Among the Pharisees, there was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. He came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a Teacher sent from God, for no one can perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you: no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Nicodemus asked Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Surely, he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you: no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:1-8*).
In today's passage, we read about the encounter between Christ and a Pharisee named Nicodemus. This man is a teacher and a member of the Sanhedrin – the council that attempts to discern false teachings and ensure adherence to God’s law.
Recognizing that the deeds performed by Lord Jesus exceed the capabilities of an ordinary person, Nicodemus comes to Him at night to ask Him some questions. The Lord explains that unless one is “born again,” they cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3*). This sounds puzzling to the Pharisee, who has always had confidence in his religion and morality.
Are you like Nicodemus? Do you believe that good deeds and religious behavior can guarantee you a place in heaven? No matter how much we wish it were true, the Bible teaches us something different: We are all sinful, and our sin separates us from God. There is only one way to salvation – faith in Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Later in the conversation with Nicodemus, Christ says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16*). Lord Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it – through the personal faith of each individual (John 3:17).
Link to the original article: https://www.intouchuk.org/read/daily-devotions/new-birth-why
* Biblical quotations are from Bible, New Translation from Original Languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013