Born Again: What Jesus Really Meant When Speaking to Nicodemus
The Midnight Meeting That Changed Everything
When Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader, approached Jesus at night, he was met with a startling declaration: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Confused, Nicodemus asked, "How can these things be?"
This question resonates with many today. What does being "born again" actually mean?
The Simple Truth About Spiritual Rebirth
Jesus explained that being born again isn't physical but spiritual—a transformation that comes "from above." It involves:
- a spiritual new birth
- a divine regeneration
Like the wind, we can't see the process, but we witness its powerful effects: changed desires, transformed character, and newfound purpose.
The Bronze Serpent: Faith's Simple Mechanism
To illustrate this concept, Jesus referenced Moses lifting up a bronze serpent in the wilderness. Just as the Israelites were healed by simply looking at the serpent, we receive spiritual rebirth by looking to Christ in faith and trusting in His finished work on the cross.
The process is beautifully simple: acknowledge your spiritual need for a Saviour and trust in what Jesus, the one and only Saviour, accomplished on the cross.
Why Religious Knowledge Isn't Enough
Jesus rebuked Nicodemus—a theological expert in Jewish theology—for not understanding these concepts. Despite knowing scriptures that foreshadowed spiritual transformation (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26), Nicodemus missed their fulfillment standing right before him.
This reminds us that intellectual knowledge about God doesn't equal spiritual rebirth. Many today know about Jesus but haven't experienced the transforming power of being born again.
The Life-Changing Promise
The gospel offers something remarkable: "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." This divine exchange—Jesus taking our punishment so we can receive His life—is the essence of being born again.
🔍 Want to go deeper? Discover the full meaning of spiritual rebirth through our verse-by-verse Bible teaching on John 3. Listen to the complete sermon here and experience how expository preaching brings Scripture to life! ✝️