John 3:3

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”

            In the last passage, we were introduced to Nicodemus and found out he was a religious leader. We also found out that he believed Jesus was a teacher from God because of the signs that Jesus did. John is clearly showing the starting point of this man when it comes to knowing who Jesus is. What is interesting in the last passage is that Nicodemus did not really ask a question but the assumed question in the statement he gave was “am I correct?” In this next passage, Jesus does the same thing and makes a statement instead of asking a question. This is the beginning of a conversation that will reveal the truth of the gospel in the most basics terms. This came after Jesus saw people come to Him because of signs—including Nicodemus—but the conclusion was that He was a good teacher.

            Instead of confirming or denying what Nicodemus said, Jesus took that moment to answer him with what He knows Nicodemus truly needs, to be born again. Jesus showed Nicodemus two concepts here which are to be born again and the kingdom of God. Both will be essential to understanding the gospel. To be born again is the method; this is how Nicodemus will get to his goal, the kingdom. The idea of being born again is better illustrated as a rebirth—where one becomes something or someone new. Jesus was describing a perspective change. Nicodemus could not reach his heavenly goal as he was then. He had to be born again just as we do.

            The second idea at play in this sentence is “the kingdom of God,” the ultimate goal. This was a hidden goal Nicodemus had not revealed but Jesus already knew. Nicodemus wanted to see the kingdom of God which showed that he knew of the kingdom and thought he knew how to get there. This is indicative of not only Nicodemus’s knowledge and desires, but also of his fellow religious leaders. Nicodemus, however, looked to Jesus whom he recognized as a teacher from God to show him the true direction. What Nicodemus did not understand—that we as the readers can—is that he was speaking to God who was telling him he must be changed before he could.

            Fellow Christians, we must understand this idea of being born again to see the life change that people need in order to be saved. We should not get frustrated with them but, as Jesus did, help them to see the good news of Jesus. We must always continue to strive ourselves to see the kingdom of God through prayer and reading scriptures. These are essential pieces of our daily walk.

            To non-Christians, it is ok to not understand completely. Jesus does not demand total comprehension at all times. He wouldn’t have spoken in so many parables if that were the case. Instead he calls you to be born again which means to give yourself to God so that He can remake you to see the kingdom of God. You do this by surrendering your life to Jesus so you can be cleansed and reborn into a new life with God as your king for whom you want to be striving for the rest of your life.