Devotion:
Read John 3:1-8.
I love this passage! Nicodemus was one of the Pharisees, devout Jews who believed that one earned God’s love by meticulously following every detail of the law. They were judgemental of others who were not as disciplined as themselves and even lived apart to ensure they were not led astray. Nicodemus was a member of the ruling council or Sanhedrin, so he was a respected person in his community. His coming to see Jesus at night is an important detail. Nicodemus did not wish his peers to know that he was seeking to learn anything from this radical teacher who had very recently caused a great disturbance among the Jewish leaders by clearing out the temple.
Nicodemus was not coming to test or trick Jesus as Pharisees so often did. Nicodemus came earnestly seeking the truth about the kingdom of God. When Jesus told him he must be born again, Nicodemus asked how that is even possible. Nicodemus wanted to know more, and we also should want to know more. Jesus explained that our being born again is a spiritual rebirth, a birth “from above,” and it is different from our physical birth. Our new spiritual being is different from the old self. Born again, we are joined through Christ with the Father in the Spirit.
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect today on yourself as a spiritual being. Do you remember a time of spiritual rebirth, of being born again? Think how your life today is different because of your relationship with God -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Give thanks for Christ who came to give all of us the opportunity to be born from above.
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