What does John 3:10 mean?
Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do for another person is remind them that they are not perfect. Nicodemus was a well-educated, wealthy, powerful person. In the last few verses, Jesus has told him that this is not enough to earn him the kingdom of heaven. Instead, Jesus tells him that he needs to be "reborn" through the Spirit (John 3:3). Nicodemus is honestly seeking answers, unlike many of the other Pharisees. He sought out Jesus (John 3:1), and correctly interpreted His miracles as signs from God (John 3:2).Still, Nicodemus's legalistic mindset won't let him accept the ideas Jesus is teaching. So, Jesus puts a hole in his self-image. In the Greek, Jesus literally refers to Nicodemus as "the" teacher of the Jews. Nicodemus must have been a particularly knowledgeable man, and he certainly studied the Old Testament in depth. But there is a large difference between knowing facts and accepting truth (John 7:17; James 2:19). Jesus meets Nicodemus right at the point of his need: by breaking up his self-reliance. This is a strong contrast to the woman at the well, from chapter 4, who needs to be uplifted and encouraged.
John 2:24—3:15 describes a meeting between Jesus and a Pharisee. The last two verses of chapter two highlight the fact that Jesus knew men better than they knew themselves. Nicodemus was the ancient equivalent of a politician, cleric, and professor all rolled into one. Jesus proves that this man doesn't understand religion as well as he'd like to think. In contrast to the loud, public spectacle of clearing the temple, this encounter is a private, nighttime meeting. Their actual conversation was probably longer than the summary recorded here.
John chapter 3 is one of the most important passages in the entire gospel. Many crucial ideas are explained here, including the role of Jesus as Savior. After the loud, public commotion at the temple, John transitions to a quiet, nighttime discussion. The speakers are Jesus and a Pharisee, Nicodemus, who is sincerely interested in understanding Jesus' ministry. These verses make it clear that Christ—and Christ alone—is the means of salvation for the entire world. This text also states that those who reject Jesus are rejecting God.
