16. Nicodemus Part 1
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we humbly express our heartfelt gratitude for the gift of Your eternal truths. May we draw sustenance from them and never experience hunger again. Enrich our spirits and lead us through life's trials. Strengthen our resolve to pursue understanding and to share it generously with others, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
John 3:1-7
John 3:1-2, Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same came to him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.
Reflection
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a legalistic Jewish teacher, a Rabbi, and a member of the Sanhedrin, the governing body of the Jewish people. He quietly sought out Jesus in the darkness of night, striving to remain inconspicuous and avoid any unwanted attention.
John 3: 3, Jesus answered him, Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom.
Reflection
Nicodemus recognized with great respect that Jesus was a teacher sent by God. In response, Jesus stated that one must be born again to truly see the Kingdom of God. The Greek phrase for born again conveys the meaning of being born from above. To see the Kingdom of God is synonymous with salvation.
John 3: 4-5, Nicodemus said to him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.
Reflection
Nicodemus approached the topic from a natural perspective, yet Jesus was delivering a profound spiritual message. Born of water means physical birth, while born of the Spirit refers to spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit. Physical birth alone does not grant you access to the Kingdom of God. Spiritual regeneration, or being born again, is essential. The Kingdom of God is a spiritual realm in the hearts of those who surrender to Jesus as their King.
John 3:6-7, That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Don’t marvel that I said to you, You must be born anew.
Reflection
The process of physical birth gives rise to a physical life. Yet, this physical life is spiritually lifeless due to sin, as stated in Romans 3:23 and Ephesians 2:1. In contrast, spiritual birth leads to the emergence of a spiritual life, as stated in 1 John 5:12.
When someone confesses their sin, believes in Jesus, and surrenders their life to Him, the Holy Spirit enters and transforms them into a new creation, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Nicodemus could only be saved from his sins through a spiritual heart transplant by Jesus, not by his Jewish heritage, wealth, political power, or understanding of the Mosaic law.
Romans 3:23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Ephesians 2:1, As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.
1 John 5:12, He who has the Son has the life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come, the old has gone, the new is here!
Application
Salvation is found solely in grace, through faith, and in Christ. To truly be a Christian, one must undergo spiritual rebirth, often referred to as being born again. You can begin this transformation now by confessing your sins to Jesus, trusting in His sacrifice for you, and giving your life to Him completely.
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