What Did Jesus Say To Nicodemus

Bible Gateway passage: John 3:1-21 – New International Version

3Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus A)”>(A), who was a member of the Jewish governing council and was a member of the Jewish ruling council. “Rabbi, C)”>(C)we know D)”>(D)that you are a teacher who has come from God,” he said when he approached Jesus in the middle of the night. Nobody could execute the signs E)”>(E)you are performing if God were not present to assist him. ” F)”> ” F”> ” F”> (F) “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they have been born again,” Jesus said.

“Surely they are unable to enter their mother’s womb for a second time in order to birth!” Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they have been born of water and the Spirit.

H)”>(H)6Flesh gives birth to flesh, while the Spiritgives birth to spirit.

8The wind is free to blow wherever it wants.

The same is true for everybody who has been born of the Spirit.
” K)”>(K)Nicodemus was the one who inquired.
11I swear to you, we speak of what we know, M)”>(M), and we testify to what we have witnessed, yet you people refuse to believe us despite our testimony.
13There has never been anyone who has gone into heaven O)”>(O) save for the one who came from heaven.
Q)”>(Q)14Just as Moses hoisted up the serpent in the desert, R)”>(R)so the Son of Man must be lifted up, R)”>(R)as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, So that everyone who trusts in T)”>(T)15 may have eternal life in him, S)”>(S)15.
16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, X)”>(X), so that whoever believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life.
The Bible says that whomever believes in him will not be condemned, but the Bible says that anyone does not believe will already be condemned because they have refused to believe in the name of God’s one and only Son.
AF)”>(AF)20Everyone who does evil despises the light and will not come into the light for fear of being exposed for their activities.

AG)”>(AG)21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the eyes of God. Read the entire chapter.

Footnotes

3:3 (John 3:3) In verse 7, the Greek word foragain is translated as “from above.” John 3:6But the spirit
John 3:7The Greek word for spirit is multiple. Several manuscripts translate the Greek word for Spirit as “wind.” John 3:13 Some manuscripts translate it as “Man, who is in heaven.” John 3:14 The Greek word forlifted up also implies exalted. John 3:15 Some commentators conclude the statement with verse 21.

Cross references

John 3:1:Jn 7:50
19:39
John 3:1:Lk 23:13
John 3:2:S Mt 23:7
John 3:2:S Jn 2:11
John 3:2:Jn 10:38
14:10, 11
Ac 2:22
10:38
John 3:3:S Mt 3:2
S Jn 1:13
John 3:6:S Mt 3:2
John 3:8:1

New International Version (New International Version) (NIV) NIV® stands for New International Version® of the Holy Bible. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, and 2012 byBiblica, Inc.®Used with permission from the owner. All rights are retained around the world. The New International Version (NIV) Reverse Interlinear Bible provides translations from English to Hebrew and from English to Greek. Zondervan has copyright protection till the year 2019.

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31st chapter of John Now there was a guy named Nicodemus who belonged to the Pharisees and was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus in the middle of the night and said, “Rabbi, we are aware that you are a divinely inspired teacher who has come from God. Without God’s assistance, no one could do the amazing signs that you are currently performing.” “I tell you the truth; no one can see God’s kingdom unless he has been born again,” Jesus proclaimed in response. “How is it possible for a guy to be born when he is old?” Nicodemus inquired.

5Jesus said in the affirmative, “Everyone who is not born of water and the Spirit will not be able to enter the kingdom of God, I tell you the truth.
Seventh, you shouldn’t be startled by my statement, ‘You must re-birth yourself.’ 8The wind is free to blow wherever it wants.
The same is true for everybody who has been born of the Spirit.” 9″How is this possible?” Nicodemus inquired.
11We proclaim the truth to you, and we witness to what we have seen and heard, yet you refuse to believe us despite the fact that we have spoken the truth to you.
13Except for the one who comes from heaven, the Son of Man, no one has ever entered the kingdom of heaven.

14 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 a total of 16 “In fact, God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life with him.

18Whoever believes in him is not condemned; but, whoever does not believe is already condemned because he has not placed his faith in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Anyone who commits evil despises the light and will not enter it for fear that his or her sins would be discovered.
John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, where there was plenty of water and people were always flocking to be baptized because it was a popular spot.
‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of Jordan-the one who testified about you-is baptizing, and everyone is flocking to him,’ they said to John.
27In response to this, John said, “A man can only receive from heaven what has been given to him.
The buddy who is accompanying the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and he is overjoyed when he hears the bridegroom’s voice for the very first time.
30 He must grow in stature, while I must shrink in stature.
The one who comes from heaven is superior to all others.
33 The guy who has embraced it has given his seal of approval to the fact that God is trustworthy.

