John 3:1-8
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Our passage today is the first part of the story of the religious leader, Nicodemus, who came to talk to Jesus after dark. As you read John 3:1-8, try to get in touch with Nicodemus’ motivations, thoughts and feelings.
Nicodemus is an important member of the ruling religious elite, but he calls Jesus, “Rabbi” or “teacher,” and says that he and other religious leaders have witnessed Jesus’ miracles and are convinced that God is the source of Jesus’ power. But evidently seeing and being convinced are not enough.
We can make a cognitive choice to believe based on evidence we see, but we cannot choose to be born. Yet Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Kingdom of God can only be truly seen by those who have been born again.
Consider for a moment that the phrase “born again” can also mean “born from above.” Since we cannot choose to be born, what does this indicate about the part we play in becoming citizens of God’s Kingdom vs. the part the Holy Spirit plays? Contemplate this for a moment and then talk with Jesus expressing anything you are thinking or feeling.
Read John 3:1-8 again with this idea of being “born from above” in mind.
The words, “water” and “Spirit” are most likely connected and not two different ways of being born. But more important is Jesus’ explanation of how spiritual birth takes place. It is at the initiation and by the power of the Spirit.
Ask Jesus to “tell” you about your spiritual birth. Then get quiet for a few moments and try listen to Jesus. If you have the sense that you have not experienced a spiritual birth, tell Jesus and consider asking him to give you a new birth by his Spirit.
End this time of meditation with gratitude. You can simply finish the sentence, “Thank you Jesus for…” over and over.
If you believe there is an action you need to take, move in that direction today.
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
