John 3:1–8 (ESV)
You Must Be Born Again
3 Now there was a man
of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus 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.” 3 Jesus answered
him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 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?” 5 Jesus
answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You
must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
This
story is only found in John’s Gospel. It is interesting because Nicodeus is a ruler of the Jews. He had a lot at stake... his career, reputation, social life, his family... yet he wants to see Jesus. He goes at night, under the cover
of darkness. It is interesting how he words his introduction to Jesus... “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.” You know, Nicodemus is right on target.
Jesus quips back “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Now this doesn’t make any sense to Nicodemus. I’m sure he is scratching his head and wondering how do I get into my
mother’s womb a second time. He must know that he is misinterpreting what Jesus is saying, but he is confused and doesn’t understand it.
You must be born again, but not through the birthing
process, but a spiritual process. You must come into the spiritual understanding of being born again by the Spirit. This can come through baptism or hearing the Word of God. It’s not something you do for God, but something God does
to you. It is God who gives us faith, forgives us, and restores us into His Kingdom. You must be born of Water and Spirit (Baptism). There is another thought out their with a different interpretation. That is, being born of water (birth
water or natural birth) and Spirit (Baptism). I actually take this view as well as a lot of pastors. But I must say... this interpretation is in the minority. Either way... it points to baptism.
I
pray: O Lord, I give thanks that I have been born of water and of Spirit. You have forgiven me and washed me clean. I am a child of God, chosen by you. Help me in my daily walk to walk according to your ways, but even more important...
help me to keep the faith you have given me. Amen.