1Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” 5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7“Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Interesting Words
ruler
archón – ruler, chief, governor, leader, leading man; with the Jews, an official member (a member of the executive) of the assembly of elders.
• Luke 8:41, 42-43, 49-50, 55-56 – Jesus healed the daughter of Jarius, a synagogue official [ruler].
• Rev 1:5, 6 – Jesus ruler of all.
• Mark 3:22 – Jesus accused of casting out demons by Beelzebul, ruller of demons.
Rabbi
rhabbi – my master, my teacher, Rabbi, teacher; a title of respect often applied to Christ.
• John 1:38;
Truly
amén – verily, truly, amen (transliterated from the original); at the end of sentences may be paraphrased by: So let it be; an “emphasis marker,” introducing a statement of pivotal importance – i.e. essential in interpreting the over-all statement.
• Matt 5:18; Mark 3:28; Luke 4:24.
born
gennaó – to beget, to bring forth, , give birth to… properly, beget (procreate a descendant), produce offspring; (passive) be born, “begotten.”
• Matt 1:6, 2:1-2, 3-4;
• 1Peter 1:3; 1Cor 4:15;
Cross References
• Matt 5:20 – Higher standards than religious leadership.
• Rom 8:8, 14-15; 1Cor 2:13,14 – Called to a whole new level.
• Jer 1:5; Isa 49:1, 2 – Born again for a purpose.
Discussion Questions
- Considering the timing, the background of Nicodemus and Jesus’ true person (Rev 1:5), why was this such an interesting meeting?
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• - Why is Nicodemus’ testimony at the end of v.2 so important?
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• - Why did Jesus change the subject, starting in v.3? Note: in the original language, Jesus’ statement is a very strong, emphatic negative.?
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