35The Father adores the Son and has entrusted him with complete control over all things. The Son has given everlasting life to everyone who believes in him. But everyone who does not believe in the Son will perish because God’s wrath remains on him.”

Orborn from above
This is also mentioned in verse 7. Spirit of Orbut
The Greek word for “many” is plural
Some texts have a guy who is in heaven, or who believes that he has everlasting life inside him. Alternatively, his only begotten Son
Alternatively, God’s only begotten Son The passage is sometimes ended after verse 15 by certain commentators
Some manuscripts and certain Jews do the same. OrMessiah
sGreekhe
Some interpretations choose to finish the passage after verse 30
Others choose to continue with verse 31.

Bible, King James Version

In the time of Jesus, there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus who was the ruler of the Jews: The same person came to Jesus in the middle of the night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher sent from God: for no one can accomplish these marvels that thou doest unless God is with him.” No one can do these miracles unless God is with him. In response, Jesus remarked to him, “Truly, verily, I say unto thee, a man shall not see the kingdom of God until he is born again.” Nicodemus confronts him with the question, “How can a man be born when he is old?” Is it possible for him to enter his mother’s womb for a second time and be born?

Things born of the body are considered to be flesh, whereas things born of the Spirit are considered to be spirit.
The wind blows where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound of it, but thou cannot tell from where it came or where it is going; so it is with every person who has been born of the Spirit.
If I have informed you about worldly things and you do not trust me, how can you expect to believe me when I tell you about heavenly things?
And just as Moses hoisted up the snake in the desert, the Son of Man must be lifted up as well: That whomever believes in him will not die, but will have eternal life as a result.
Because God did not send his Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but in order that the world could be saved through him.
Because their acts were bad, light has been brought into the world, but humanity preferred darkness to light.
Because everyone who does evil despises the light and does not come to the light for fear of being held accountable for his or her actions.

After these events had place, Jesus and his followers traveled to the country of Judaea, where he stayed with them and baptized the people.

And the people came and were baptized.

Then there was a disagreement between some of John’s disciples and the Jews over the issue of purification.

You yourselves bear witness to the fact that I stated that I am not the Christ, but that I am a messenger sent before him.

He must rise, but I must shrink in order for him to succeed.

Furthermore, what he has seen and heard is what he testifies to, and no one can contradict his evidence.

Since he whom God has sent speaks the words of God, because God does not send the Spirit to anybody in proportion to his or her ability.

The Father adores the Son and has entrusted him with complete control over all things. He who believeth on the Son has eternal life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Next Chapter

2:23–3:21 (JOHN 2–3:21)

What it means to be “BORN AGAIN” is discussed in JESUS’ conversation with NICODEMUS.

During his stay in Jerusalem for the Passover festival in 30 C.E., Jesus performs a series of astonishing signs, known as miracles. As a consequence, many individuals have placed their trust in him. Nicolas, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court), is taken aback by the performance. He comes to Jesus after nightfall, maybe out of concern for his reputation with the other Jewish officials if he is discovered. “Rabbi,” Nicodemus tells him, “we know that you have come from God as a teacher because no one can accomplish these signs that you perform unless God is there.” “We know that you have come from God as a teacher,” Nicodemus continues.

— How, on the other hand, does a person re-experience birth?

— John 3:4 (KJV).

The Lord Jesus says, “Unless a person is born of water and the spirit, he will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God.” (See also John 3:5) When Jesus was baptized and holy spirit fell upon him, he was thus born “from water and spirit.” “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved,” said the Father in heaven at the moment.

Later, at the feast of Pentecost in the year 33 C.E., the holy spirit will be poured forth on other baptized believers, and they will be reborn as spirit-begotten sons and daughters of God.
— Nicodemus has a tough time comprehending what Jesus is teaching him about the Kingdom of Heaven and Earth.
“Just as Moses held up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, in order that everyone who believes in him may have everlasting life,” Jesus adds.
Those Israelites who were bitten by deadly snakes had to stare at the copper serpent for a long time in order to be rescued centuries ago.
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising trust in him could not be destroyed but might have eternal life,” Jesus tells Nicodemus next, emphasizing Jehovah’s loving participation in all of this.
In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus explains that “God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world.” He was not sent to pass judgment on it negatively, sentencing all mankind to extermination as a result of this.
Nicodemus had come to Jesus in a state of terror, under the cover of darkness.
Anyone who does what is right, on the other hand, comes into the light, so that his deeds may be shown as having been done in accordance with God.” Scripture reference: John 3:19–21.

