John 3
1 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. 8 The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
For the Adults:
Celebrities often attract people for the wrong reasons. People want to be close to glamour and fame, hoping that some of it will rub off on them. So many people today are also attempting to become social influencers. In Jesus' case, many were attracted to Him for actions, his miracles, and, sadly, many went no deeper. This story is of one man who did go deeper.
Nicodemus was an influencer of the time. He understood the laws and what he had been taught, but he did not have a full understanding of the Gospel and Salvation.
Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again. A new birth is the only way to enter the kingdom. John uses a very interesting word here that is translated anew, or again. It is the Greek word, anothen, which means again or from above. In other words one must be born again from above. It signifies God must do this. It is something God that does, not man, and its results are a new creation.
Jesus saw in Nicodemus a deep hunger, an emptiness. Here is a man who was doing his very best to obey what he thought God wanted, and yet he had an empty and unsatisfied heart which led him to seek out Jesus by night, to talk with Him about the kingdom of God.
The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus is so powerful because it outlines for us the Gospel. It is the gift that saves our souls and gives us a hope and joy that we cannot find anywhere else. It is the gift that gives us eternal life.
For the Children:
Have you been born again?
Who are you trying to imitate?
Do you spend more time watching your favorite ___ on YouTube or in God’s Word?
How are you allowing God’s Spirit to guide your life?
Read and Meditate:
John 3:1-8
Pray:
Father I know you sent Your son Jesus to die for our sins so that we can have eternal life. May Your Spirit guide my every move every day of my life here on earth.