Notes on the Gospel of John: Chapter 3

What a great chapter in scripture. We are introduced to our old childhood friend, Nicodemus, and we are treated to one of -- if not THE -- most famous verses in the whole Bible (John 3:16).

"Are you born again?"

I had never been asked that question nor heard that phraseology in my entire life until I was in seventh grade at Grace Baptist School in Decatur, Alabama. And, yes, I went to church everytime the doors opened at Courtland Presbyterian Church. We just didn't talk that way. We were pre-destined to arrive in God's gloryland.

"Are you born again?"

I answered yes because it seemed that was what they wanted me to say, but I asked my folks when I got home about it. Whew. . .right answer!

In any event, here we get the "born again" speech from Jesus to Nicodemus, who came to Jesus in the middle of the night. Nicodemus. A Pharisee. A learned man. A leader. Why did he come see Jesus? Why do any of us seek Christ? Like Nicodemus, I think many of us who consider ourselves "too smart" for belief, come to Christ under the cover of darkness only to find the bright light of God's grace and salvation.

Nicodemus was clearly confused -- as was I. "How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

Indeed. I'm right there with you, Nic.

Of course, as Jesus explains, we are called to be born at a higher level -- of the water and of the Spirit. "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to the Spirit."

That exchange leads right into some of the most beautiful passages in scripture. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

It's so beautiful, I get chills everytime I read them.

Amen.