John 3:16 English Standard Version (ESV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

I hear you.

Yes, but are you listening?

This is the most used evangelist passage in the world. Everyone knows what it is and you don’t have to say anything beyond John 3:16 and others know what it says. But beyond that is anything heard? We know what it is but just how much meaning does mentioning John 3:16 to anyone contain? After all they are just words.

First one has to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. There has to be a relevant understanding of that truth in order to make the rest of it meaningful.

In order for any scripture to hold relevant meaning there is a need for foundational truths to be established. The basis for John 3:16 is contained in the ordered procession of a whole conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus spoke these words to Nick first and the issue of relevant meaning begins with who they were to each other.

Verse one tells us; Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

While we might understand what a ruler of Jews might mean, do we understand what it meant for Nick to have been a Pharisee? According to BLB.ORG bible outline they were a sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to OT books the Pharisees recognised in oral tradition a standard of belief and life. They sought for distinction and praise by outward observance of external rites and by outward forms of piety, and such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers, and alms giving; and, comparatively negligent of genuine piety, they prided themselves on their fancied good works.

Pride was at the center of a Pharisee’s life and it is seen that Nick came alone at night, secretly, away from judgment by his peers. He put everything at risk to come to Jesus.

Are the hearers of John 3:16 aware of the risks of hearing Jesus out?