Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, comes to Jesus by night and learns of the necessity of being born again of water and Spirit to see and enter the kingdom of God, with Jesus comparing the Spirit's work to unpredictable wind. The dialogue transitions to Jesus' monologue on the Son of Man's lifting up like Moses' serpent, God's love in giving His only Son that believers might have eternal life rather than perish, and the judgment that condemns those who love darkness rather than light. John the Baptist's disciples report Jesus' increasing popularity, prompting the Baptist's humble declaration that he must decrease while the Christ increases, and his testimony that the one from above speaks God's words and has all things in His hands.
The wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
The Word became flesh, dwelling among us.
Seven miraculous signs revealing Jesus' glory.
