This interview of the Lord Jesus with Nicodemus has to be the most outstanding in the annals of time. From this we understand the greatest need of humanity is the “new birth.” This is outside of human efforts altogether and as John 3:3 (RV) says, it is “from above,” that is, from heaven or from God (John 3:5). It is based on simple faith in the work of Christ and the shedding of His precious blood on the cross. The result is a complete change of heart and outlook caused by the action of the Holy Spirit on the soul. Luke refers to this as “conversion,” (Acts 3:19), Paul employs the word, “saved,” (1 Cor 15:2), also the “washing of regeneration,” (Titus 3:5).
Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, likely an old man (v 4) would be well acquainted with the Sacred Writings and the Torah. He came to the Savior at night, addressing the Lord as “Rabbi,” a title of respect. Some have thought the reason he came by night was the fear of being seen. I rather think he knew how busy the Master was, and thought there would be a better chance to see Him at night. Perhaps he had seen the Lord cleansing the Temple, for he states, “No man can do these miracles that Thou doest except God be with Him.”
As he listens to the Lord’s words, all of his religious learning crumbles; The Lord reminds him that he must be “born again.” Nicodemus does not understand and confuses his physical birth with the spiritual. The Lord, Master of the use of illustrations, reminds him of the action of the Word of God as being “born of water.” He describes the wind and its forces like the activity of the Spirit of God. “So is every one that is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus seems to be convinced and his last words are, “How can these things be?”
I would like to answer that question by the following references. “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13). “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” (1 John 5:1). This substantiates that the new birth is God’s work, based on the Word of God and faith resting on who Christ is. Have You been “born again”?