This now falls to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and teacher of Israel, to ponder what he has just learned about Jesus’ position in God’s plan for the world.

Who Was Nicodemus in the Bible & Was He Saved?

According to John 3, Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to Jesus in the middle of the night with a question for him. He heard an answer that would be hidden in the minds of Christians for decades to come.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus: You Must BeBorn Again

Now there was a guy named Nicodemus who belonged to the Pharisees and was the ruler of the Jews. When this man came to Jesus in the middle of the night, he told him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher sent by God, since no one can do the marvels that you perform unless God is there with him.” When he asked Jesus about it, he received the following response: “Truly, truly, I say to you, until one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “How is it possible for a man to be born when he is old?” Nicodemus inquired.

Is it possible for him to enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?” According to Jesus’ response: “Truthfully, really, I say to you, unless one is born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” When the body gives birth to anything, it is called flesh, and when the Spirit gives birth to something, it is called spirit.

The same holds true for everybody who is born of the Spirit.” “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus inquired of him.
Indeed, I say to you, we speak of what we know and offer witness to what we have witnessed, yet you do not benefit from our testimony.
Except for the Son of Man, no one has ever risen into heaven except for him who descended from heaven.
(See also John 3:1-15)

Nicodemus’ Secret Conversation with Jesus

A man named Nicodemus, a member of the Pharisees and ruler of the Jews, appeared at this point in the narrative. This man came to Jesus in the middle of the night and told him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher sent by God, for no one can do these miracles unless God is there.” As Jesus spoke to him, he stated: “Truly, truly, I say to you that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he has been born again. “How can a guy be born when he is so old?” Nicodemus questioned him. Is he able to enter his mother’s womb a second time and give birth?” “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a person is born of water and the Spirit, he or she will not be able to enter the kingdom of God.” When the body gives birth to anything, it is called flesh, and when the spirit gives birth to something, it is called spirit.

Even if you can hear the wind blowing anywhere it pleases, you have no idea where it is coming from or going to.

“How are these things possible?” Nicodemus inquired.

Indeed, I say to you, we speak of what we know and bore witness to what we have witnessed, but you do not hear or heed our words.

Only the Son of Man, who descended from heaven, has attained the status of ascending into heaven. The Son of Man must be hoisted up, just as Moses held up the snake in the desert, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. (See also John 3:1-15. )

Nicodemus was Not a Spy

Some academics doubt Nicodemus’ motivations. They stated that he came on behalf of the Sanhedrin as a type of snoop, with the mission of tricking Jesus into delivering an official response based on the questions he would pose. After all, Nicodemus uses the first-person plural to express himself (” We know You have come from God as a Teacher “). However, there are three issues with this approach.

In light of the fact that other Jewish authorities confronted Jesus in the open, Nicodemus would not have needed to sneak through the night to see Jesus
Yet, he did not inquire and instead stated that Jesus was a Teacher from God. To be sure, Nicodemus later reveals himself to be a believer when he arrives with Joseph of Arimathea to prepare Jesus’ body for a proper Jewish burial (John 19:39)
But, more importantly, Nicodemus later reveals himself to be a believer when he comes to prepare Jesus’ body for a proper Jewish burial (John 19:39).

Nicodemus was Honestly Seeking God

The most likely explanation is that Nicodemus, while not entirely convinced of Jesus’ divinity at the time, had witnessed the marvels performed by Jesus. He devised a strategy for seeing Jesus by comparing what he understood about the Old Testament with what people expected to happen when the Messiah came. As a result, he arrived sincere in his search for God. By the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, Nicodemus had gained the confidence to share his newfound faith with the rest of the world. According to Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary, “and though he arrived by night, subsequently he openly acknowledged Christ as his Lord and Savior.”

What Else Does the Bible Say About Nicodemus?

