Nicodemus

Jesus responded by simply telling Nicodemus that there is only one way to get into the kingdom of God. He had to be born from above. This was stunning news to Nicodemus because this is not what he believed.

Jesus used the phrase “born again.” This phrase is quoted often by the media, news magazines, and politicians in the United States. It is also used by Christians to refer to “real” Christians, but the phrase should actually be “born from above” and not “born again.” The phrase “born again” is a poor translation of the Greek ANOTHEN which is better translated as “born from above” as we will see later when we arrive at John 3:31.

Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” (NASB) John 3:4

Nicodemus just missed it. He did not understand that Jesus was talking about a spiritual birth and not another physical birth. This often happens when we tell others about Jesus.

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (NASB) John 3:5

Jesus’ statement can be difficult to understand; therefore, we want to stop here and discuss this verse for a little while before we go on. We want to discover what Jesus meant. Imagine for a moment that you are Nicodemus. You have been watching John the Baptist and Jesus for a while. What do you think you would have seen them doing? First, you would have seen Jesus doing miracles and performing signs. Second, you have watched Jesus talking with people and baptizing people as they repented of their sins. Those are the things that have been described to us. John 2:1-12, 23 told us that Jesus did miracles and signs. We know from John 3:22-23 and 4:1-2 that both John and Jesus were baptizing people. Both of them had baptized and taught others, but only Jesus performed miracles and did signs.

And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. (NASB) Mark 1:5

Their baptism was one of preparation and not about salvation. So when Jesus referred to water in verse 5, what do you think Nicodemus would have thought about? As we have already said, we know from John 3:22-23 and 4:1-2 that both John and Jesus were baptizing people. But if we look closely at John 3:25-26, we discover that their baptism is referred to as purification. The Jewish ritual of baptism was a symbolic act of purification. It did nothing for the one being baptized. It was strictly a symbolic act that revealed one’s heart. Nicodemus would have understood that the baptism of John and Jesus was a symbolic act of purification - an indication that the one being baptized was repenting of his sins.

We must remember that Christian baptism did not come about until after Jesus returned to heaven. John and Jesus were not practicing Christian baptism. During their ministry, baptism was symbolic of repentance. Nicodemus would have understood this and would have been reminded of Ezekiel 36:25-27 where “water” and “Spirit” are used together. Water referred to repentance. Baptism does not save. Baptism does not change one’s life. The Spirit changes life.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, “You must be born again.” The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit. (NASB) John 3:6-8