Reading for February 6th

 Read John 2.23-3.15. In 2.23-3.15: Jesus and Nicodemus. In verses 23-25: A summary refers to signs and resulting popular belief in his name, which Jesus did not trust. This introduces Nicodemus, a man impressed by signs (3.2). In 3.1: Nicodemus, mentioned here and in 7.45-52; 19.38-42, represents inadequate faith based on signs ( 2.23) and leaders who believe but fear to acknowledge Jesus openly (12.42-43). In verse 2: He comes out of the darkness (3.19-21; 11.10; 13.30) and into the light. His confession, like that of Nathanael (see 1.49), is  introduced by rabbi, indicating minimal understanding. because the story of Nicodemus appears in installments, there is room for development. In verses 3-8: Jesus' response presumes that a question underlies the visit. Jesus makes three solemn pronouncements introduced very truly (vv. 3, 5, 7). Only here in John (vv. 3, 5) does Jesus speak of the Kingdom of God. One can only enter by being born from above or anew. The Greek word for spirit ("pneuma") is also ambiguous. This is clarified in 5-8 (compare 1.12-13). The second "you" in v. 7 is plural, indicating it applies generally, not just to Nicodemus. In verses 11-15: The second "you" in v. 11 and all four occurrences in v. 12, are plural, perhaps suggesting words spoken to the reader by the narrator. In verses 13-15: The emphasis is on ascent: The Son of Man must be lifted up (see 1.51; 8.28; 12.32-34; compare Num 21.9; Isa 52.13), exalted to heaven by way of the cross. Jesus begins by speaking of the kingdom of God and concludes by speaking of eternal life (see also 4.14, 36; 5.24, 39; 6.27, 47, 54, 58; 17.2-3). The subject has not changed, but the language has moved from that of the common Jesus tradition to characteristic Johannine language. Nicodemus his disappeared; these words are addressed to the reader. Comments or Questions...