Born Again

We know two things about Nicodemus. First, he is a Pharisee, the Jewish sect that had begun as a reformation movement within Judaism. Second, he is a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. It’s likely that he comes to Jesus at night to avoid being seen talking with Jesus. Although Jewish opposition towards Jesus is just beginning, Nicodemus doesn’t want to risk his reputation. But he does show an openness to Jesus: “For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus then steers the conversation into one about spiritual rebirth. This leads to one of the best-known expressions of the gospel, John 3:16.

Passage: John 3:1-21