John 3: Born from Above
"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."
(John 3:3, ESV)
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. Something was stirring within him—curiosity, maybe hunger—but his understanding was still rooted in the flesh. Jesus immediately speaks to the deeper issue: being born of the Spirit. The new birth isn’t about religious performance, knowledge, or even sincere searching. It’s about a radical inner transformation that only the Spirit can accomplish.
Trying to explain spiritual reality to someone who hasn’t been born again is like trying to describe color to someone born blind. It’s not about intellect, it’s about revelation. Jesus tells Nicodemus that unless a person is born again, they can’t even see the Kingdom of God.
The Bridge Between Earth and Heaven
Jesus connects the natural with the supernatural. Just as physical birth brings us into the world, spiritual rebirth is the doorway into the Kingdom of Heaven. Without it, we remain blind to eternal realities. But Jesus didn’t come to condemn us for this blindness—He came to heal it.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, ESV)
This is the heart of the Gospel. Jesus offers us not just a second chance—but a new life. By believing in Him, we are not merely better versions of ourselves. We are born from above.
Two Men, Two Responses
Nicodemus struggled to grasp this truth. He was sincere, religious, even respectful—but still veiled by fleshly thinking. In contrast, John the Baptist lived in the light of revelation. He knew who Jesus was. He didn’t just acknowledge the Messiah; he rejoiced in Him.
"The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom... rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete." (John 3:29, ESV)
John's identity wasn’t rooted in status or success—it was in relationship. He was a friend of the Bridegroom. He understood that his role was to prepare the Bride (God’s people) for Christ and to decrease so that Christ could increase.
What About Us?
We must choose. Will we be like Nicodemus—earnest but entangled in natural thinking? Or like John—joyful, surrendered, and living for one thing: to make Jesus known?
John declared, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” (John 3:27). This is the posture of true revelation—humble hunger. When we live this way, God entrusts us with more of Himself.
Prayer
Lord, I don’t want to just study You—I want to be born of Your Spirit and live as a friend of the Bridegroom. Give me hunger like John, clarity like light, and joy in knowing You. May my life prepare the way for others to meet You. Decrease me, that You may increase. Amen.