Scripture: John 3:3
Jesus answered Nicodemus, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”
Thought for the Day: The story of Nicodemus is fascinating and been the source of great Biblical and theological discussion throughout the years. It is also the birthplace of the evangelical question, “Are you born again?” Too often this notion has lost its original meaning in the tv preachers that have made the word ‘again’ into a three syllable word (sorry, I couldn’t help it). To be born again -a second time- as Nicodemus understands it is to re-enter your mother’s womb and to be born with the same set of values and convictions as before. So what’s the point?
But Jesus’ invitation is to be born from above. The confusion lies in the fact that the Greek word Anothen can be translated as ‘again’ or ‘above’. Though knowing Jesus’ style, this potential confusion was expected and sought. Later in vs. 31, Jesus will use the same word to speak of the one who comes from above is above all. The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus cannot be set apart from the well-known words of vs. 16, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.” The connection between being born and life cannot be ignored, yet the birth from above will produce a life that is fully engaged in the eternal and will hold the values of the One who is Eternal. To be born from above is not something we are capable of doing on our own, and so it requires one to submit fully to God’s grace. And this birth from above will have a person living a radically different life – a life that represents the Eternal God.
Prayer: In your grace, O Lord, I desire to be born from the place of eternity where your and your hopes for the world are found. I desire to be born from above and to carry with me that experience as I begin to live the Eternal life right now. Amen.
LET’S JOIN TOGETHER
For the Study
on
John’s Gospel
Wednesday
Noon & 6:30pm
