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John 3:14-21
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With thanks to God for the faithful ministry
of Jenee Woodard and all contributors to The Text This Week

• 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: NRSV, RSV, 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• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts: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
    • Born Anew
  • Chapter II, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans, Ignatius of Antioch (c. 110). (Longer Version only - 4th cent interpolation)
  • 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.
  • "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 XCI, Dialogue With Trypho, Justin Martyr. (c 160)
  • XXXII.40-47; Tatian's Diatessaron (c. 150-160).
  • IV.II.7, V.XXVII.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter X, Exhortation to the Greeks, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • II.15, IV.26, V.13, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • II.13, On The Apparel of Women, Tertullian (c. 202)
  • II.22, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 208)
  • Chapter XXI, Against Praxeas,  Tertullian (c. 213)
  • V.XI, The Refutation of all Heresies (Philosophumena), Hippolytus of Rome. (c. 225)
  • X.28, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Philocalia [anthology of Origen prepared by St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen], Origen. (c.230)
  • From Augustine's Tractates on John: Tractate XII (3:6-21).
    • "The Spirit is present that we may be born; the Spirit is invisibly present whereof thou art born, for thou too must be invisibly born."
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "Christ does not condemn, but rather despising Christ condemns."
  • 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.
    • "He must be lifted up, that hereby he may purchase salvation for all believers: all those who look to him by faith recover spiritual health, even as all that looked at that serpent recovered bodily health."
  • "The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent," John 3:14, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1857.
  • "None but Jesus," John 3:18, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1861.
  • "None but Jesus--Second Part," John 3;18, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1861.
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "Though "condemnation" is to many the issue of Christ's mission (Joh 3:19), it is not the object of His mission, which is purely a saving one."
  • "Immeasurable Love," John 3:16, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1885.
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Usually it is not evidence, but an honest heart and a sincere desire for truth, that are needed in order to faith."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • "Nicodemus," sermon discussion from Frederick Buechner, Frederick Buechner Blog.
    • "Nicodemus had heard enough about what Jesus was up to in Jerusalem to make him think he ought to pay him a visit and find out more. On the other hand, as a VIP with a big theological reputation to uphold, he decided it might be just as well to pay it at night. Better to be at least fairly safe than to be sorry, he thought, so he waited till he thought his neighbors were all asleep."
  • Commentary, John 3:14-21, Marilyn Salmon, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.
    • "As a small minority, the Johannine community did not have the power or influence to marginalize others or cause harm by excluding them. In the western world, Christianity has been the dominant religion for centuries, whether supported by the state or not, and it has the power to marginalize and exclude those who do not conform."
  • "Love or Justice?" David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2012.
    • "...I invite you to give some thought to this passage from John, to your beliefs about God's primary character, and to considering what your people most need to hear."
  • "Lifted High," Rick Morley, 2012.
    • "...the event of the cross isn’t just an advertisement, or a show. It actually does something. The cross is effectual."
  • "Wearing My Sin on the Front of My Alb," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2012.
    • "John 3:16 is perhaps the most familiar of passages.  Does that make it easier to 'preach' or more difficult?  What has been your experience?"
  • "John 3:16 - The Rest of the Story," Carl Gregg, Patheos, 2012.
    • "Some Christians have called John 3:16 'the Gospel in a nutshell,' but John 3:16 is not enough to form a fully mature Christian life."
  • "The Axe of Forgiveness - The Love of God," Neil Chappell, a weird thing, 2012.
  • "The Politics of John 3:14-21," Timothy F. Simpson, Political Theology, 2012.
  • Preaching John 3:14-21, David A. Davis, Lectionary Homiletics sample.
  • "The Lenten journey, with all of its introspection, can feel long sometimes. When you gather on the fourth Sunday, it may be time to look ahead a bit."
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, John 3:14-21, David Ewart, 2012.
  • "No one is saved by intellectual agreement with a belief. Salvation is all about the restoration of broken relationships. Being saved means being restored to the proper bond and trust of true kinship with God."
