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Introduction and Background on Nicodemus
John chapter 3 centers on the concept of new birth through Jesus. The first verses introduce Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. The Pharisees were a devout group, around 6,000 strong, committed to rigorously obeying the Old Testament law—all 613 commands. Jewish tradition, such as the Talmud, held Pharisees in high esteem, even suggesting that if anyone could be righteous enough for heaven, it would be a Pharisee. Additionally, Nicodemus was part of the Sanhedrin, a 70-member ruling body responsible for resolving disputes and crimes in Israel, though they lacked authority for capital punishment under Roman rule. Nicodemus’ status is similar to that of a state supreme court justice.
Nicodemus’ Wealth, Education, and Religious Standing
Nicodemus was not only powerful but also wealthy, as seen later in John 19, when he contributes costly spices for Jesus’ burial. He also held the title “teacher of Israel,” possibly indicating he was among the most prominent educators in Jewish society. This made him a deeply learned man, akin to someone with a doctorate from an elite university today. In short, Nicodemus was religious, powerful, wealthy, and educated—someone who outwardly had every aspect of life in order.
Why Would Someone Like Nicodemus Seek Out Jesus?
There is a common assumption that religion is a crutch for the broken or desperate. But Nicodemus contradicts that stereotype. Despite his external success, he still felt something was missing, which drove him to Jesus. This resonates with people who seem to have their lives together but feel an inner void. Interestingly, Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, possibly to avoid public scrutiny since Jesus had already gained a controversial reputation among religious leaders for actions like cleansing the temple.
Nicodemus’ Curiosity and Respect for Jesus
Though fearful of open association, Nicodemus respected Jesus enough to call him “Rabbi,” even though Jesus lacked formal credentials, wealth, or elite status. Nicodemus likely observed Jesus’ miracles and teachings and recognized an unmatched spiritual authority in Him. He also may have seen hints in the Old Testament that questioned the dominant Pharisaic belief that following the law was sufficient for salvation. These factors drove him to seek Jesus out, indicating humility and openness to truth despite his high standing.
Jesus’ Radical Statement on Being Born Again
In response, Jesus makes a bold and confusing statement: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” This phrase has been caricatured in pop culture, often associated with overzealous televangelists. However, Jesus uses it to convey a profound spiritual truth. The Greek wording can also be translated “born from above,” indicating a spiritual transformation that comes from God, not from human effort.
Spiritual Birth as a Gift Beyond Human Control
Just as physical birth involves no effort on the part of the baby, so too spiritual birth is entirely the work of God. It comes through the labor and pain of another—namely, Jesus. If you claim to have caused your own birth, your mother would rightly correct you. In the same way, being born into a Christian family or being baptized as a baby doesn’t automatically make someone a Christian. According to Jesus, a true Christian must be born from above.
New Creation and New Life in Christ
Another aspect of spiritual rebirth is the idea of becoming a new creation in Christ. When someone places their faith in Jesus, God resets their life—like shaking an Etch-a-Sketch clean to start over. This transformation gives believers a fresh start and a new identity, one no longer defined by their past.
A Changed Life and Sensitivity to the Spiritual
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God’s Word Becomes Alive
This spiritual awakening affects how one reads and experiences Scripture. Many believers recall how the Bible once seemed dry or confusing, but after placing faith in Christ, the words come alive and speak directly to their hearts. This isn’t just a matter of intellectual understanding—it’s relational and spiritual.
Entering God’s Family
Finally, spiritual rebirth means becoming part of God’s family. Believers are not just forgiven—they become God’s children. This new identity comes with promises: that God will guide, provide for, and be accessible to them. They can approach Him like a loving parent, not through religious rituals or temple visits, but anytime and anywhere.
Even the Righteous Need New Birth
Despite all his achievements and righteousness, Nicodemus still needed to be born again. Even the most moral, accomplished individuals are spiritually incomplete apart from this rebirth offered by Jesus.
Jesus Corrects Nicodemus’ Misunderstanding of Spiritual Rebirth
Jesus reiterates a profound truth to Nicodemus: no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born again. This challenges Nicodemus’ likely assumption that he just needed a bit of divine help to supplement his already good life. Jesus clarifies that what is needed is not a little improvement or spiritual topping off, but an entirely new life—a transformation that only God can give.
