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John 3:1-5 (Common English Bible)
1 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could do these miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.”
3 Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.”
4 Nicodemus asked, “How is it possible for an adult to be born? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?”
5 Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom
Summary: Life often brings unexpected events that bring new questions, challenges and opportunities. It can be hard to deal with change. We don’t always know where the Spirit is leading us, but by faith, we learn trust God through seasons of transition.
When Nicodemus encounters Jesus, he is genuinely confused by Jesus’ new teaching about being “born again.” As a Pharisee, Nicodemus was an expert on the scriptures, but this new lesson was hard to grasp. There are times in life when we think we know everything until a new experience catches us off guard and unprepared. Rather than try to fit the new teaching in an old lesson, like Nicodemus, Christ invites us to be “born anew” so the baggage of the past doesn’t keep us from embracing the possibilities of the future. As Birmingham, England born and Atlanta, GA based soul artist Julie Dexter sings:
I try to stay positive every day
I pray that You’ll show me a better way
don’t wanna get caught up in the doom and gloom
that’s when you end up giving up too soon…
Reflection Questions:
- Is there a change happening in your life that is making you uncomfortable?
- What do you pray for as you deal with this transition?
- In the midst of this transition, how is God helping you be “born again?”
Sermon References:
- Rollo May, Power & Innocence: Power and Innocence: A Search for the Sources of Violence , pgs 48-49. (book)
- Julie Dexter, “Transitions.” (song lyrics)