In John 3: 19-28 What accusation did Jesus make against Nicodemus and the Pharisees?

In John 3:19-28, Jesus engages in a conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. During this conversation, Jesus makes an accusation against Nicodemus and the Pharisees, highlighting the fundamental difference between their beliefs and His message. In this post, we will explore the accusation that Jesus makes in this passage and its significance in the context of His ministry.

In John 3:19-21, Jesus says, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

This passage highlights the fundamental difference between Jesus' message and the beliefs of the Pharisees. Jesus is the light that has come into the world, and His message is one of truth and righteousness. However, the Pharisees and others who reject His message are described as loving darkness instead of light. They are characterized as people who fear exposure of their deeds and who are unwilling to come into the light of truth.

This accusation is significant because it highlights the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of the Pharisees. They were known for their outward displays of righteousness and religious observance, but Jesus saw through their facade and recognized their true motives and beliefs. He accused them of being more concerned with their own reputation and status than with the truth and righteousness that He preached.

In John 3:22-28, the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus continues, and John the Baptist is introduced into the conversation. John the Baptist is described as a witness to the light, and he is contrasted with the Pharisees and their lack of understanding. The passage ends with John the Baptist saying, "I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him."