John 3:3

What does John 3:3 mean?

John tells of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and “a ruler of the Jews”, who came to Jesus by night and called him a teacher from God. Jesus answered that no one can see the kingdom of God without being “born again”. Nicodemus took it literally (verse 4), but Jesus spoke of a birth “of the Spirit”, a new start that only God can give.

How can I apply John 3:3 today?

Nicodemus was respected and religious, yet he still needed a new beginning, and he came with honest questions. Bring yours to Jesus the same way. Read John 3:1-21 this week, then ask God for the new life only his Spirit can give, rather than trying to fix yourself by effort alone.

In context · John 3:1–5

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Topics

Faith · Hope