Born of Water and the Spirit (1)
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April 12, 2026 |
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“Jesus answered and said to him,
‘Truly, truly, I say to you,
unless one is born again
he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”
(John 3:3)
The Pharisees strictly observed the Law of Moses and deeply cherished the traditions passed down from their ancestors. They believed in the resurrection, angels, and eschatology, as well as the coming of the Messiah. They were the leading class of Israel, taking pride in their devotion to God.
However, Jesus rebuked them harshly, saying, “Woe to you!” This was because they appeared holy on the outside, but their hearts were filled with sin, like whitewashed tombs. Although they were in a position to teach God's Word, they failed to realize the truth of Jesus and instead rejected Him, seeking to put Him to death.
1. Nicodemus, a Man of Good Heart
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, but because he possessed a good heart, he recognized Jesus as One who had come from God" by observing the signs and wonders He performed (John 3:2). As a member of the Sanhedrin, the highest council of the Jews, he was a high-ranking figure with great authority, wealth, and reputation.
He sensed an indescribable authority in Jesus who preached the Gospel through signs and wonders. Avoiding the eyes of others, he went to Jesus at night. He was afraid of people’s attention. However, after meeting Jesus, he was transformed.
He defended Jesus before the criticizing Pharisees, saying, “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” (John 7:51) For a Jewish official, making such a statement was far from easy, as it carried the risk of being stripped of his position or facing persecution.
Nevertheless, Nicodemus spoke up for Jesus, which reveals how sincere he was and how firm his faith had become. This is evident from the fact that after Jesus was crucified and passed away, he brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to prepare His body for burial (John 19:39?40).
2. The Spiritual Dialogue Between Jesus and Nicodemus
Nicodemus met Jesus and confessed, “Rabbi, 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.” Seeing Jesus perform marvelous power impossible for man?raising the dead, opening the eyes of the blind, and making the mute speak? Nicodemus believed in his good conscience that Jesus had come from heaven.
However, upon hearing this, Jesus said, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This was to awaken Nicodemus who was spiritually ignorant. Nicodemus asked back, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Since he was not spiritually awakened, he could not help but ask a physical question.
In response, Jesus explained: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:5?7). He was teaching that to enter heaven, everyone must be born again of water and the Spirit so that their spirit may be revived.
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