Nicodemus warned a group of unbelieving Pharisees in John 7:50-51 about the consequences of unjustly taking Jesus. Afterward, in John 19:39, after Jesus had been killed, Nicodemus joined forces with Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus in accordance with Jewish tradition. He brought “a combination of myrrh and aloes weighing around seventy-five pounds,” according to the Bible (John 19:39). Adapted from Alfred Edersheim’s The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (Book III, Chapter VI) and from the lecture notes of Dr.

Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/JamesColeman.

The Story of Nicodemus

The story of Nicodemus appears in three different places in the Bible, all of which are found in the book of John. After viewing the television series “The Chosen,” which is based on the story of Jesus, I developed a new respect for Nicodemus. He is the one character whose narrative brings tears to my eyes every time I see it, and I love him for it! God has provided us with enough knowledge to construct a fascinating picture despite the fact that we don’t know everything for certain. So, who was Nicodemus, exactly?

Who was Nicodemus?

Nicodemus belonged to the prestigious Pharisees sect of Judaism and was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was the highest Jewish court at the time. Nicodemus held a significant position as ruler of the Pharisees, which was a position of immense authority. He was a wealthy businessman with much power and influence. The Pharisees made a pact with God that they would follow all customs and rules to the letter of the law. The fact that they believed they were the only ones capable of interpreting God’s message, however, caused them to become arrogant.

There was a guy named Nicodemus who belonged to the Pharisees and was a member of the Jewish ruling council.

“Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God,” he remarked to Jesus one night as he walked up to him. If God were not present, no one could accomplish the miraculous signs that you are currently performing.” NIV translation of John 3:1-2.

Why Did Nicodemus Approach Jesus at Night?

Although Scripture does not provide an explanation, various hypotheses have been advanced: He was an inquiring, curious seeker who was intrigued by Jesus’ teachings and his capacity to perform miracles, or was he anything more? Was he frightened to come in the daylight for fear of being mistaken for Jesus and his disciples? Visiting Jesus out of his own free choice may have resulted in his losing his position, fortune and social standing. The Jews’ ferocious hostility to Jesus was already increasing on a daily basis.

The Sanhedrin dispatched a delegation to examine the activities of John the Baptist (John 1:19-20).

Is it possible that Nicodemus had a thirst to discover whether or not Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah?

Nicodemus and Jesus

“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again,” Jesus says in response to Nicodemus’ comment, cutting directly to the core of the problem. v3 of the NIV. (Born again translates “born from above” in Greek.) Nicodemus takes Jesus’ words seriously and doubts whether or not a bodily rebirth is indeed possible. He felt that because he was a Jew, he had been born into God’s kingdom right from the beginning. His mind couldn’t comprehend the idea that there was an alternate path to paradise.

“How is this possible?” he wonders (v9).

Nicodemus should have been aware of God’s promise of spiritual regeneration in Ezekiel 36:26-27: “I will put my Spirit in you,” which means “I will put my Spirit in you.” Jesus, on the other hand, is persistent with Nicodemus.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Nicodemus is reminded of the story of Moses and the Bronze Serpent from the Old Testament by Jesus (Numbers 21:4-8). As Moses hoisted up the serpent in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up in order for anyone who believes in him to have eternal life. v14-15. Those who looked at the bronze snake and believed would not perish, but would instead live, when the serpent was raised on a pole. This narrative serves as a foreshadowing of the crucifixion. During Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, He explained that He would be hoisted up (on the cross) like the bronze serpent in order to free the people from eternal death.

Although this looks to be the conclusion of the discourse between Jesus and Nicodemus, we see Nicodemus resurface twice more. Make a note of it for later!

Nicodemus the Pharisee

It is now approximately 6 months till the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly career. Since their initial night-time contact, it is quite likely that Nicodemus was aware of what Jesus had been up to since that time. He was most likely aware of Jesus’ ongoing healing and teaching activities. Nicodemus addresses a group of Pharisees in John 7:50-51, and we can see him speaking to them. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were getting angry and frustrated with Jesus, and they devised a scheme to illegally seize Him from the temple guards.

When it came to his confidence in Jesus, Nicodemus did not make a straightforward proclamation.

He may have protected Jesus by raising a genuine legal argument, but he could not have altered the Pharisees’ views by declaring Jesus to be the Son of God at this moment.

Nicodemus had transformed himself from a seeker and skeptic to a protector.

Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea

After Jesus’ crucifixion, we’ll take one more look at Nicodemus’ life and ministry. The body of Jesus was later requested by Joseph of Arimathea, who went to Pilate to get it. Because of his dread of the Jews, Joseph continued to follow Jesus in secret for a while. He arrived and removed the body from the scene with Pilate’s consent. He was joined by Nicodemus, the man who had previously visited Jesus in the middle of the night. Nicodemus arrived with a combination of myrrh and aloes weighing around seventy-five pounds.

Joseph, like Nicodemus, was a member of the Sanhedrin (Jewish judicial body).
They turned their backs on Jesus out of fear and uncertainty.
(The quantity of funeral spices Nicodemus offered was prohibitively expensive.
Nicodemus’ collaboration with Joseph in the burying of Jesus demonstrates his love and dedication to the Lord Jesus.
Their acts demonstrated that they were prepared to sacrifice everything in order to care for Jesus.

What Happened to Nicodemus?

The tale of Nicodemus in the Bible comes to a close with Jesus’ burial. According to my Bible interpretation, neither guy is mentioned in Jewish records or traditions from their time, likely because they were considered traitors, and their names were deleted from all records as a result.

¹ The Bible does not tell us what happened to them. Our answers will be revealed in the hereafter. But, until then, I believe Nicodemus was a sincere seeker who developed to the point of defending Jesus in court and then courageously proclaiming his faith via his deeds and words.

What did Nicodemus Learn from Jesus?

Nicodemus was known as the “teacher of teachers” in the beginning, yet he did not comprehend what it meant to be born of the Spirit. Nicodemus, on the other hand, sought Jesus out in order to receive answers to his sincere questions. He discovered that being “religious” and understanding the Scriptures did not guarantee him entry into the kingdom of heaven. Each of us must look into the person of Jesus for ourselves and choose whether or not we think that He is who He claims to be—our Savior and Redeemer.

Nicodemus is frequently referred to as a “undercover” believer in the New Testament.
However, Jesus was patient with Nicodemus, and he continues to be patient with you and me today.
What are some of the ways your religion manifests itself in actions?
After coming out in public and assisting Joseph in Jesus’ burial, Nicodemus gave his life to Him and prayed for Him.
All of this occurred prior to the resurrection!
Do you advocate for Jesus in front of nonbelievers?

Lessons From Nicodemus

We all have a little bit of the Pharisee in us from time to time, but the Holy Spirit lives inside us to convict us, bring us to repentance, and effect true transformation in our hearts and lives. Nicodemus achieved tangible goods by concealing his interest in and faith in Jesus: he was able to maintain his prestige, power, fortune, and position. His lack of knowledge of Jesus’ deep teachings, a life lived with Him on the earth, and the presence of Jesus’ peace and pleasure in his existence, however, is astounding.

However, he was granted perpetual life!
When we allow Jesus to come into our life, He becomes our top focus, our source of satisfaction, and our source of tranquility.
As devoted followers, we recognize that He is much more valuable than anything or anybody else in the world.
If we are rejected by others because of our religion, it is because they are rejecting Him, not because we are rejecting them.
Do you think your spiritual change compares to that of Nicodemus?” As the saying goes, “When you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13 (New International Version).

(Wow, such a lovely promise! ) “Blessed are all those who seek shelter in Him,” the Bible says. Psalm 2:12b (New International Version). Blessings! AnnMarie

Barker, Kenneth L., and Kohlenberger III, John R., eds., Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary, Volume 2: New Testament. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Grand Rapids Press, 1994.

Here’s the account of another Pharisee who had a chance encounter with Jesus: the Apostle Paul, according to the Bible. Related Post

What Does Nicodemus Know about Being ‘Born Again?’

Throughout his ministry, Jesus was frequently at odds with the Pharisees, who were obstinate and rigid. His teaching, which was in direct contradiction to their authority and ideals, was oriented on a spiritual change of the heart rather than a strict commitment to the letter of the law, as was the case with them. When it comes to experiencing salvation and genuinely seeing the kingdom of God at action in one’s life, Jesus taught that we must lay away our old, sinful lives in order to become new creations—transformed, renewed, and reformed by the grace of God, rather of our own efforts.

One of the most powerful and widespread motifs in Christian religion, the concept of being “born again,” came forth as a result of Jesus’ interaction with an adherent of the Pharisees.

Jesus’ answer would not only improve his life; it would change the lives of future Christians and like-minded searchers forever.

Who was Nicodemus in the Bible?

