Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a Jew, a member of the ruling Jewish council of the Sanhedrin, one who is respected, a political, and religious leader heard and saw a great deal from Jesus and is sincerely interested in finding out more from this Rabbi. This is an inquiry to Jesus.  He wanted to discover more about life. He acknowledged Jesus as a great teacher who has come from God because no one could perform the miraculous signs unless God was with him. He is like  many inquirers.  They see something supernatural and want to know more.

Jesus surprises him with a statement "Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Again in v. 7 "You should not be surprised at my saying that you must be born again."  

Salvation is clear. God is not hiding so man cannot find him. However, Scripture does indicate that those who are not interested in really finding God do not find him. It is a mystery, but the Holy Spirit makes it clear to the people who really want to know.  Jesus says to see God you must be born again.

To be born again is a chance to have a new beginning to start over. Not in the physical world but start over spiritually being a new person in God. The phrase has been taken to mean so many other things that were not intended. Some of have used the phrase to imply some significant change or growth psychologically.

I read in an earlier edition of Reader’s Digest speaking of the rebirth of Robin  Williams, the actor. It was not referring to any spiritual rediscovery, but rather a change in him- one who in his insecurities went to drugs and alcohol and using his humor as a cover up or a mask to hide his feelings of insecurity, to facing his father's acceptance and his own priorities with family. It was emotionally a start again. Of course, the tragic suicide of Williams seemed to be struggling with Lewy body dementia, a rare and severe form of dementia.

Psychologically some have a trauma of childhood or experience a tragedy that has so affected them.  Through the work of competent counselors and psychiatrists some have been able to address their past and face the present, resolving the problem and make significant progress.  Are they born again?

I've heard the story of three girls who were born again. The story described the hardship of three sisters abused and neglected in their home. They were socially retarded misfits, behavior problems and uneducable. The story is told they were raised in separate foster homes. They worked on positive self-esteem and found people who believed in them, regardless.  They all entered college and graduated in the top of their class.  Were they born again? Perhaps socially and educationally, but not spiritually.

There have been soldiers or people who have almost died and that experience has changed their value system. They now have a purpose for living, seeking to be kinder, living more devoted to their family’s living life as a special gift from God. They say they have been born again. That is not what Jesus is talking about here.

I've heard of people having religious experiences. It might be achieved through meditation, or a trance. Some may have an unusual emotional experience they attribute to God. Some are these are involved in cults, some are Buddhists, Moslems, Hindus, Animists, all types of Non-Christian backgrounds and many will say that experience is the same being Born again.

There is some personal satisfaction and meaning from a religious spiritual phenomenon. In all those ways born again does mean a new start, but the experience of which Jesus is referring is a new start with God. When old things are as if there was a death and one is now a member of God's family through birth, just like a baby is a family member through birth.

Nicodemus was born a Jew. He believed that he was a member of God's family because Jews were God's chosen people. He knew the law, he obeyed the 10 commandments, he worked hard on all the teaching of Scripture. He was a moral man, an ethical man, one who worshiped and sacrificed and paid tithes. He was honest, hardworking, educated.  Nicodemus was a shining example to the community as a leader. Yet Jesus told him "you must be born again" or you will never see God.

He would have understood those words if Jesus said that to prostitute, or a murderer, to a tax collector, or a thief. He would have understood if it were said to a Gentile, but not to a member of the religious body of the Sanhedrin.  Who must be born again?  Even you Nicodemus.

He didn't need more knowledge or information, or ideas; he needed to have a new start. When you're working on the wrong things it doesn't help you to work harder. When you are on the wrong road it doesn't help to go faster or farther. A new start with God is taking all our past and recognize that God wants us to start over as a member of a different family. Many people think that being so good and religious is all they need. Jesus said no. You need to be born again.

Prayer:   Lord, thank you for the new birth you offer to us.  Let me never take this lightly knowing that You went to the cross to offer that free gift to me.   I am a new creation in Christ Jesus.