Born Again by God’s Love
📖 Scripture Overview
“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” — John 3:3 (NCV)
This chapter is one of the most well-known in the whole Bible. It tells the story of Nicodemus—a respected religious leader—who came to Jesus at night, searching for answers. Jesus didn’t give him rules. He gave him a new birth. Before, beginning the Lesson. Read John Chapter 3.
👤 Who Was Nicodemus?
Nicodemus was a Pharisee. That means he knew Scripture well and followed all the rules. But something in his heart was still empty. So he came to Jesus at night.
Even religious people can feel lost inside. Nicodemus respected Jesus, but he didn’t yet know Him.
🔁 What Does “Born Again” Mean?
Jesus told Nicodemus: “You must be born again.” Nicodemus was confused. He asked, “How can I go back into my mother’s womb?”
Jesus explained that this new birth is not physical. It’s spiritual. It happens when the Holy Spirit gives you a new heart. Just like the wind, you can’t see the Spirit—but you can feel His power.
🐍 The Snake in the Wilderness
Jesus reminded Nicodemus of a story from Numbers 21. When the people were bitten by snakes, God told Moses to lift up a bronze serpent. Anyone who looked at it lived.
Jesus said, “In the same way, the Son of Man must be lifted up, so everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.”
We are saved the same way: by looking to Jesus in faith.
❤️ God So Loved the World
Then Jesus said the most famous verse of all:
“God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NCV)
God didn’t send Jesus to condemn us. He sent Jesus to save us.
Definition of ‘World’ (Greek kosmos): In John’s Gospel, ‘world’ often means more than the physical earth. It refers to all of humanity — broken, sinful, and in need of God’s love. It is the entire system of people who, left on their own, live apart from God. Yet this is the very world God chose to love and redeem through Jesus.
💡 Out of the Darkness
Jesus said people sometimes love darkness more than light. But those who love truth will come into the light.
Nicodemus began in darkness. But later (in John 7 and John 19), we see him defending Jesus and helping bury His body. His faith grew—and so can ours.
✍️ Reflection Questions
🙏 Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your only Son. Help me to trust You with my whole heart, and to walk in the light. Thank You for the new birth You give through Your Spirit. Amen.