John 3:27 - Printer Friendly

ESV: John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.

NIV: To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.

NASB: John replied, 'A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven.

CSB: John responded, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven.

NLT: John replied, 'No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.

KJV: John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

NKJV: John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.

John the Baptist—not John, the author of this gospel—was confronted with the fact that Jesus is attracting many followers (John 3:26; 4:1). Probably, this meant He was growing His ministry faster than the Baptist was. Or it might imply people were leaving the Baptist to follow Jesus instead. Rather than becoming jealous, petty, or angry, the Baptist has the right approach. He's glad to see people leave him behind to focus on Christ.

In fact, the Baptist was called so people would follow Jesus (John 2:23, 29–37; Matthew 3:1–3; Malachi 3:1). Seeing his influence wane as people learn about Christ doesn't mean his efforts were in vain; it means they were a success. And, since this was never about him in the first place, the Baptist is happy. Later, he will compare himself to the best man at a wedding, and Jesus to the groom (John 3:29). Seeing the groom's happiness and attention makes the best man ecstatic, not jealous. For the Baptist, it's wonderful to see Jesus gaining the interest He deserves (1 Corinthians 1:12–17).

This is also an important guideline for Christians in general. As John the Baptist says, all that we have is given by the providence of God. No matter what success we have, we owe it to our Creator. We shouldn't be angry or frustrated when others seem more successful (Genesis 4:4–7); God is ultimately the one in control (1 Corinthians 3:1–9).

John 3:22–30 describes an argument between followers of John the Baptist and a Jewish religious leader over purification. Though the passage does not name him, it's possible this man was Nicodemus; he had, who had just been discussing that topic with Jesus. The Baptist isn't upset that his followers are dwindling while Jesus attracts crowds. Instead, he makes it clear that Christ's glory was his mission, and seeing it succeed makes him happy. Rather than being selfish about our own applause, we should be happy when our efforts cause people to praise God.

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.

The gospel of John intends to prove that Jesus is God. Chapter 3 contains some of the most direct, most important concepts in Christianity. The ideas of spiritual rebirth and the necessity of belief in Christ are reinforced by the rest of the information in this gospel. John continues to use contrast, moving from the loud and public temple cleansing to the quiet of this conversation. After Jesus injects humility into a powerful leader, chapter 4 will transition again, as Jesus gives dignity to an outcast stranger.

The disciple John wrote the gospel of John decades after the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke were written. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls "signs"— to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.