born again ... ?

Nicodemus was a teacher in Israel. One night he visits Jesus.  Jesus says something strange: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again?” (John 3:3)

Nicodemus was confused: “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”   

Jesus explains that it’s a different type of birth.  A person is born physically by human parents here on earth. But that is not the same as spiritual life – life in relationship with God. A person is born spiritually by the power of the Holy Spirit – who comes from heaven. 

Jesus says that he came from heaven.  He also said: “…the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” (John 3:14b-15 NIV) 

Where was Jesus lifted up?  At the cross, he takes the blame for all our mistakes – and even dies in our place – so we can be forgiven and have life with him forever. Everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16b NIV)

Now to believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit must: open our eyes to see who Jesus is; open our ears to listen to Jesus’ words; and open our hearts to believe in him. 

We cannot make it happen. When the Holy Spirit enables us to believe in Jesus, we are “born again”. We have entered the kingdom of God – and new life with Jesus. Believing in Jesus, we will not perish, but have eternal life.

As Nicodemus thought about what Jesus said, and heard more stories of the things Jesus said and did, we think the Holy Spirit opened his heart to Jesus and transformed his life. How do we know that? Because after Jesus was lifted up and died on the cross, Nicodemus helped with Jesus’ burial (John 19:38-40). Through this act of kindness, Nicodemus showed his love and respect for Jesus.  

May the Holy Spirit open our eyes, ears, and hearts to Jesus – so we can do life with him forever! 

Pastor Rolly