John 3:1-15


"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, '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.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?' Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again." The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.' Nicodemus said to him, 'How can these things be?' Jesus answered him, 'Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.'" (John 3:1-15 ESV)


The Necessity of Being Born Again

In this passage, Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, comes to Jesus under the cover of night, seeking to understand the source of Jesus' authority. Jesus responds with a profound truth: "Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (v. 3). This introduces the essential concept of spiritual rebirth. While Nicodemus struggles to understand this on a physical level, Jesus points to a deeper, spiritual reality. To enter God's kingdom, one must experience a transformation that goes beyond human effort or understanding. It is a birth "of water and the Spirit" (v. 5), signifying the cleansing of sin and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

This new birth is a gift from God, not something we can achieve by our own strength or merit. Just as physical birth is a work we had no control over, spiritual birth is entirely a work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's work is like the wind—unseen, yet powerful and undeniable in its effects (v. 8). Through this rebirth, believers become new creations in Christ, adopted into the family of God and made citizens of His kingdom.

Scriptures to Study:

Titus 3:4-6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 36:25-27, Romans 8:9-11


The Work of the Holy Spirit

Jesus emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the process of salvation. "That which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (v. 6). While our physical nature is prone to sin and death, the Spirit gives us new life, enabling us to live in righteousness and walk according to God's will. The Holy Spirit is the agent of transformation, sanctifying and empowering believers to live out their new identity in Christ.

Nicodemus, as a religious leader, was knowledgeable in the law and outward religious practices, yet he lacked understanding of this inner transformation. Jesus gently rebukes him for not grasping the deeper spiritual truth behind the Scriptures he had studied. This reveals the importance of reliance on the Holy Spirit to understand the things of God. Intellectual knowledge and religious effort are not enough; only through the Spirit can we truly know God and be conformed to the image of Christ.

Scriptures to Study:

Romans 8:1-2, Galatians 5:16-25, John 14:16-17, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14


The Lifting Up of the Son of Man

Jesus concludes this conversation by referencing the account of Moses lifting up the bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:9). Just as the Israelites were saved from death by looking at the serpent, so must Jesus, the Son of Man, be lifted up on the cross. Through His crucifixion, Jesus provides salvation for all who believe in Him. The lifting up of the Son of Man points to both His death and exaltation, as through His sacrifice, He offers eternal life to those who look to Him in faith.

The necessity of faith in Christ’s atoning work is clear: "whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (v. 15). Salvation is not earned by works but by trusting in Jesus, the One who bore our sins and was raised to life so that we might live. Through His death and resurrection, the power of sin and death is broken, and we are given the promise of eternal life in Him. This is the heart of the gospel message, and it calls for a response of faith, surrender, and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 53:4-5, John 12:32-33, 1 Peter 2:24, Philippians 2:8-9


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions