John (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament | ZECNT)

Top Highlights

“As we will explain below, the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus is part of the larger conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities, that is, between God and humanity.” (Page 193)

“Our cautious reconstruction of the intentions of Jesus and his mother in this difficult verse has left us with a beautiful Johannine irony: although his mother wanted the wedding to reach its end without embarrassment, Jesus, thinking of a much grander wedding feast, knew that embarrassment (the cross) is required for it to reach its ultimate conclusion.” (Page 165)

“The moment of transformation from water to wine is avoided because it is eclipsed by a much greater transformation. The imagery is just too potent. In the presence of Jesus, a collection of pure (stone) water jars for the ceremonial washing of many people serves to herald the fulfillment (‘to the brim’) of the entire ceremonial purification of Second Temple Judaism. In the person and work of Jesus, the purification jars and their water become useless, only suitable to contain celebratory wine.” (Pages 166–167)

“Rather, Jesus is assuaging their fears by commanding them to believe in God, the one made known and accessible by Jesus Christ, demanding that their belief in God be fully established in him.” (Page 614)

“This verse begins an extended reflection by the narrator.” (Page 204)