Scripture
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 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.”
Reflection
The tone in this passage is so important as this was a new beginning for Nicodemus, the moment he was born again! Nicodemus arriving by the guise of night came to inquire further of Jesus. His tone towards the Savior was one of strong curiosity, kindness and a desire to really understand who this man was. Jesus met Nicodemus with the same kindness of tone in his response when he told him, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[a] gives birth to spirit.’”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary states that “Birth is the beginning of life; to be born again, is to begin to live anew, as those who have lived much amiss, or to little purpose. We must have a new nature, new principles, new affections, new aims.” Good new beginnings are scary for some. It often leaves you vulnerable as a child as you begin to “live anew, with a new purpose and principles” as Matthew Henry states. And so it is of such importance that we act as Jesus did in this moment to encourage our young brothers and sisters of the faith. Though we all may be weak at the start, we should encourage good beginnings, because who knows what God will do with that seed sown inside of us.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Think of someone you know who could use a little joy in their lives and pray for presence of the Lord to rest on them. “In His presence there is fullness of Joy” Psalm 16:11.