  • Radical Gratitude, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
  • "Fear on a Stick," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2012.
    • "In Jesus, Nicodemus found what he was seeking. One who could help him face the sum of all his fears, change and death."
  • "Nic at Night," Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2012.
    • "Does the Gospel include God's past deeds being exposed to the light as well our own?"
  • "Walking in the Light," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, Patheos, 2012.
    • "John the Evangelist was a master of chiaroscuro long before Rembrandt."
  • Commentary, John 3:14-21, Sarah Henrich, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
  • "First Thoughts on Year B Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Lent 4, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Whatever our own solution to the issues of inclusion and exclusion, John?s gospel asks us to recognise that to reject the love and light and truth we see in Jesus is to choose death ? wherever and whenever we do it, and to receive it means life, life our world which God still loves desperately needs."
  • "John 3:14-21," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks.
    • "If the solution in Numbers was a snake raised up on a pole -- because the problem was poisonous serpents on the ground; so in John if the solution is a human (the Word made flesh) on a pole, the problem must be the humans on the ground."
  • Join the Feast, John 3:14-21, Jenny McDevitt, Union PSCE, 2009.
    • "We are given the choice between light and darkness, between belief and unbelief ? but that choice of whether to love God, or not, is ours only because first, 'God so loved the world.'"
  • "Darkness and Light," Lent 4B, Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "Have you ever been in the 'dark' about something? What happened when a 'light' was thrown on the subject?"
  • "For God So Loved..." Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.
    • "Here in four words is the very nature of God. 'For God So Loved?' God, the author of the universe, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient, created everything for one purpose: He so loved."
  • "John the Evangelist," Sarah M. Foulger, Stirred by the Light - Voices of Lent.
    • "Others may condemn you but God does not. See how Jesus loves. See how he lights up the world. Stand in that light."
  • Wellspring of the Gospel, Lent 4B, Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner, Weekly Wellsprings.
  • "In the Light," Preacher's Magazine, 2009: Listening to the Text, Engaging the Text, Preaching the Text.
  • "Serpents, Penguins, and Crosses," Preacher's Magazine, 2006: Listening to the Text, Engaging the Text, Preaching the Text.
  • "God's Love in Christ," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • Marginally Mark, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
    • "Some 'brands' of faith give the impression God is, on (im)balance a condemnatory figure looking for excuse to be destructive. But as17+ helps us understand, the God revealed in Jesus is not like that at all."
  • "Is Trust in Jesus Worth the Cost?" Trinity A, Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "Have you ever found belief in something easier than trust in someone?"
  • "The Manifestation of the Messiah (John 1-4)," by Robert Deffinbaugh at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "Our Lord came as light to reveal man?s need of a Savior."
  • Commentary by Hall Harris at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "In John, being "lifted up" refers to one continuous action of ascent, beginning with the cross but ending at the right hand of the Father."
  • "Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-21)," by Robert Deffinbaugh at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "I must ask you, my friend, 'Are you a Christian, or are you just religious?' "
  • John 3:14-21, in Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary's An Exegetical Study of the Common Lectionary, coordinated by Prof. John E. Alsup, features rough translation, disposition, immediate context, broader context, hermeneutical bridge, and contemporary address.
    • "Since we have so many symbolical terms in the pericope at hand, these Greek speaking Jewish Christians, scattered throughout Asia Minor, could most likely appreciate the figurative images as well as enjoy discussing their meanings. For example, the concept of doing what is true, is a notion that requires dialogue to begin to comprehend. Somewhere its noted that Hellenists had developed a confidence in philosophy as the way to truth. Is that sentiment what they could recall when reading in this passage of doing what is true?"
• Articles & Background:
  • "Johannine Soteriology and Aristotelian Philosophy. A Hermeneutical Suggestion on Reading John 3:16 and 1 John 4:9," P. Frick, Biblica, 2007.
• 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. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • 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
  • Bartlett, David L., "Inclusive or Exclusive Grace?" The Christian Century, 1991.
      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
  • Dart, John, "Scriptural Schemes: the ABCBAs of Biblical Writing," The Christian Century, 2004.
