John 3:7
“You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’”
Remember, that when Jesus speaks this verse, he is talking with Nicodemus, a high ranking member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, and a respected teacher in Israel. Jesus clearly expects that Nicodemus should understand the things he is saying. Yet, Nicodemus seems confused.
Q: If you were able to help Nicodemus understand what Jesus meant, what would you tell him?
God’s ways and thoughts are not man’s ways and thoughts.
“If you are going to open your heart to what I do, you will also need to open your mind to what I say. “
I do not believe jesus would have say this to Nicodemus If he did not have access to Gods word substantiating what was being said. I have found some OT scripture that seems to me to be pointing to man being born again by His power. This is a great topic and I am not saying all these references are correct. In fact I welcome all comments will take us to the truth Jesus is pointing us to.
Job 15:14, What is man, that he could be pure? And he who was born of woman, that he could be righteous?
Job 25:4, How then can man be righteous before God? Or how can he be pure who is born of a woman?
Job 33:23-30, (25) His flesh shall be young like a child, He shall return to the days of his youth.
(26b) He restores man to His righteousness.
(28b) his life shall see the light.
(30a) To bring back his soul from the pit.
1 Samuel 10:6, And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
Ezek 11:19, And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh.
Ezek 18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Ezek 36:25-26, 25, Then I will sprinkle clean water on you , and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26, Moreover, I will give you a new heart and “PUT A NEW SPIRIT IN YOU;AND I WILL REMOVE THE HEART OF STONE FROM YOUR FLESH AND GIVE YOU A HEART OF FLESH.”
Some good thoughts here. Of course Jesus Himself expands on this to help Nicodemus understand in John 3: 8 – 21. It is interesting that He starts with an understanding of what it means to be born by the Spirit.
Great point Rich. Thanks for the feedback.
I love the thoughts being presented here! Thank you!!
As we discuss this topic we know that each of us comes to the table with a “human” mind. Poor Nicodemus!! He was in the room with the mind that created and sustains the universe! Bridging the gap between God’s view and man’s perspective is a challenge that Jesus continually rises to. As we study how Jesus does this work of showing us God’s point of view, we ourselves are transformed by the mind of Christ.
Good point Jeff. Some of us come have been brainwashed by the human world view for years before we finally respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. We have years of unlearning to be done. Thankfully we have a loving patient God.