John chapter 3 has the story of Nicodemus visiting Jesus by night. Nicodemus sets a tone for the time of his visit at night. Not only were the greater crowd uneducated but so too was the leadership in the ways of the inner dynamics of God’s word given to then by the prophets. The Temple system had become corrupt along with the way of atonement and sacrifices. The high priest organized and orchestrated religion for profit. It is here that Jesus gives the now popular John 3:16 verse. It is said this verse alone contain enough gospel message for which to come to Christ and be saved. But do read the entire chapter and follow how Jesus responds to the lost leadership of Israel.
