Born Again?

A look at John 3:1-21

In John 3:1-21 Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus in which He expresses that in order to be saved, a person must be "born again." Nicodemus, an established Pharisee, replied something like, "WHAAAAAATTTT?!"

No he didn't really, I'm projecting, though I like to believe he wanted to. His response was more eloquent than mine ever would have been.

In John 3:4 Nicodemus responds,  “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus went on to explain that the spirit must be renewed and reborn, a profound concept that carries significant theological implications. This idea of spiritual rebirth likely struck Nicodemus as incredibly odd and perplexing, given the cultural and religious context of the time. Jesus' language was not only poetic but also very frank, at times using disturbing imagery that could easily unsettle his listeners. For someone like Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a teacher of the law, the notion of being "born again" could have been seen as both perplexing and challenging to his established beliefs and understanding of spiritual life. In our contemporary society, we often encounter similar phrases and concepts, and we are generally not as off-put by the language as Nicodemus might have been. Today, there is an edge of acceptance regarding symbiotic words and metaphors that convey deeper meanings. However, when we consider the historical context of Jesus’ words, particularly in the Aramaic and Hebrew languages, it becomes evident that his choice of words would have been shocking, if not offensive, to many Jewish people of his time. The idea of rebirth, especially in a spiritual sense, would have challenged their understanding of identity, purity, and adherence to the law.

In our modern world, the offense taken at Jesus' words often stems from how they confront our consciousness of sin. People are frequently angered when their sins are exposed, as it feels like a direct attack not only on their actions but on their very identity as individuals. This confrontation can lead to a defensive reaction, as many tend to identify strongly with their sins and shortcomings. The challenge presented by Jesus is stark: if one does not identify in Christ, then by default, one identifies with their sin. This creates a binary situation where there is no gray area; one cannot straddle both identities without facing an internal conflict. This tension between self-identity and spiritual rebirth continues to resonate today. Individuals often grapple with the implications of their actions and the need for renewal in the eyes of Christ.

Many interpret Jesus' call to be born again as a suggestion that they are not "good enough." This often leads people to feel inferior upon hearing that phrase, potentially developing an inferiority complex. Unfortunately, they may never overcome this feeling because they cannot diminish the greatness of the God of the Bible or His son Jesus. He is immense, and we are undeniably inferior to Him. We can never be good enough, which is precisely the message of the cross. As humans, we are born into sin, live in sin, and cannot free ourselves from it. God knew redemption was necessary and sent His son to die for us. This son, who was blameless, perfect, and without sin, bore our sin on the cross and died. He is the ultimate atoning sacrifice. This is what believers embrace when they say they are born again. We are born again because we acknowledge that our sin separates us from God and that Christ intercedes to bridge the gap between us and our heavenly Father. Our spiritual acceptance of this truth is our rebirth.The call to be reborn is not merely a suggestion for a better life but a radical invitation to redefine oneself in light of divine grace and forgiveness. It requires a relinquishing of past identities that are tied to sin and a bold step into a new identity that is rooted in Christ. This transformation can be both liberating and daunting, as it challenges deeply held beliefs about self-worth and morality. Ultimately, the invitation to be renewed and reborn is a profound and life-altering call that demands reflection, acceptance, and a willingness to embrace a new way of being.

And it doesn't stop there. We must die to ourselves daily and be reborn in God's love, as sin constantly seeks to sever our connection with the Father. Sin is like a virus that spreads and disguises itself in clever ways. But once we recognize it, we must deny it the sustenance it thrives on, which is our openness and willingness to accept it in our lives. Fill the emptiness of your heart with Jesus and be reborn everyday.