15th January 2024
Born from above
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” [Margin: The Greek for ‘again’ also means ‘from above’; also in verse 7.]
John 3:3 (NIV)
I naturally do not know much about my birth, but I remember the birth of my children and their children. It is not an easy process, and it is a long and painful one. This is true for most women. Nicodemus has come to Jesus at night; possibly fearing what the others might think and fearing for his position in the ruling religious party. He called Jesus a teacher who had come from God, which he was, but he did not say he was God outright. He was seeking to know if Jesus was much more than this, he wanted to know if Jesus was the Messiah talked about in scripture, the coming hope for his world. And now Jesus tells him he must be born again to perceive this kingdom. I admit, I was just as confused as Nicodemos when I first read these words. Being born again was not a process I could replicate – no one can.
I really did not have much to say about my birth. We cannot choose our parents or the place of our birth. We do not have a say in the time or the year of our birth. We are helpless when it comes to these details of our lives. What about this second birth talked about by Jesus? This is not a physical rebirth, but one that is very important. Jesus explained further in verses 5-8. We must be born of water and Spirit. The washing of the water of God to remove our sin and the Spirit to give us new life. It is a thorough cleaning job by God. Only God can give us this rebirth. As Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:44). God was drawing Nicodemus; God has called us all to come to him for rebirth.
There is a lot we do not know or understand, but God is in control of our birth and rebirth. He calls us to come to him, to trust and to believe. Nicodemus came to Jesus seeking answers. The answers he was looking for came with a change of mind, a new spirit to be able to understand. New eyes to be able to see the kingdom of God in the way it really is. That kingdom was already at work in the world. Can we see it? Just as the wind cannot be seen, so the works of the Spirit cannot be perceived until God gives us that rebirth, that ability to see the kingdom of God. The Spirit gives birth to spirit, Jesus said (verses 6-8), and so this rebirth can only be done by God who is Spirit. But do not fear, God is already at work within us.
Prayer
Merciful God, how you have clung to us your children and have faithfully put up with all our faults and failings, your love is beyond measure for us. Open our hearts and minds to know you more and to be able to follow you where you lead us. In Jesus, we praise you! Amen.
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
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