by Susan B.W. Johnson from The Christian Century, 1997. At Religion Online.
    • "We cannot be fishers of men and women if in our hearts we are haters of them."
  • "A Curious Man," Margaret B. Hess, The Christian Century, 1997. At Religion Online.
    • "Nicodemus, patron saint of the curious, we see you in the flickering lamplight, your face an arresting mixture of confusion and interest."
  • "Pick it up, Read it!" Richard Lischer. Commentary from The Christian Century's "Living by the Word," February, 1999. At Religion Online.
    • "One of the disadvantages of being both a Lutheran and an academician is that you hear so few good conversion stories."
  • Environmental/earth-centered reflections, from the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota Environmental Stewardship Commission.
  • "Nicodemus," James T. Dennison Jr., in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed).
    • "He who came to Jesus first under the cover of darkness, now stands before the Jewish council in broad daylight to speak for Jesus."
  • Commentary by Hall Harris at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "Possibly Nicodemus came at night because was afraid of public association with Jesus, or he wanted a lengthy discussion without interruptions; no explanation for the timing of the interview is given by the Evangelist. But the timing is significant for John in terms of the light/darkness motif--compare 9:4, 11:10, 13:30 (especially), 19:39, and 21:3. Out of the darkness of his life and religiosity Nicodemus came to the Light of the World. John probably had multiple meanings or associations in mind here, as he often does."
  • "Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)," by Robert Deffinbaugh at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "To many Jews, to be born a Jew was to be born into the kingdom of God."
  • "Late-Night Seminar," Patricia Farris, The Christian Century, 2002.
    • "The rabbis had taught that the Torah was best studied at night when it was quiet and the distractions of the day had subsided. Nicodemus uses his precious study time to expand his search beyond the standard texts."
  • "Going Deeper," Expository Essay, Dr. William R. Long. Part 2.
  • John 3:13-17, Holy Cross, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
• Articles & Background:
  • "The Sociology of Secrecy and the Fourth Gospel." Jerome H. Neyrey, in What Is John? Vol. II: Literary and Social Readings of the Fourth Gospel, 79-109. F. Segovia, ed. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1998.
    • "Once we start to pull back the veil, we notice numerous instances of hiding-revealing, secrecy, ambiguity and even lying. The following is an attempt to catalogue the primary and related instances of secrecy and "information control" in the document."
  • "New Birth as a New People: Spirituality and Community in the Fourth Gospel," Gail O'Day, Word & World, 1988.
  • "Johannine Soteriology and Aristotelian Philosophy. A Hermeneutical Suggestion on Reading John 3:16 and 1 John 4:9," P. Frick, Biblica, 2007.
  • "Whence and Whither: A Narrative Perspective on Birth a!nwqen (John 3:3-8," Karl Olav Sandnes, Biblica, 2005.
    • "John 3,3-8 belongs within an epistemological pattern found throughout this Gospel: like is known by like."
  • "Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry," Faith and Order Paper No. 111. World Council of Churches, 1982. Theological and practical commentary.
  • "We Believe in Salvation from Sin," Georgia Harkness, Chapter 6 in Beliefs That Count, 1961. At Religion Online.
    • "This experience comes through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The act involves penitence for past sins and the acceptance of His mercy and forgiveness. Salvation comes not by our own striving or any achievement of merit. It is the free gift of God?s grace who "shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." Thus God takes away our sins, restores His image in our hearts, and grants to us a new birth, another chance, through the unmerited love of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ."
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.
