John 3:1-7

Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” “How can a man be born again when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.'”

– John 3:1-7

Devotion

Early in His ministry, Jesus two defining interviews that reveal the heart of His message. The meeting with Nicodemus tells us that even highly religious people needed a spiritual rebirth in order to be allowed entrance into the family of God. Then, the meeting with the Samaritan woman tells us that all people have access to the spiritual rebirth that Jesus came to offer. Whether you were especially religious or not, Jesus came to offer you the gracious gifts of God: forgiveness of sins, spiritual rebirth, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and eternal life. In this first interview, Jesus interview Nicodemus. He was a member of the Jewish High Council. He came seeking information about the identity of Christ. Instead Jesus speaks to him concerning the importance of a spiritual “new birth”.

The Big Question

What did Jesus very directly tell Nicodemus it would take for him to enter God’s kingdom? Nicodemus was a “moral” (rule keeping) Pharisee. How did he interpret Jesus’ words? What was he misunderstanding? How does it make you feel to know that even very religious people have to enter the kingdom of God the same way as everyone else? What does this passage communicate regarding good deeds and salvation?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what God has revealed to you today.