      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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Lowry, James S., "By the Waters of Babylon," Journal for Preachers, 1992.
      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
  • Miller, Donald G., "John 3:1-21: Expository Article," Interpretation, 1981.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Nicole, Roger R., "John Calvin's View of the Extent of the Atonement," Westminster Theological Journal, 1985.
      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
  • Roberts, R.L., "The Rendering 'Only Begotten' in John 3:16," Restoration Quarterly, 1973.
      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
  • Wead, David W., "The Johannine Double Meaning," Restoration Quarterly, 1970.
      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
• Reviews:
  • Reviews: Wai-Yee Ng, Water Symbolism in John: An Eschatological Interpretation. Peter Lang, 2001. Review by Jo-Ann A. Brant and Ron Fay in SBL's Review of Biblical Literature.
  • Review: Wai-Yee Ng, Water Symbolism in John: An Eschatological Interpretation. Peter Lang, 2001. Review by Dennis M Sweetland in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2003.
• Sermons:
  • "Like It Or Not," the Rev. Dr. David Lose, Luther Seminary, 2012.
  • Juxtaposing, Richard E. Zajac, SermonSuite.
  • "The World God Loves," the Rev. John H. Thomas, United Church of Christ, 2009.
  • "I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light," 26 March 2006, David Zersen, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "In the Light," Rev. Bethany Hull Somers, Preacher's Magazine, 2006.
  • "Serpents, Penguins, and Crosses," Jim Fitzgerald, Preacher's Magazine, 2006.
  • "For God So Loved the World," "In Him," Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "Journey toward Faith: A Lenten Sermon on John 3:16," Tim Johnson, The Center for Progressive Christianity.
  • "Doing the Truth," Paul Tillich, from The Shaking of the Foundations, 1955. At Religion Online.
  • "What is Truth?" Paul Tillich. From The New Being (1955), at Religion OnLine.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily
    • Trinity, 2010
    • Trinity, 2007
    • Lent 4, 2003
    • Lent 4, 1999 (Dr. Mary G. Durkin)
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Lent 4B, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
  • "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," March 18, 2012, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: John 3:14-21 and Mama, Do You Love Me? or Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse.
  • "The Address of God's Love," Frances Woodruff, On the Chancel Steps, 2012.
  • "John 3:14-21," Faith Formation Journeys, 2012.
  • "Born Again - A New Creation," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "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" monologue, Ross Olson.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art Images: John 3:14-21, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • John 3:14-21, at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • John 3:16, Heartlight - Free Christian PowerPoint Backgrounds.
  • John 3:13-17, John 3:14-21, John 3:16-21, John 3:16-18, 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.
  • PowerPoint Slides for Lent 4B (John 3:16), Bulletin Cover (John 3:16-17), Will Humes, Word & Table.
  • Commercial Site:  "John 3:16," Film/Visual Liturgy, The Work of the People.
  • Bronze Serpent, Clip Art, Anglican Diocese of Dunedin, New Zealand.
• Hymns and Music:
  • "Tell Me, Dear Tree," Hymn based on John 3:14-18, Matthew 16:24-26, Mark 8:34-37, and Luke 9:23-25, Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, 2012.
  • "God's People Were Impatient," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's hymn remembering Moses lifting up the bronze serpent for healing and Jesus suffering on the cross for our sins, Tune: ANGEL'S STORY 7.6.7.6 D ("O Jesus, I Have Promised"). New hymn available with music from The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for Lent 2011.
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: John 3:14, 16. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • "A Prayer for Mission," "Take up Your Cross," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, a new, relevant hymn set to traditional tunes.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • Give of Your Best to the Master
    • To God Be the Glory
• Literature and Literary References:
  • "Nicodemus, Nicodemus," William D. Tammeus, Theology Today, 1990.
  • "Nicodemus," Miriam Pollard, Theology Today, 2003.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Nicodemus
  • Moses and the Brazen Serpent
  • Crucifixion
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Faith
  • Seeing/Not Seeing
  • Moses Images
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of John

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