QT 27/02/2026 Fri. John 3:1–21 You Must Be Born Again [draft in progress]

QT 27/02/2026 Fri. John 3:1–21  You Must Be Born Again
READ http://www.esv.org/john3:1-21

(1) A Religious Man in the Dark (John 3:1–2)

John introduces us to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and “ruler of the Jews.” He was educated, respected, moral, and deeply religious. Yet he came to Jesus at night.

Night is more than a time reference—it symbolises spiritual darkness. Nicodemus had religion, but he lacked regeneration. He had knowledge, but not new life.

How many today sit in churches, know the language of faith, and yet remain spiritually unchanged? Nicodemus reminds us: religion is not the same as rebirth.

(2) The Shocking Requirement: New Birth (John 3:3–8)

Jesus responds with a startling declaration: “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Not just being improved. Not reformed. Not getting more educated. But Born again. Jesus explains that this birth is:

• Spiritual (“born of the Spirit”)
• Supernatural (like the wind—unseen yet powerful)
• Necessary (“you must be born again”)

Salvation is not about turning over a new leaf; it is about receiving a new life. The flesh produces flesh. Only the Spirit produces spirit. The truth is here: We are not saved by works, heritage, baptism rites, or morality—but by the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit causing us to be born again (cf. Titus 3:5).

(3) The Heavenly Savior (John 3:9–15)

Nicodemus asks, “How can these things be?”

Jesus reveals that He alone has authority to speak of heavenly things because He descended from heaven—the Son of Man. Then He connects His mission to a powerful Old Testament event:

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness…” (John 3:14)

This refers to the Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21). When Israel was dying from snake bites, God instructed Moses to lift up a bronze serpent. Whoever looked at it in faith lived. In the same way, Jesus would be “lifted up” on the cross. Those who look to Him in faith receive eternal life. The remedy for sin is not self-effort—it is looking to Christ crucified.

(4) The Heart of the Gospel (John 3:16–17)

“For God so loved the world…”

This is the gospel in one sentence.
-The source of salvation: God’s love
-The cost of salvation: He gave His only Son
-The condition of salvation: Whoever believes
-The promise of salvation: Eternal life

Salvation is not earned—it is received by faith. Do note that Jesus was not sent merely to condemn but also to save. Condemnation is already our condition apart from Him. Christ is the rescue mission of heaven.

(5) Light vs. Darkness (John 3:18–21)

Here is the dividing line: belief.

• Those who believe are not condemned.
• Those who refuse remain condemned.

Why do people reject Christ? Jesus says it plainly: they love darkness rather than light. The gospel exposes sin. Pride resists exposure. But the one who has truly been born again does not fear the light—he runs to it. New birth produces new desires:

• A love for truth
• A hatred for sin
• A desire to walk in God’s light

Are these your primary inclinations these days?

💡 Key Themes in This Passage

(a) Total spiritual inability – We must be born again. There is no other way.
(b) Sovereign work of the Spirit – Like the wind, He moves freely. No human can manipulate.
(c) Substitutionary atonement – Christ lifted up for sinners. No human effort can achieve this by self-effort.
(d) Salvation by grace through faith – Whoever believes. God’s offer is deep and wide, whoever.
(e) Urgency of response – Believe and live.

🙏 Personal Application

Ask yourself:
(a) Have I experienced spiritual rebirth, or do I merely practice religion?
(b) Have I looked to Christ alone for salvation?
(c) Am I walking in the light, or hiding in darkness?

The message to Nicodemus is the message to us: You must be born again. And the invitation still stands: Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Come to the Light. Look to the Son. Be born from above.