What Does Nicodemus Know about Being ‘Born Again?’ by Joel Ryan
Throughout his ministry, Jesus often butted heads with the stubborn and legalistic Pharisees. His message, which stood in direct opposition to their power and principles, centered around a spiritual transformation of the heart, not a fastidious adherence to the law.
To experience salvation and truly see the kingdom of God at work in one’s life, Jesus taught that we must cast aside the old, sinful life to become new creations—transformed, renewed, and reformed by the God’s grace, not personal works.
Jesus would later say that we must be “born again.”
This idea of being “born again” (one of the most powerful and prevalent themes in the Christian faith) actually emerged from a conversation with a Pharisee. In John 3, Nicodemus—a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council—came to Jesus at night with a seeker’s heart and a question regarding the deeper meaning of salvation.
Jesus’ answer would not only change his life; it would change the lives of future Christians and like-minded seekers forever.
Who was Nicodemus in the Bible?
Nicodemus, a name in Greek which means, “victory of the people,” was a member of the Sanhedrin, a regional body of religious leaders and Jewish scholars charged with handling matters of Jewish law and religion. As a member of this body, Nicodemus would have been a well-educated, privileged, and influential man, responsible for knowing about any teacher or public figure who might lead the people astray.
One night, Nicodemus came to Jesus in private to ask about things he had heard and seen. Some believe that he came as a spy for the Sanhedrin, looking to discover the nature of Jesus’ ministry or trap him in an answer that could be used against him in the courts. While this could provide an explanation for Nicodemus’s motivations, there is not enough evidence in the text to support this theory.
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Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
“It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” (Proverbs 25:2)
“Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? It is higher than the heaven – what can you do? Deeper than Sheol – what can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.” (Job 11:7-9)
Closing prayer; Heavenly Father, I thank You that by faith in Jesus Christ I am born again. You re-created me in my inner man and conformed me to the image of Christ as my new spiritual pattern. I am a new creation. I have a new heart and a new spirit. Old things have passed away; all things have become new. I have started over, being restored to a healthy, viable relationship with You. Thank You for Your holy workmanship (skillful craftsmanship) that has re-created my spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
For those who wish to become a child of Our Heavenly Father or wish to be stronger in his eyes, please say the following prayer below.
Dear Heavenly Father, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
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