  • Barron, Duane, "For God So Loved the Cosmos: The Good News, Ecology and Christian Ethics," Restoration Quarterly, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bassler, Jouette, "Mixed Signals: Nicodemus in the Fourth Gospel," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1989.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Born, J. Bryan, "Literary Features in the Gospel of John (An Analysis of 3:1-21)," Direction, 1988.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Derrett, J. Duncan M., "The Buddhist Dimension of John," Numen, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Farris, Patricia, "Late Night Seminar," The Christian Century, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Grese, William C., "'Unless One Is Born Again': The Use of a Heavenly Journey in John 3," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1988.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gundry, Robert H. and Russell W. Howell, "The Sense and Syntax of John 3:14-17 with Special Reference to the Use of 'OYTOS...OSTE' in John 3:16," Novum Testamentum, 1999.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hess, Margaret B., "A Curious Man," The Christian Century, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hodges, Zane C., "Water and Spirit -- John 3:5," Bibliotheca Sacra, 1978.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Janzen, J. Gerald, "How Can a Man Be Born When He Is Old?: Jacob/Israel in Genesis and the Gospel of John," Encounter, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Jegen, Carol Frances, "Rejoicing in God," The Living Pulpit, 1996. (see Joy issue focus of The Living Pulpit 5.4, 1996.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Johnson, John F., "The Holy Trinity: 1st Sunday after Pentecost: John 3:1-8," Concordia Journal, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Johnson, Susan B.W., "Love's Double Victory," The Christian Century, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Lischer, Richard, "Pick It Up! Read It!" The Christian Century, 1999.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Marshall, Ronald F., "Our Serpent of Salvation: The Offense of Jesus in John's Gospel," Word and World, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Mason, Elliott J., Sr., "Joy and Prayer," The Living Pulpit, 2006. (see Joy issue focus of The Living Pulpit 5.4, 1996.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Miller, Donald G., "John 3:1-21: Expository Article," Interpretation, 1981.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Munro, Winsome, "The Pharisee and the Samaritan in John: Polar or Parallel?" Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • O'Brien, "Wind Blown," The Christian Century, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • O'Day, Gail, "New Birth as a New People: Spirituality and Community in the Fourth Gospel," Word & World, 1988.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • O'Day, Gail, "Piety Without Pretense, Faith Without Falsehood: The Lenten Journey According to John," Journal for Preachers, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Painter, John, "Quest Stories in John 1-4," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Polhill, John B., "John 1-4: The Revelation of True Life," Review & Expositor, 1988.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Pollard, Miriam, "Nicodemus," Theology Today, 2003. (Poetry)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Pryor, John W., "John 3:3, 5. A Study in the Relation of John's Gospel to the Synoptic Tradition," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Romanowsky, John W., "'When the Son of Man is Lifted Up,': The Redemptive Power of the Crucifixion in the Gospel of John," Horizons, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Schneiders, Sandra M., "Born Anew," Theology Today, 1987.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Tammeus, William D., "Nicodemus, Nicodemus," Theology Today, 1990. (Poetry)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Taylor, Barbara Brown, "Stay for Tea, Nicodemus," The Christian Century, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Thomas, J.D., "A Translation Problem - John 3:8," Restoration Quarterly, 1981.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Towne, Edgar A., "Reason and the 'More Excellent' Spirit: A Reformed Reflection on John 3:16," Encounter, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Whitters, Mark F., "Discipleship in John: Four Profiles," Word & World, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wiberg, Rev. Glen V., "Listen! The Wind: A Sermon on John 3:1-17," Ex Auditu, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Williford, Don, "John 3:1-15 -- GENNETHENAI ANOTHEN: A Radical Departure, A New Beginning," Review and Expositor, 1999.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Willimon, William, "God So Loved," The Christian Century, 1982.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Reviews:
• Sermons:
  • "Salvation by Faith," Rev. David Sapp, Day 1, 2011.
  • "New Eyes for the (Spiritually) Needy," Albert G. Butzer, III, Tears of Sadness, Tears of Gladness, SermonSuite.
  • "Born How?" Dr. Susan M. (Elli) Elliott, 2008.
  • "Radical Religion," Raphael Warnock, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2009.
  • "When God Throws a Brick," the Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2008.
  • "Where Were You Born?" the Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler, Day 1, 2008.
  • "God Is Here For You Today," Trinity Sunday, 11 June 2006, David Zersen, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Slow Grace," Carol Perry, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2006.
  • "A Serpent in the Desert," Phyllis Tickle, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2005.
  • "Journey toward Faith: A Lenten Sermon on John 3:16," Tim Johnson, The Center for Progressive Christianity.
  • "Born of the Wind," the Rev. Dr. Laura Mendenhall, Day 1, 2000.