Born of Water and the Spirit
Nicodemus, confused, responds with a literal interpretation, questioning how one could re-enter the womb. Jesus then expands the metaphor by stating that one must be born of “water and the Spirit.” While some might mistakenly interpret this as a reference to baptism, Jesus clarifies the meaning through the context. The “water” corresponds to physical birth—flesh gives birth to flesh—and the “Spirit” refers to spiritual rebirth. Jesus’ statement reflects that both a physical and spiritual birth are necessary to enter God’s kingdom, but it is the spiritual birth that brings eternal life.
The Mysterious Work of the Spirit
To further explain, Jesus uses the image of wind, a fitting analogy because the Greek word pneuma means both “wind” and “spirit.” Just as the wind is invisible but its effects are visible and powerful, so too the Spirit of God moves unseen but transforms lives. [Wind storm example]. In the same way, the Spirit’s work is seen in the gradual, undeniable transformation of people’s lives, sometimes recognized first by those around them.
Jesus Identifies Himself as the Son of Man
When Nicodemus asks, “How can this be?” Jesus responds by highlighting his own divine origin: only the one who came from heaven can speak authoritatively about heavenly things. Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of Man,” a term Nicodemus would have instantly recognized from Daniel 7. That passage speaks of one like a Son of Man receiving glory, power, and eternal dominion from God—clear messianic imagery. Jesus subtly reveals that He is not merely a teacher or prophet, but the divine Messiah foretold in scripture.
The Bronze Serpent as a Foreshadowing of the Cross
To deepen Nicodemus’ understanding, Jesus refers to a story from Numbers 21, where the Israelites, plagued by venomous snakes due to their rebellion, were saved by looking upon a bronze serpent Moses raised on a pole. This obscure Old Testament story becomes a powerful metaphor: just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the symbol of judgment lifted up, so too salvation comes by looking to Jesus lifted up on the cross. It’s a foreshadowing of His crucifixion, where He would bear humanity’s sin and become a substitute for us.
Sin as a Deadly Toxin
The venom of the snakes in the Numbers story is likened to sin—subtle at first but ultimately fatal. Sin, like envy or bitterness, poisons relationships and leads to destruction. Just as physical death separates the body from the soul, eternal death—caused by unaddressed sin—results in permanent separation from God. The bronze serpent, a symbol of judgment, was transformed into a means of healing, just as Jesus’ crucifixion, a symbol of shame and punishment, became the means of salvation.
A Substitute and a Simple Solution
Jesus became the object of God’s wrath in our place—He was the sinless one who bore the penalty for sinners. Just like the Israelites didn’t have to crawl to the serpent to be healed, but simply had to look, salvation through Jesus requires no monumental human effort. The only requirement is faith—looking to Jesus. God intentionally made salvation simple so that anyone, regardless of strength or merit, could receive it. This makes the cross a message of grace and accessibility, not works or religion.
“Just Look to Me” – The Simplicity of Faith
Jesus’ statement, echoing Isaiah 45:22, is consistent throughout scripture: salvation is found by looking to God, not by self-effort or introspection. The invitation is to look—not to climb, not to strive, not to earn, but to simply behold and believe in the One lifted up. This image confronts the human instinct to earn salvation and instead calls us to trust completely in God’s mercy and provision through Christ.
The Love of God Revealed in Jesus
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world…” has become so familiar that its meaning can feel dulled. Yet to Nicodemus, and to the original hearers, this was shocking. God’s motivation is love—not anger, not condemnation. He doesn’t desire to punish or destroy people. Rather, His act of sending His Son is rooted in a desire to rescue all who would believe in Him from perishing and give them eternal life.
God’s Love, Not Condemnation
[Personal example]. Jesus reveals that God loves the world—not just tolerates or judges it—and this love moved Him to give His one and only Son. The purpose was not punishment, but rescue: that whoever believes would not perish but have eternal life. This belief, however, is not mere intellectual agreement; it involves trust, surrender, and relationship.
Trusting Like You Mean It: Faith in Action
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Biblical faith is not just saying you believe; it’s entrusting your very life to the truth. That’s what God wants from us—not detached belief, but personal trust in what Jesus has done. When someone places their trust in Him, Scripture teaches that the Spirit of God enters their life and a real relationship with God begins.
Whoever has never taken that step of faith should seriously consider doing so. The invitation is not about religious performance or good behavior, but about trusting Jesus personally. This act of faith initiates a new relationship with God—one marked by His Spirit dwelling in us and transforming us.