JESUS SAYS, “YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN”

John 3:1-21

Key Verse 3:3

“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’”

The main theme of John’s gospel is believe. John 21:31 says, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Why is believing so important? It is so that we may have eternal life in heaven and not eternal life in hell. That is a big difference, right? In this morning’s passage, Jesus has 1:1 Bible with a religious and intellectual man named Nicodemus. From a human point of view, Nicodemus had everything we would want. He was a very successful man who had high standing in his society. He had money and recognition. He was the envy of every young man. Then why did he come to Jesus, if he had everything? It was because he was tired and bored with his life. St. Augustine once said that until a man meets Jesus, he has an emptiness in his heart. To Nicodemus, Jesus said, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

Through this passage, let’s find out what Jesus meant when he said this. May God help you to accept Jesus’ words in your heart so may have faith in him and see the kingdom of God.

Part one. Nicodemus needed to see the kingdom of God. (1-9)

What kind of a man was Nicodemus? Let’s read verse 1, “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council.” First, Nicodemus was a Pharisee. What kind of people were Pharisees? Pharisees were the religious leaders of the time. They were on a higher level than the scribes or teachers of the law. To become a Pharisee, one had to go through strict training from the time they were 13 years old. According to Jewish tradition, this is the age when a boy becomes a man. As we know, teenagers have a hard time having discipline and self-control. They like to play a lot and eat a lot and just to chill out. They also become increasingly interested in the opposite sex. Nicodemus had to overcome many of his natural teenage desires a to study hard 8 to 10 hours a day. He learned all what we know as the Old Testament. He had to memorize the first five books of the Bible, also called the Torah. Then he had to study all the commentaries on them and understand them. In addition, he had to know all the laws in the Bible. Do you know how many laws there are? There are 613 laws. He also had to learn to fast at least once a week. As a teenager, Nicodemus became a YDM member. What is that? A Young Disciple of Moses. This means he was an expert in the law and tried to follow it diligently. With his Bible knowledge Nicodemus soon became a walking Bible dictionary, encyclopedia and commentary. There wasn’t anything that Nicodemus didn’t know. As he studied hard and denied himself, he passed the grade and made it and became a Pharisee. The word “Pharisee” means “elite one.”

Nicodemus was not satisfied with being only a Pharisee. With his ambitious mind, he desired to go to the top in his society. He kept on studying and seeking men’s honor and praise.

Secondly, Nicodemus was also a member of the Jewish Ruling Council. What does this mean? The Jewish Ruling Council or Sanhedrin as it was also known as, was a group of 70 members representing Israel’s political leaders. It was similar to the United States Senate. To become a Sanhedrin member, Nicodemus had to master many disciplines such as mathematics, engineering, biology and astronomy. He had to know all the workings of his government. Over time, he received many Phd’s and awards. Also, to be a member of the Jewish Ruling Council, one had to be wealthy. Nicodemus was soon living in the upper class of society. He owned the latest gold plated chariot with gold plated hub caps that had his initials on it. He lived in an expensive house in an exclusively rich are of suburban Jerusalem. In the summer he would take a two month vacation to his beach house on one of the Greek Islands.

In Jerusalem as he went to work, he would drive his chariot and be dressed in his white tunic and with a gold sash across his chest. As he drove through the streets of Jerusalem towards his office, people would shout, “Make way, make way, for Mr. Nicodemus!” Nicodemus was the envy of many fathers who wanted their sons to be like him. Perhaps Nicodemus was the object of worship to many single women. In one word we can describe Nicodemus: Successful. To be successful in this world is what we should strive for. It should be our goal because God gave man the world to rule over and subdue. Those who are studying in school probably have high goals to be successful after school. I heard there is one dormitory at Umd exclusively used for future CEO’s of America. We all want to get a good secure job, have many material things, a nice big house a beautiful family and respect and honor from people. But is this all that we need? Will this give our lives true hope and security? Can only being successful give us the meaning and purpose of life?

Let’s read verse 2, “He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.’” In secrecy and in the darkness of night, one of the most successful men in Israel came to Jesus, a poor country preacher. Why would he do that? He did not want to be seen by other Pharisees. He came in the darkness of night. This refers to spiritual darkness as well. Inside Nicodemus was looking for something more. Inside he felt anxious, restless and fatalistic. By now he was an old man (See verse 4). Perhaps he thought about death. Though he had achieved all he had worked hard for and was standing at the top of society, inside his life felt meaningless. King Solomon, a great king of Israel who had wisdom and wealth once said, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!” When he thought about life apart from God and all the hard work man must do and then to die. People who reach the top of society often find themselves looking down or with no where else to go. They become depressed when they become older and suicidal, thinking there is nothing else to live for. Ernest Hemmingway, a great American writer who won the Pulitzer Prize in Literature became more obsessed with death as he became successful and reached the top. At the age of 62 he committed suicide. When we look at Nicodemus, we can see that he came to Jesus looking for a miracle to jump start his life again. The good thing is that he came to Jesus. It is never to late to come to Jesus. When we go to Jesus he will certainly help us.