“Victory of the people,” as Nicodemus’ name in Greek translates, was a member of the Sanhedrin, a regional assembly of religious authorities and Jewish intellectuals who were responsible for dealing with questions of Jewish law and religion. Nicodemus would have been a well-educated, privileged, and important man in this group, and he would have been responsible for being aware of any teachers or public figures who would lead the people wrong. Nicodemus approached Jesus in the middle of the night and inquired about things he had heard and seen.

However, while this idea may give an explanation for Nicodemus’ intentions, there is not enough evidence in the text to support it.

The gospel of John contains all of the information we have about Nicodemus.

It is possible that he was not an outspoken believer or follower of Jesus (at the time), but he could not dispute with what he had saw and heard.

Now he was looking for answers, and he came to Jesus when he realized he would be able to speak with him one-on-one. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/Brian Jackson

What Did Nicodemus Ask Jesus and Why?

To Nicodemus’ first response, Jesus responded,“really, truly, I say to you, except one isborn again,he cannot see the kingdom of God”(John 3:2). (John 3:2). The curious Pharisee was visibly perplexed by this remark, and he swiftly inquired, “How can a man be born when he is old? How can he possibly enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time, isn’t that true?” (See also John 3:4) Nicodemus would pose a very rational inquiry to clarify a very spiritual fact, and the answer would be quite reasonable.

In terms of sheer physicality, he was correct.

The secrets of God and the wonders of His kingdom, on the other hand, are not always obvious or understandable in strictly literal or physical ways.

It wouldn’t take long for Nicodemus to realize that being “born again” had absolutely nothing to do with bodily rebirth.

“Make a call to me and I will answer you, and I will reveal to you profound and hidden secrets that you have never known before.” According to (Jeremiah 33:3)

« It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to find out what has been concealed.» Proverbs 25:2 tells us that

In God’s eyes, it is a glory to conceal things, but it is the glory of kings to seek things out. Proverbs 25:2 tells us how to be wise.

God, in His immense might and divine wisdom, is frequently cloaked in mystery beyond the realm of human comprehension. This does not imply that He is unknowable or that He has purposefully concealed himself from the rest of the world. But in order to comprehend God’s divine essence, we must seek divine knowledge and allow ourselves to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds,” as the Bible says. (See also Romans 12:2) In his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus stated that “a person cannot enter the kingdom of God unless he or she is born of water and the Spirit.” “What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” “What is born of the body is flesh,” says the Bible.

The human intellect, since it is made of flesh, is incapable of comprehending the secrets of the kingdom of God or comprehending the fullness of God.

For them, any kind of spiritual reform or philosophical surrender was out of the question since they were too entrenched in their ways and relied on their political power and influence.

However, in the kingdom of God, a person’s earthly influence and political rank are meaningless. “To be born again is to be born of the Spirit,” says the Apostle Paul (Matthew Henry). Something like this was just beyond the comprehension of the Pharisees.

What Does Nicodemus Demonstrate about Faith?

Nicodemus, on the other hand, arrived with an open mind and a desire to understand more about Jesus’ teachings. As a result, his heart had been moved and his mind had been stretched, and as is true in Scripture, those who seek the Lord and answers to the mysteries of his kingdom will not be disappointed in their efforts (Jeremiah 29:13,Deuteronomy 4:29,Luke 11:9). As a teacher of the law, Jesus may have gently corrected Nicodemus for his early ignorance, saying, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not comprehend these things?” (Are you the teacher of Israel and do not grasp these things?) In spite of this, Jesus lead him to understanding with a reference to an Old Testament account that referred to his ultimate sacrifice (see John 3:9).

Some have pointed out that Nicodemus arrived to Jesus’ home in a stealthy manner and at night.

That would soon come to an end.

Moreover, even after Jesus’ death, Nicodemus was seen, together with Joseph of Arimathea, carrying myrrh and spices to the tomb of Jesus, which had been prepared after he had died on the cross (John 19:39).

Why Does the Bible Address Being Born Again?

When Jesus talked of being “born again,” he was attempting to convey what must take place in the heart, mind, and soul of a believer who has been transformed by the forgiveness and grace of God. Every human existence begins with birth, and in order to be born of the Spirit, one must begin at the foot of the cross. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have gone away; behold, new things have arrived,” Paul wrote to the Corinthians, referring to Jesus’ proclamation as the Lamb of God who wipes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

As a result of His resurrection, new life is birthed.

Everything must be in accordance with Christ’s image and will now that we have been reborn.

The discourse between Nicodemus and Jesus revealed something new about the secrets of God and the meaning of salvation to Nicodemus.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (See John 3:16 for more information.) The spiritual rebirth and new life that are made possible by the mercy of Jesus Christ are more than just a temporary remedy for an earthly ailment or condition.

In other words, it is a spiritual treatment that permits us to experience and enjoy an eternity of spiritual bliss with Jesus.
He was saved by the searching heart of Nicodemus, who transcended the limitations of his earthly training and the narrow-mindedness of his spiritual colleagues.
It appears that the greatest way to comprehend what it means to be “born again” is to experience it for oneself, and that is surely shown in the life and transformation of Nicodemus.
Having served as a youth pastor in the past, he has a special place in his heart for teenagers and young adults.

He is enthusiastic about involving adolescents in the arts through cinema, literature, and theater. His blog, Perspectives Off the Page, explores the creative and spiritual lives of individuals via the medium of story and artwork. The image is courtesy of Getty Images/TinnakornJorruang

What Did Jesus Mean When He Said “You Must Be Born Again”?

You’ve undoubtedly heard the term “You must be born again” used in a lecture at one point or another. But, more specifically, what does this mean? During a conversation with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, Jesus answered all of Nicodemus’ questions about His teaching and the nature of salvation by delivering a perfect synopsis of the Gospel, which included one of the most important metaphors and doctrines of the Christian faith. “Jesus responded by telling him (Nicodemus) that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3, bolded to emphasize the point.) Initially, the concept of being “born again” perplexed the curious Nicodemus, who inquired, “How can someone be born when they are old?

In spite of his extensive knowledge of the Old Testament and Jewish law, Nicodemus found it difficult to comprehend the deeper significance of Jesus’ remarks.

Many have grappled with the spiritual realities of Jesus’s teaching and the consequences of Christ’s call to discipleship in their lives.

First, let’s look at this verse in its proper context: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they have been born again,” Jesus responded.

“Surely they are unable to enter their mother’s womb for a second time in order to birth!” According to Jesus’ response: “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they have been born of water and the Spirit.” However, while the flesh gives birth to flesh, it is the Spirit who gives birth to spirit.

(See John 3:3–7)

What Did Jesus Mean by ‘You Must Be Born Again’? (John 3:7)

When Jesus declared that we must be “born again,” he was not speaking to any form of actual or bodily rebirth, as is commonly understood. It was through God’s rescuing grace and His final death on the cross that he used the phrase “reborn” to emphasize the necessity for each of us to be spiritually changed, refashioned, and recreated in order to be redeemed and refashioned again. In order to clarify this notion to Nicodemus, Jesus used an Old Testament tale that Nicodemus would have been familiar with in order to illustrate His role on earth.

(See also John 3:14-15) As a result of their continuous whining and lack of trust, they were subjected to a plague of fiery serpents that swept throughout the camp of Israel, as recorded in Numbers 21.
It was said that anyone who gazed at the bronze snake would be magically cured of the poison pouring through their veins (Numbers 21).
Every person, according to the apostle Paul, “has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” [Bold emphasis added to Romans 3:23.] Unfortunately, the consequences of this transgression are spiritual death and an eternity apart from God as a result of their actions (Romans 6:23).
Similarly to how the bronze serpent was brought up to save the children of Israel, Jesus Christ was raised up to be our saving grace when he was crucified on the cross.

He went on to say that “because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace that you have been saved.” God, he continued, “is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.” (See also Ephesians 2:4).

Because of the poison of sin, there is no human antidote or fast remedy that can be applied.

It is required to modify the character of man, according to Matthew Henry, since “corruption and sin are woven into our very being; we are formed in iniquity.” The mere act of donning a new coat or a new visage is insufficient; instead, we must become a new man, we must becoming new animals.” Jesus claimed that we must “be born again” into a new existence “with water and the Spirit” in order to avoid repeating our mistakes.

(See also John 3:5) This theme is repeated in a number of instances in the New Testament.

(Titus 3:5-6; Titus 3:5) When you understand that He is righteous, you understand that everyone who does righteousness is also a child of God.

Paul, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, in His great kindness, has caused us to be born again into a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3 (New International Version) The Bible makes this quite plain.

In order to be rescued, you must be reborn from the dead.

How Are Christians Born Again?

