Topic: Born Again
During this month, New Life is reading the book of John. The book, as mentioned a few weeks ago, is for the purpose of believing in Jesus. John’s desire in writing is that we will consider the signs that Jesus performed in order to believe in Jesus so that we will live (John 20:30-31).
Looking back at John’s gospel in chapter three, we are introduced to Nicodemus, a ruling Pharisee of the Jews who came to Jesus by night to ask a question. He was a knowledgeable teacher of God’s Law in Israel yet was troubled. He knew about Jesus, in fact he said, “We know that you have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” We see that Nicodemus knew Jesus, but there was something lacking. The problem was this: he knew, but he didn’t believe.
In John chapter three, Jesus uses two steps to assist Nicodemus in fully understanding the significance of what he had come to embrace that Jesus is from God. Oh, there is more and Jesus opens up scripture to Nicodemus so that he fully identifies that Jesus is the Christ and should believe Him.
Step 1: Nicodemus, you must be born again. Jesus seeks to deepen the conversation since Nicodemus is a teacher of the Jews. Nicodemus does not grasp how being born again is relevant since one cannot reenter their mother’s womb (flesh). The picture is that God’s plan all along was to place His Spirit within man (Ezekiel 36:26, 37:5,14). In order to keep Nicodemus on target, Jesus adds to the understanding of being born again by pulling in the illustration of the wind. The “wind” is a common image of God’s Spirit that Nicodemus would have been familiar with. Therefore, being born again is that which God does.
Step 2: Nicodemus, you must lift up the Son of Man. Jesus points back to Moses from Numbers 21:8-9, where God is shown sending poisonous snakes to judge rebellious Israel. God provides a way of salvation by instructing Moses to raise a bronze serpent and when one who has been bitten looks at the bronze serpent, the person lives. Jesus connects the serpent to what will take place when one looks upon the Son of Man—the person will live.
Jesus calls Nicodemus to believe (John 3:15-16). Believing is the combination of being born again and lifting up Jesus. John uses the term believe throughout his gospel to encompass the work of God and the response of an individual.
As you continue to read John’s gospel, notice how John develops the depth of believing in Jesus. Make note of John 4:1-42 and how John continues to teach the principle of being born again and lifting up Jesus through the lives of the Samaritans.
Do you believe?
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem