Born From Above

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 Born From Above

Scripture: John 3:1-3 (ESV)

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 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.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Devotion:

            Last weeks devotion’s centered around parables of the kingdom of God. We learned that the kingdom is coming to a people not ready to receive it. This week we will cover the idea of kingdom in the third chapter of John. Jesus’ discussion of the kingdom with the Pharisee Nicodemus. The Lord finds this religious leader no better prepared to understand the kingdom than the subjects of his parables. We will tread gently on this well-worn ground of John 3 seeking to find fresh insights.

            I must confess as I read this passage, which I have read many, many times before, I was dumbfounded to realize that Jesus answer in verse three is an answer to a question that has not been asked. Nicodemus comes to him undercover of darkness. His mission is a secret one. He must know if this new teacher is sent from God or not. Nicodemus gets a taste of Jesus teaching before he can even blurt out a question.

            And what an answer it is! Jesus knowing what was really on Nicodemus’ heart proposes a paradox. What can it mean to be born again? This answer is meant to stir up questions in Nicodemus’ heart. Jesus knows that the teacher has come at great peril to his reputation to hear Jesus’ teaching. Such a man must have had an open heart to what he had heard about this strange teacher from Galilee. Like others in the gospel story his curiosity will be turned into amazement at the teachings of Jesus.

            The phrase in the Greek “be born again” can be translated in two ways into English. The first is the familiar “born again,” but equally and more likely is the second option, “born from above.” I favor born from above because elsewhere in John it is translated that way and the context makes it clear that is the “from above” is what is meant. (See John 3:31, 19:11, 19:23). Either way it makes you think that something unheard of before is in view here. Jesus is saying to enter the kingdom of God no mere adjustment or change in lifestyle will do. Rebirth of the person is the only thing it will do.

            There is no doubt or discussion about the meaning of “born” in this scripture. And the two ways of translating “again/above” can be reconciled. As Paul would later say “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore, we must be reborn into the newness of the life of the Holy Spirit to take part in the kingdom of God.

Prayer:

            Lord bring down upon us your new birth in the Holy Spirit. Let us not be uncertain about words that can be disputed but be made completely new creatures in the image and likeness of Jesus. Empower us with your Holy Spirit to live as new creatures, so that whether in word or deed all will know that we belong to You Dear Jesus in whose name we ask this. Amen.

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