Who Is This Man Called Jesus? Series

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

The phrase ‘born again’ literally means “born from above” or “becoming children of God.” Jesus answered a question that Nicodemus does not even ask. He read Nicodemus’s heart and came to the very core of the problem, the need for spiritual transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through one phrase, Jesus is addressing the difference in being religious, relying on works and rituals, vs. a simple act of accepting that Christ is the Son of God.

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?” Because Nicodemus was a teacher himself, he understood the rabbinical method of using figurative language to teach spiritual truth, and he was picking up on Jesus’ symbolism.

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Jesus referred not to literal water here but to the need for cleansing. When water is used figuratively in the Old Testament, it refers to renewal or spiritual cleansing, especially when used in conjunction with “spirit.” Again the words from the prophet Ezekiel, written almost 600 years prior to the birth of Christ, chapter 36:24-26. “And God said, for I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”

Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Just as the wind cannot be controlled or understood, its effects can be witnessed, so it is with the Holy Spirit. We cannot control it, or even understand it, but we certainly can witness its effects.

Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

Jesus is once again addressing the fact that Nicodemus was recognized as one of the leading teachers of his day. When he spoke, people listened. When he taught, people gathered. But early on, Jesus is teaching the difference between being religious and being filled with God’s spirit.

From this point on, the focus turns from away Nicodemus and centers on the true meaning of Salvation. The word “Believe” is used seven times in these upcoming verses. The new birth requires an act of faith. Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? Jesus focused on the idea that unbelief is the cause of ignorance. Nicodemus was a very intellectual man, and Jesus obviously knew this, but Jesus was not trying to speak to his head, He was trying to reach his heart.