Bible Reading
John 3: 1-5
"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, the same came to Jesus at night, and said to Him: “ Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God, for no man can do these miracles that You do, except if God be with Him.”
By now, most of the Jewish leaders had turned against Jesus because of his cleaning out of the temple, disrupting their flow of personal and temple funds. However, Nicodemus, who we are told was a Pharisee, a deeply religious man, came to Jesus by night, seeking answers to his own heartfelt questions. Not only did Nicodemus have questions, but he was aware that Jesus' miracles proved that He came from God. There must have been a great debate in Nicodemus’ mind as he contemplated who Jesus really was. Was he a simple carpenter turned teacher, or could there be something more to Jesus. Could He be the Messiah?
John 3: 1-5
"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, the same came to Jesus at night, and said to Him: “ Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God, for no man can do these miracles that You do, except if God be with Him.”
By now, most of the Jewish leaders had turned against Jesus because of his cleaning out of the temple, disrupting their flow of personal and temple funds. However, Nicodemus, who we are told was a Pharisee, a deeply religious man, came to Jesus by night, seeking answers to his own heartfelt questions. Not only did Nicodemus have questions, but he was aware that Jesus' miracles proved that He came from God. There must have been a great debate in Nicodemus’ mind as he contemplated who Jesus really was. Was he a simple carpenter turned teacher, or could there be something more to Jesus. Could He be the Messiah?
Jesus tells Nicodemus that, "a man must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God." How this must have jarred Nicodemus' understanding of reality. "How can an old man be born again?", he asked. Here Jesus stretches Nicodemus' faith, by pointing not to a physical rebirth, but rather a spiritual rebirth. This second birth takes place in Baptism, when one is born of water and of the spirit.
That is why Christians today celebrate three birthdays throughout their life. The first birthday is the day of our physical birth. Our second birthday comes in the waters of our Baptism as we are born into God’s eternal kingdom. And our final birthday comes at death, when we are born into eternal life. In addition, each one comes to us as a gift from God. How can a man enter the kingdom of God? Through faith in Jesus that is delivered to us in the waters of baptism. And it is this Baptismal life that we enjoy now and forever.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the life that you have given to me. For creating me and all creatures, giving me all that I need to sustain this life. For sanctifying the waters of my Baptism so that through your Holy word my sins have been forgiven and I was made your holy child. And for the eternal life that is now mine through Jesus death and resurrection. May I forever remain a student of the faith and seek answers in your Holy Word. Amen.
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