“…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, NKJV)

The setting of our selected passage is under the cover of night.  A highly respected religious leader of the day, Nicodemus (a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin), has come to Jesus under the cover of night out of fear of being seen with He who was challenging the establishment and undermining their power over the Jewish people. Even so, Nicodemus, knowing Jesus had the answers to his many questions, took the risk in order to learn more about the teachings of Jesus.

Nicodemus speaking says, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Nicodemus has now confessed that Jesus is from God, His signs are miracles, and that God is with Him. Nicodemus is on the right path and of course Jesus knew it. So, instead of answering the question directly, thus wasting time with back and forth, Jesus went to the heart of his problem by telling him that “…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  Nicodemus then responds with questions of how can one be born again when he is old, and how can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb? These, of course, are questions of a secular mind. Nicodemus was unable to understand what all he was witnessing and hearing because he had not been born again – saved.

Only God can bring us to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ – a true transformation within our heart that gives us a new identity, perspective, and hope. Are you relying on your own worldly perspective to figure out the things of a holy God? You will never understand the things of God without first being transformed by God.  Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior today by praying the following prayer …

Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I pray Your forgiveness. I know that You died for my sins and rose again from the dead. Today I repent of my sins and ask You to come into my heart and life.  I want to follow You as Lord and Savior.  I pray in Jesus’s name… amen.

(If you just prayed this prayer and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, find a good Bible teaching church in your area and speak with a pastor or staff member. Welcome to the family of God!)

(Hope For Life Ministries, 2026)