In the conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus, who later became very committed to Jesus, we see some important points about being born again. In the encounter, we see that Nicodemus is a member of the Jewish ruling council, a man who usually would’ve been approached for knowledge or advice. Instead, we see the Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus is from God. Jesus then goes on to explain that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Nicodemus exclaims as to how this can be possible; how can someone be born again when they are old? Jesus responds saying that someone must be born of water and spirit to enter the kingdom of God.
1. The necessity of being born again (John 3:5; Ephesians 2:1)
2. The possibility of being born again (John 3:5-6; Ezekiel 36:25-27; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
3. Let Jesus bring about change (John 3: 3-5; Numbers 21:4-9; Numbers 24:14)
Apply:-
Do you know what it means to be born again? Jesus said the only way to enter the kingdom of God is to be born again. Have you experienced this new birth? Being born again is the only way that you can get into the kingdom of God. Jesus could not have been clearer in his words to Nicodemus. John 3:5 says “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Then he added in another verse ‘You must be born again.’ In other words, being born again is a necessity not an option. You MUST be. In other words, you can’t get yourself into the kingdom of God by your own efforts just like you can’t give birth to yourself physically.
Now this was a big challenge to someone like Nicodemus. He is described in the passage as ‘a ruler of the Jews.’ He was a member of the Sanhedrin; that’s the Supreme Court of Israel. They were wealthy, influential, scholars, from prominent families. So, Nicodemus was a very elite man who should have been an expert in theology.
But Jesus gets right down to basics with him. It doesn’t matter what your background is or how much Bible you know or even whether you are living as a good person. The big issue is this: have you been born again?
That’s a very important question especially for people who have been in church for a long time. You may know about Jesus, but do you know Jesus.
Have you received the life of Jesus in you? Maybe, like many people today, you can’t believe that you could ever really change, but God is able to make us clean and give us a soft new heart and a new spirit.
The possibility of new birth means that you never have to be a fatalist, things can change. God can do the impossible in your life. It’s not something we do. We can respond to the Holy Spirit. We do have to open the door! Becoming a Christian and being born again calls for simple trust and simple faith.
In verses 14-15 Jesus speaks of how we can receive new life when we believe that he died for our sins on the cross. Jesus actually refers to the sins of Israel recorded in Numbers 21:4-9 when God’s people were bitten by serpents and died. God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and hold it up on a staff. Whoever looked upon the bronze serpent was healed from the judgment and, rather than dying, lived.
Here in verse 14 Jesus makes the connection: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent so that others could look upon it and live, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that whoever looks upon Him will live.”
That’s the simplicity of the gospel, the good news of Jesus, that when you Focus all your hope and faith on Jesus Christ, and believe in your heart, that on the Cross he paid the price for your sin…then you will live…then you will go from death to life, from darkness into light, and you will be made new…you will be born again!
Prayer:-
Heavenly father thank you for sending your only son Jesus to save us from our sins and give us new life with you. today please send the Holy Spirit to change my heart. Come now that I may feel your presence and know that I am born again. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