  • "Born Again," "For God So Loved the World," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington - Sermons from Seattle.
  • "Who's Who?" the Rev. Dr. Calvin Morris, Executive Director, Community Renewal Society in Chicago. 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2002.
  • "How Can These Things Be?" the Rev. Sheila C. Gustafson, Day 1, 1996.
  • "The World You May Be Missing," the Rev. Dr. John Killinger, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 1997.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily, 1996.
• With Children:
  • "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," Mar 20, 2011, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: John 3:1-17 and The Butterfly House by Eve Bunting.
  • "Born Again - A New Creation," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "Measuring God's Love," "Measuring God's Love," "A Life Saver," and "The Butterfly," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "Born Again," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • "Nicodemus Visits Jesus at Night," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Oh No! Snakes!" Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • "Jesus and Nicodemus," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
  • Crossword on John 3 & 4, Don Crownover's Bible Puzzles.
  • "What's on the Inside Counts," Sharon Brumfield, sermons4kids.com.
  • John 3:16, memory verse activity, MSSS Crafts and Resources for Bible Stories.
• Drama:
  • "Nicodemus, This Is Your Life," Andy Lund, dramatix.
  • "The Garden," John McNeil, dramatix.
  • "Next Day in the Garden of Good and Evil," John McNeil, dramatix.
  • "The Wailing of the Wind," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • "Nicodemus" monologue, Ross Olson.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • John 3:16, John 3:8, John 3:8, Heartlight - Free Christian PowerPoint Backgrounds.
  • John 3:13-17, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Clip Art: Jesus Teaches Nicodemus, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
  • Commercial Site:  "John 3:16," Film/Visual Liturgy, The Work of the People.
  • Lent 2, John 3:1-17, a telling and video performance criticism, Tim Coombs, NBSINT, 2011. (At YouTube)
• Hymns and Music:
  • Nicodemus Sought Out Jesus Text:  Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune:  NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”) A new hymn based on John 3:1-17 that was written for The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for Lent 2011 and available with the music.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: John 3:4, 5, 13, 14, 16. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: scroll down for hymn suggestions.
  • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
  • "A Prayer for Mission," "Take up Your Cross," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, a new, relevant hymn set to traditional tunes.
  • "How Can It Be?" TEXT: Mark Ryman (2005) based on John 3:1-17. TUNE: "Rossetti." New Hymns for the Lectionary.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • Give of Your Best to the Master
    • To God Be the Glory
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Trinity
  • Nicodemus
  • Pentecost/Holy Spirit
• Literature and Literary References:
  • "Nicodemus, Nicodemus," William D. Tammeus, Theology Today, 1990.
  • "Nicodemus," Miriam Pollard, Theology Today, 2003.
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Rebirth/New Life
  • Seeing/Seeing Anew
  • Trinity
  • Holy Spirit
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of John

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS

• Baptism of Jesus - Jan 8
• Epiphany 2 - Jan 15
• MLK, Jr - Jan 15
• Prayer for Christian Unity - Jan 18-25
• Confession of Peter - Jan 18
• Epiphany 3 - Jan 22
• Conversion of Paul - Jan 25
• Epiphany 4 - Jan 29
• Presentation - Feb 2
• Epiphany 5 - Feb 5
• Epiphany 6 - Feb 12
• Transfiguration - Last Epiphany - Feb 19
• Epiphany 7 - Feb 19
• Ash Wednesday - Feb 22
• St Mathias - Feb 24
• Lent 1 - Feb 26
• Lent 2 - Mar 4
• Lent 3 - Mar 11
• Lent 4 - Mar 18
• St. Joseph - Mar 19
• Lent 5 - Mar 25
• Annunciation - Mar 25
• Palm Sunday - April 1
• Passion Sunday - April 1
• Holy Monday - April 2
• Holy Tuesday - April 3
• Holy Wednesday - April 4
• Holy Maundy Thursday - April 5
• Good Friday - April 6
• Holy Saturday - April 7
• Easter Vigil - April 7-8
• Easter Day - April 8
• Easter Evening - April 8

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF TERRORISM/WAR/PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

©2010 and 2011, Jenee Woodard