Exegesis of John 3:16
Literary Criticism 1. Context In the verses leading up to John 3:16 through 3:21, we see Jesus in conversation with Nicodemus, who is not yet willing to accept Jesus as the son of God or as his lord and savior, and who is equally unwilling to make a decision on such a topic. We see a man who has not yet seized the opportunity to enhance his own life by letting Jesus into it. Nicodemus only sees the greatness of his own life and does not see the wisdom, truth, or virility that can be provided to him by Jesus. He is a man, not too much unlike doubters of today, who wants more proof and who believes that his current way of being is working and will get him to a better afterlife. For moments he seems to come to the light and accept Jesus, but never for too long as his doubt continues to triumph. All the while, Jesus listens to him and allows him to express his frustrations and doubts. Jesus listening to Nicodemus in this way sets the conversation up nicely for what comes in verse 3:16. There, in essence, Jesus finally interrupts Nicodemus to let him know the truth of acceptance and what said acceptance will bring to the acceptor. (Phillips, 2011).
So, the context of John 3:16 falling right after the conversation with Nicodemus lets the reader know that what is told in 3:16 is not so much a threat to the readers in general, but rather, merely a statement to Nicodemus as an individual as to what can come of his eternal life when he becomes a believer. If one was to read 3:16 on its own merit without putting in in the context of a conversation with Nicodemus, one might mistakenly see Jesus as being threatening or arrogant where he is actually being helpful and serving as a worthy advisor to Nicodemus. 3:16, then, by virtue of what precedes it, lends itself to being a very personal and giving moment displayed by Jesus as he lends caring advice to a man who would be well served to be less self-oriented and instead give his life to Jesus, son of God. (Duffinbaugh).
So, the context of John 3:16 falling right after the conversation with Nicodemus lets the reader know that what is told in 3:16 is not so much a threat to the readers in general, but rather, merely a statement to Nicodemus as an individual as to what can come of his eternal life when he becomes a believer. If one was to read 3:16 on its own merit without putting in in the context of a conversation with Nicodemus, one might mistakenly see Jesus as being threatening or arrogant where he is actually being helpful and serving as a worthy advisor to Nicodemus. 3:16, then, by virtue of what precedes it, lends itself to being a very personal and giving moment displayed by Jesus as he lends caring advice to a man who would be well served to be less self-oriented and instead give his life to Jesus, son of God. (Duffinbaugh).
Cited: Deffinbaugh, Bob. No date given. Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). Retrieved on 8/10/2012, from http://bible.org/seriespage/jesus-and-nicodemus-john-31-21. Fulthorp, Brian. August, 2012. Fourth Gospel quote of the Day. Retrieved on 8/10/2010, from http://sunestauromai.wordpress.com/2012/08/08/fourth-gospel-quote-of-the-day/. Phillips, Donald. March, 2011. Jesus meets Nicodemus. Retrieved on 8/10/2012, from http://www.dunedinmethodist.org.nz/articles/view/jesus-and-nicodemus/. Roberts, Don. No date given. James White on John 3:14-18 -- An Examination. Retrieved on 8/10/2012, from http://www.truthonfire.com/doctrinal/white_john316.asp. Wolf, John. No date. Exegetical analysis of John 3:16. Retrieved on 8/10/2012, from http://www.cerm.info/bible_studies/Exegetical/john316.htm.