What did Jesus say to Nicodemus? Let’s read verse 3, “In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” Jesus’ answer to Nicodemus shows one thing that Nicodemus was lacking. He was lacking the kingdom of God. This means that he was not saved. This means that he was cut off from God because of his sins. (Eph.2:1-4) Though he had Bible knowledge and was religious and tried to follow God on his human strength, in reality, he was unbelieving.

This is why when we study the Bible we must come to Jesus and learn. Getting head knowledge is good, but head knowledge does not get us into the kingdom of God. Only being born again gets us into the kingdom of God. So what then does this term born again mean? What does Jesus mean here? Born again simply means to receive Jesus as God and Savior.

John 1:12-13 says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God---children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” We are born again not by our religious works or human effort. We are born again by simply accepting the promise of God which is the word of God. 1 Peter 1:23 says, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

Some people think born again is some kind of term used just by a certain denomination. But it is not. It is Jesus’ words. One time I asked a student if he believed in Jesus, and he said “Yes.” Then I asked him, “Are you born again?” And he said “No” with a confused expression on his face as if he didn’t know what it really meant. He did not know that when we receive Jesus, we are born again. That is we are born from God or in another translation “born from above.” It is all God’s doing.

In this verse 3, the words “to see” means to experience. When we are born again, we begin to experience the spiritual world. At this time, Nicodemus only saw this world and the perishing things of this world. As he grew older, he must have become more sarcastic and fatalistic. When he looked at himself in the mirror, he noticed he wasn’t a young man anymore. His face was full of wrinkles and his hair was all gray. When he looked at his wife, he saw that she was no spring chicken either. She was old and gray. When we only see the things of this world, we become dull and bored. There is more to see!

There is a spiritual world! Remember what Jesus said to Nathanael in 1:50-51. When Nathanael believed (1:49) it was just the start of great things to come. Jesus said, “You shall greater things than these” Jesus will show us the kingdom of God and give us real joy in our hearts. These days it is a great thing to see all the beautiful colors of the leaves on the trees. Even thought we weren’t suppose to have such great leaf color because of the drought, the colors still turned out great. I like to look at them. However, it is even more exciting to see the work of God in the YDJ team. Because they have been born again, they are filled with joy and peace. Their desires are growing more and more for Jesus and to do his will. In comparison to them, I feel so dull and feel like an old Pharisee like Nicodemus. I realize that I need to renew my faith in Jesus and my hope in Jesus so I can newly experience the joy of the kingdom of God

How did Nicodemus respond to what Jesus said? Let’s read verse 4, “How can a man be born when he is old’ Nicodemus asked. Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’” Nicodemus was confused and shocked by Jesus’ answer. He came to Jesus looking for a miracle and now he seems to give something that doesn’t make sense. “What are you talking about?!” He could not understand what Jesus said because he was only thinking on the physical level. He tried to understand what Jesus said from a biological point of view. He had no spiritual eyes to understand what Jesus said. His problem was his unbelief.

Let’s read verses 5-8, “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter

the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’”

We see in these verses how patient Jesus was with unbelieving Nicodemus and how he did not reject him. Here again Jesus emphasizes the importance of being born again in order to have the kingdom of God. In verse 3 he mentions to see the kingdom of God. In verse 5 he mentions to enter the kingdom of God. Unless a man is born again he can not see or enter the kingdom of God. In verse 5 Jesus mentions being born of water and the Spirit. What does “born of water” mean? This refers to baptism. Baptism means to repent of our sins. This is our part. We can not go to God’s kingdom if we don’t first repent of our sins. Then there is the Spirit. This refers to the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that God gives to us as a confirmation that we are born again.

Jesus went on to say, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to spirit.” We all have two birthdays. We all know our physical birthdays. Do you know when your spiritual birthday is? What Jesus is saying here is that to be born again is the work of the Spirit of God. It is the power of God. He goes further into this by using the wind. He says, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

The wind is a very powerful force. We can hear it whistling on a dark night when we are inside our homes. As the wind blows many things are moved around and changed. In the desert south-west in the United States there are rocks that have been shaped by the strong winds. Last year a tornado struck College Park and mowed down many big trees and uprooted them. In the same way, the influence and the power of the Holy Spirit is great. It can change anyone to become a child of God. The Holy Spirit works greatly in us when we repent and believe Jesus’ words. When I look at Shepherdess Mahmia Richards I can see the work of the Holy Spirit in her. She works tirelessly at the Bible Center serving, preparing and doing many things. When she cleans or does something, she is always singing to God. Her job is not appreciated by many people and can be often ignored. But she has joy because she has been born again and has the Holy Spirit

What was Nicodemus’ response as Jesus tried to help him to believe? Look at verse 9, “How can this be? Nicodemus asked.” Once again, Nicodemus just scratched his head and had a big confused look on his face. In verse 10, Jesus rebuked him. “You are Israel’s teacher’, said Jesus, ‘and do you not understand these things?’” As Israel’s teacher and as a Bible expert, Nicodemus should understand what Jesus was saying. Yet, he still remained in his own thinking and in the physical world. He did not humble himself to learn from Jesus. He still remained in unbelief

Part two. The way to the kingdom of God. (11-21)

Let’s read verses 11-13, “I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven---the Son of Man.”

Jesus began to help Nicodemus by directing him to the one who was standing right there, Jesus himself! Jesus, God in the flesh was standing there trying to help and show Nicodemus the way to the kingdom of God. Jesus is the best teacher. If we want to learn about heaven and go to heaven, then we must listen to Jesus and accept his teaching because he came from heaven. Jesus is the most qualified one to teach about heaven than anyone whoever lived.

To further help Nicodemus to believe, Jesus gave an example from the Bible. He knew Nicodemus knew what the Bible said. So he took a particular incident from the book of Numbers to help Nicodemus to believe. Let’s read verses 14-15, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” In this example from the history of Israel, the Israelites grew impatient with God and with Moses after God led them out of Egypt. They grumbled and complained, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” So God sent venomous snakes to bite them and many died. When the people repented, Moses prayed for the people. Then God used Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. God said, “…Anyone who is bitten by a snake can look up and live.”

The key point here is to trust and believe God’s way of salvation, not our own works or human effort. God’s way of salvation sometimes looks strange and weird to us. It denies our way of thinking that says, “I can save myself!” Many people get annoyed when they think that they need someone else to save them. They think that they should take care of their own sins. They think that they can save themselves by their own religious works or human discipline or knowledge. This was Nicodemus’ thinking, yet he still had fear, anxiety and unbelief. And he also didn’t have the kingdom of God. The snakes here that are biting the people represent sin. If one only looks at the snakes at their feet, they might for a moment escape being bitten, but it is impossible. It takes faith and courage to look up at the bronze snake on the pole instead of looking at the snakes at your feet biting you.

Nicodemus had tried to live a righteous and religious life. But all his discipline and work could not free him from the powerful bites of sin. Now he needed to listen to Jesus’ words and accept them. Here, in verse 14, Jesus is also talking about his coming death on the cross. It is faith in Jesus who died on the cross that saves us. This way of salvation looks foolish, but it is not because it is the way that God saves men and helps them to see and enter the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”

Some of you might think your problems are too great. They look like swirling snakes at your feet ready to bite you. Perhaps you have been bitten many times and feel the pain of sin from broken relationships, or past failures. Perhaps you are tired of struggling with people and bitter and feel there is no way out. All you need to do is stop looking at those snakes and by faith, look up at Jesus on the cross because he will save you. Verse 15 says, “that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life

Let’s read verse 16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” To Nicodemus, Jesus gave perhaps the key verse of the whole Bible. We see here how much God loved Nicodemus. In this verse, we see how much God loves the world which includes each and everyone of us. He gave his one and only son so that we have eternal life. This is the free gift of God that is given to us. This is the real sign to help us to believe. Nicodemus came to Jesus looking for a miraculous sign. Jesus himself is that sign. Is there any other way we need to see that God really loves us? This is the evidence why we should believe and trust in God. It is because of Jesus who gave his life for us so that we can have eternal life.

However, like Nicodemus, there are some people who don’t believe. It is not because they do not know. It is not spiritual ignorance. It is because they refuse to accept the love of God. They stubbornly chose not to believe and reject God’s love. Look at verse 19, “This is the verdict: ‘Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” People who reject God’s love have fear and hate God. Verse 20 says, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” Yet God does not give up. God does not want you to stay in the darkness. He wants you to come into the light. The Light is so much better. When we believe we can enjoy the light and know the truth. We can experience the kingdom of God. We can enjoy the grace of God and the peace of God. So let’s not be stubborn and remain in the darkness. Let’s come into the light and accept Jesus’ teaching this morning.

At this time, Nicodemus looked unbelieving and stubborn, refusing to come into the light and accept Jesus’ way to the kingdom of God. However, later on we see that he actually became a secret disciple of Jesus who helped Joseph, another Sanhedrin member, take Jesus’ body and give it a proper burial. In conclusion, Jesus tells us this morning, “You must be born again!” May God help you to accept these words and believe in the love of God that is Jesus. To those of you who have heard this message before, many times, don’t become like a proud Pharisee. May God give you a humble heart to renew your faith in the love and power of God.