“I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
John 3:3 (NLT)
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night—a Pharisee who believed but feared being seen. He called Jesus “Rabbi,” showing respect, yet his secrecy revealed hesitation. He recognized God’s power but hadn’t surrendered to His lordship. Jesus met him there and said, “You must be born again.” That single statement cut through religion, showing that no amount of knowledge or ritual can open the kingdom—rebirth must happen by the Spirit.
To be born of water and Spirit means both cleansing and creation. The water represents God’s Word washing the heart and revealing truth; the Spirit gives new life to those who believe. Without both, we can’t see or enter the kingdom. Nicodemus couldn’t grasp it because he didn’t yet have Holy Spirit—he was trying to explain spiritual things through human reasoning.
Jesus compared the Spirit to the wind—unseen, uncontrollable, yet undeniable. You can feel its movement but can’t predict or contain it. In the same way, Holy Spirit moves freely, awakening hearts and bringing life where there was none. He can’t be managed; only followed.
Jesus alone bridges heaven and earth. He could speak of heavenly things because He came from heaven. And today, those who are born again share that same access. Colossians 3 says we are seated with Christ in heavenly places even as we walk on earth. The moment we stop hiding like Nicodemus and confess Jesus as Lord, the Spirit breathes life, truth, and freedom that no law or ritual could ever give.