We must be “born again” in order to be saved, yet Jesus was not talking to a literal or bodily rebirth. It was through God’s rescuing love and His final death on the cross that he used the phrase “reborn” to emphasize the need for each of us to be spiritually changed, refashioned, and rebuilt. Using a tale from the Old Testament that Nicodemus would have been acquainted with, Jesus attempted to convey the notion of mission to Nicodemus. I “Just as Moses held up the serpent in the desert,” Jesus said, “so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whomever believes in Him will have eternal life.” (See also John 3:14-15.

Moses was told by God to hang a bronze snake from a flagpole in the center of the camp in order to save people who had been stricken with the infection.
Nicodemus’s point of comparison with Jesus was that, at our heart, we are all poisoned by the fatal poison of personal sin, just as he had been.
Through His Son, Jesus Christ, God, in the same manner that He provided a way out of slavery for the Israelites, also supplied the ultimate Savior and healer for the world.
“However, God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” Paul says in his letter to the Romans.
There is no human cure or fast remedy that can counteract the poison of sin.
A new birth is required.
” The mere act of donning a new coat or a new visage is not sufficient; rather, we must become a new man, we must becoming new beings.” Jesus stated that we must “be born again” into a new existence “with water and the Spirit” in order to avoid repeating the past.
The Holy Spirit was poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, and He rescued us not on the basis of deeds done in righteousness, but according to His kindness, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible says in 1 John 2:29 In the words of St.

It is made very plain in the Holy Bible. In order to be rescued, you must be reborn from above.

What Is the Significance of ‘You Must Be Born Again’?

In response to Nicodemus’s perplexity regarding the nature of being born again, Jesus said, “ actually, really, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Things born of the flesh are things that are made of flesh, whereas things born of the Spirit are things that are made of spirit.” (See John 3:5–6) Anyone who is born again swaps his or her corrupted, sinful existence for a new life that has been given to them from on high. That individual obtains a fresh start in the form of forgiveness, everlasting salvation, and spiritual regeneration.

As the apostle Paul puts it: “If anybody is in Christ, that person has been created in a new manner; the old things have gone away; see, new things have arrived.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (New International Version) Also in his epistle to the Galatians, the apostle Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “It is not possible to please God unless you first love God and love your neighbor as yourself.” The one who has been born again is released from the bonds of sin and death that have bound him.

“Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him (Christ), in order that our body of sin may be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for the one who has died has been set free from sin,” Paul explained.

6:6-7) A further argument advanced by the apostle John was that “no one who has been born of God practices sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continuously, because he has been born of God.” The Bible says in 1 John 3:9 that we should love one another.

No.

Our prior life of sin has been crucified with Him as a result of His death (Romans 6:10).

We are not without flaws.

People who are born again receive a new heart, a new intellect, and finally a new body in eternity, which are separate from the contaminated, corrupt things of this world, as a result of their conversion.

(See also Romans 12:2).

The spiritual wonders of God and eternity frequently appear to be folly to the worldly intellect, and vice versa.

It is the opinion of Matthew Henry that “before he is capable of absorbing and understanding them, the natural man must be transformed into a spiritual man.” One who is born again has a complete transformation, beginning from the inside out.

Even more crucially, Jesus paid the penalty for our sin so that we may be adopted as “children of God” and heirs to His kingdom, welcomed “into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade,” as it says in the Bible.

As Jesus pointed out, this inheritance serves as our eternal treasure and reward (Matthew 6:19-21).

(See Jeremiah 29:13 for more information.) Nicodemus went out of his way to find Him.

As a result of Christ’s work on the cross, he would be born again and made new, demonstrating that Christ came and died for all, and that “anyone will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (See also Romans 10:13.) Continuing Your Education What Does It Mean to Be “Born Again”?

What Was Jesus Trying to Say?

Ryan is a children’s author, artist, professor, and public speaker based in Los Angeles who is passionate about assisting young writers in expressing themselves creatively and learning about the wonders of their Creator through storytelling and art.

Part of a wider resource collection that includes popular Bible verse phrases and quotations, this item can be found here.

It is our hope that these will assist you in a better understanding of the meaning and purpose of God’s Word in relation to your current life situation and circumstances.

“Be still and know that I am God,” the Bible says. “Pray Without Ceasing” is an adage that has stuck with me. “It is a work of art that has been fearfully and wonderfully created.” “Everything works together for the greater good.” “Do Not Be Afraid”