John 3. In chapter 3 John recounts a lengthy dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus. This narrative is theologically rich and revealing. It is a profound exposition of the very essence of Christianity – the necessity of spiritual rebirth, the nature of the Kingdom of God, and the revelation of God’s boundless love.

To fully appreciate the weight of this conversation, it is critical to understand who Nicodemus was. John introduces him as a man of the Pharisees, a ruler of the Jews. As a Pharisee, Nicodemus was devoted to the study and observance of the Mosaic law. His role as a ruler of the Jews likely indicates his membership in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. This would make him a respected and influential figure within Jerusalem’s religious elite.

Yet despite his outward piety and scholarly attainment Nicodemus approaches Jesus by night. This detail is loaded with significance. Perhaps he desired privacy or maybe he was afraid of being seen with this controversial rabbi. On a deeper level John frequently uses motifs of light and darkness to symbolize spiritual understanding and ignorance. Nicodemus comes to Jesus in the darkness, but he is seeking the light. As Jesus notes later, the light has come into the world and people love the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil… but whoever does what is true comes to the light (3:19,21). That small detail offers a wonderful metaphor for the spiritual journey and Nicodemus is on.

Nicodemus opens the dialogue with respect, addressing Jesus as Rabbi and acknowledging that we know you are a teacher come from God for no one can do these signs unless God is with him (3:2). But Jesus’s response cut straight to the heart of the matter: Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God (3:3). This declaration stuns Nicodemus and initiates a profound discussion about the nature of salvation.

The phrase born again is central to understanding this chapter. Jesus is not talking about physical birth, but a radical spiritual transformation. When a person confesses their belief that Jesus is the Son of God, who died to pay the price for their sins, it opens the way for the forgiving power of God’s grace. It births a new relationship with God Almighty, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It also opens the way for the Holy Spirit to take up residence within someone, which brings forth life-changing transformation.

Jesus also offers a very clear statement of why he has come to earth in human form. It is a result of God’s great love for humankind. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (3:16-17).

You must be born again. This spiritual rebirth and a new relationship with God is the only way to enter the kingdom of God. Whoever believes in the son has eternal life, whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (3:36).

Reflect on how we use the phrase born again in Christian circles. What does it mean? How would you explain it to a non-believer? Let’s be grateful for Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus!