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Nicodemus came to Jesus by night and spoke to Him saying: "Rabbi,
we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do
these signs unless God is with him" (Jn. 3:2). Jesus says to him:
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot
see the kingdom of God" (Jn. 3:3).
Nicodemus did not understand how one could be born again and asks:
"How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time
into his mother's womb and be born" (Jn. 3:4)? Then Jesus explains
that "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter
the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and
that which is born of Spirit is spirit" (Jn. 3:5-6).
Nicodemus answers Jesus and says: "How can these things be" (Jn.
3:9)?
Notice what takes place is this conversation. Jesus communicates
a spiritual truth concerning rebirth and the kingdom of God (vs.
3). Then Nicodemus asks: How can one be born again (vs. 4)? Next,
Jesus explains how it is possible for one to be born again (vs.
5-8). Then Nicodemus asks: "How can these things be?"
Why did Nicodemus ask a similar question twice? Jesus says: " If
I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will
you believe if I tell you heavenly things" (Jn. 3:12)? Nicodemus
questions Jesus again because he did not believe the answer Jesus
gave him the first time.
I would venture to say that we have all done this at one time or
another in our lives. We have a question, seek the answer in the
word of God, find the answer, and reject the answer. Often times
this is because the answer found in the word of God does not meet
our expectations, preconceived ideas, or contradicts the teachings
of people we respect.
We must carefully set our minds to follow the word of God. No one
person is perfect and knows everything - else why would he look
to God, His word, or study the Bible. When we find that we are not
living according to God's will we must turn from error and make
correction in our lives.
Of course this is the case with those who are new Christians. These
individuals have been living in a world of sin and must often make
radical life style changes. After being a Christian for a while,
we may find ourselves complacent know-it-alls who reject change
and conformity to the word of God.
Now let's think about ourselves. Do I welcome constructive criticism
whereby I may evaluate my life and service to God? Do I study the
Scriptures and completely pattern my life after the word of God?
What is my attitude toward change: If I found that I was doing something
contrary to God's word, would I change - or would I seek to justify
myself?
No one is perfect. Therefore, everyone needs to make changes in
their life. Are you seeking knowledge of your imperfections so that
you may conform to the word of God?
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