love. The idea of witness here carries the idea of proclamation and points to the Messiah’s office as Prophet. The words leader and commander of this verse remind us that the Messiah also serves as King. The gospel announces the undeserved love of God in Christ for sinners. The Word of God again finds a way into this text, and Christ remains the center of that Word. All Scripture points to him. The Messiah came from heaven, and as Jesus indicated to Nicodemus, he would be lifted up so that “everyone